Volunteer management jobs

The Third Age Trust is seeking to appoint a Senior Volunteering Officer who will: 

• have oversight of the support we provide to 400 Trust Volunteers who directly support the work of the Trust; 

• oversee the development and delivery of training to help members run their u3a 

• implement and develop how the Trust works with and supports region and nations across the UK.

This role will also identify some of the key challenges for u3as relating to volunteering and will work with staff and volunteers develop support and guidance.

Reporting to the Head of Learning and Volunteering the role will work with staff, u3a members and Trust Volunteers. This role will also involve some UK-wide travel including in person meetings and visiting u3as. 

This part-time role is at the heart of our creative and administrative operations. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of production weeks, supporting creative planning and delivery, and providing administrative support to the Artistic Director and the wider team. They will help manage productions, support volunteers, maintain systems, and contribute to the ongoing success of our acclaimed playwriting programmes for children.

Candidates should be:

· Exceptionally organised, efficient and detail-oriented

· A strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative team

· Calm and capable under pressure, especially during busy production weeks

· Confident managing logistics, paperwork, and people simultaneously

· Enthusiastic about theatre and working behind the scenes

· Friendly, approachable and great at working with volunteers, children and creatives

· Flexible and dependable, with a can-do attitude and a love of problem-solving

The Production Administrator & Assistant to the Artistic Director is responsible for:

· Coordinating all logistics and administration for courses and productions

· Managing communications and documentation for volunteers and creative teams

· Acting as Production Manager during show weeks and supporting technical teams

· Assisting the Artistic Director with administrative and scheduling duties

· Maintaining systems including Salesforce CRM and managing merchandise stock and sales

· Helping to ensure a welcoming, well-run studio environment at S&H HQ
 

The Production Administrator & Assistant to the Artistic Director reports to the CEO & Artistic Director and collaborates closely with all members of the staff team.

To reflect and celebrate the rich variety of heritages, backgrounds, and orientations represented in London and beyond, we strive to build and maintain a staff team and volunteer base that is as diverse as the communities we serve.

Camwch i mewn i daith drawsnewidiol gyda Cyfleodd Dysgu mewn addysg

Step into a transformative journey with Working Options. We're on a mission to empower young people aged 14-19 across the UK, and you can help make a real difference. As our Project Coordinator, based in Wales, you'll play a crucial role in connecting volunteers with schools and fostering impactful relationships, all while working within a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

We believe in inclusivity, trying new things, setting high expectations, and creating real opportunities for young people. With the support of our experienced team and dedicated trustees, you'll have the chance to shape young people's career ambitions.

If you're self-motivated and eager to contribute to a great mission, this is your chance to join a team that's helping young people to transform their career and life chances.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what one of our young people had to say:

"My personal experience has been exceptional. There is a collaborative atmosphere, and it is truly empowering to be part of a charity that values student input and involves us in decisions that directly affect our lives." – Working Options Alumnae.

Find out more about the role and hear from our Chief Executive about our charity's ambitions in our Applicant Information Pack.

Person specification 

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO:

• Has a passion for our cause.
• Is fully committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Is self-motivated.
• Has excellent attention to detail.
• Can juggle multiple priorities, sticking to deadlines and flagging when priorities need reviewing.
• Has a flair for developing great relationships, particularly with schools and colleges.
• Is proactive and tenacious, able to seek out new opportunities and remain resilient.
• Is creative and likes coming up with new ideas.
• Is ambitious for themselves and for the charity.
• Has high computer literacy.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience within educational settings or working with young people in Wales.
• The ability to communicate in the medium of Welsh.

ESSENTIAL:

• Based in Wales.

We carry out social media checks on shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment process, using only publicly available information and in line with our data protection responsibilities.

While we don’t specify this in our person specification, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who have experienced some of the challenges that young people across Wales face today.

The Snowdrop Project is the first organisation in the UK to provide long-term, community based support to survivors of modern slavery and exploitation. We aim to empower survivors of modern slavery and exploitation to recover from their experiences and thrive. We aim to reduce the risk of re-exploitation, to create and implement models of best practice and to share this knowledge with other agencies and individuals nationally and beyond.

Each year, our casework team engages with over 150 individuals and their dependents to provide trauma-informed advocacy, advice and support towards independence. The Casework Manager leads our team of specialist caseworkers to deliver this programme, carry a small caseload, collaborate with our wider operational team to develop opportunities, influence national policy and improve access to support for survivors in South Yorkshire and beyond. 

Position: Casework Manager

Salary: £32,000 per annum, pro rata, pension paid at 4% contribution

Benefits:

• Monthly independent therapeutic supervision,
• Cycle to Work Scheme,
• Holiday Sacrifice Scheme,
• Employee Life Insurance and ancillary benefits,

Holidays: 6.6 weeks (pro-rata, including bank holidays) + your birthday off!

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 30 hours p/w (.8 FTE)

Working Pattern: takes place between Monday-Friday 9-5 ; In-person.

Location: Snowdrop Project Offices, Castle Green, 7 Castle Street, Sheffield, S3 8LT

Reporting to: Head of Operations

Collaborating with: Counselling Manager; Community Development Manager; Policy, Training and Research Lead

Direct reports: Casework Team: Senior Caseworkers, Reach-In Workers 

You'll be responsible for: 

• Developing the casework service delivery, empowering your team, creatively approaching problems and finding creative solutions to barriers
• Working in collaboration with the wider Operational Team to deliver whole-person centred and best practice approach with Counselling and Community managers. 
• Assessing referrals and delivering support to survivors with complex needs
• Contributing to our policy, training and research programme to improve lives beyond South Yorkshire

Please see the Job Description document for full details and the Person Specification 

How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. CVs will be screened and candidates will then be asked to complete a short application form and personal statement detailing how they meet the requirements on the person specification. 

Applications close on Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 and interviews will take place on Friday, 30th May 2025. 

Please note- we will not be working with recruiters for this post. 

Location: Home based, or office based at Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1, in line with NCVO’s flexible working policy or home working policy.

Closing date: 8am on 1 May 2025

Shortlisting date: 5 May 2025

Interviews: 12 May 2025

About NCVO

We are the charities charity. For over 100 years, NCVO has stood shoulder to shoulder with communities, championing and celebrating voluntary action.

Our membership is made up of over 17,000 voluntary organisations across England, from small, grassroots community groups and social enterprises, to large, far-reaching charities.

We believe that communities are strengthened by voluntary action. We therefore want charities to thrive and be empowered to deliver for people and communities.

About the Transformation directorate

This role sits within the newly formed Transformation Unit. 

The Transformation Unit comprises the Strategic Review; People, Culture and Inclusion; Technology, Programmes and Innovation; and Data and Insight teams. It will deliver key strategic projects that have a demonstrable impact on the organisational culture, growth and capabilities.)

About the Insights Hub team

The Insights Hub is part of the Transformation Directorate at NCVO, dedicated to leveraging data and research to drive impactful change within the charity and voluntary sectors. Our team focuses on quantitative and qualitative research projects, particularly the UK Civil Society Almanac, delivering actionable insights to support internal and external stakeholders. We work collaboratively across teams to optimise workflows, improve data science capabilities, and support decision-making through robust research and data analysis.

About the role

The Associate Data Scientist will play a key role in supporting quantitative research within the Insights Hub, particularly for projects like the UK Civil Society Almanac and research surveys. The position involves conducting high-quality data analysis, developing machine learning models, and enhancing data processes using tools like Python and SQL. You'll collaborate closely with the Data Scientist and Research and Insights Manager, contributing to large-scale data analysis and supporting the team’s broader research efforts.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

NCVO is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. We want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and identities. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in the voluntary sector and those with diverse, lived experience. As part of our commitment to employing disabled people, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirement for all competencies on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a pre-interview task and will have one week to complete the exercise. Interview questions will be shared in advance. 

NCVO is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone. Charity No. 225922.

Benefits for NCVO employees

NCVO offers attractive benefits including:

• 25 days’ annual leave (for full time staff and pro-rata for part-time staff) and office closure between 25 December and 1 January inclusive. After three years' service annual holiday increases to 27 days, and after five years to 30 days, (pro rata for part time staff)
• the option to purchase or sell up to five more days each year
• five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
• 2.5 extra ‘wellbeing’ days off during the year
• enhanced pay for sick/maternity/adoption leave
• subsidised gym membership
• season ticket loan
• flexible working, including opportunities to work from home/off site
• monthly homeworking allowance for permanent homeworkers
• monthly office worker allowance for those who have to work from the office on a daily basis
• generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary, into our stakeholder pension scheme (linked to employee contribution)
• training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to join Hospital Saturday Fund health cash plan for free at the basic level of cover, or at a reduced rate for other levels of cover
• 24-hour free and confidential employee assistance programme

We’re located a short walk from London King’s Cross station in a modern accessible building, overlooking Regent’s canal.

The Healthwatch Service Manager will have significant knowledge of health and social care services and community engagement including working with people who use services. Exciting opportunity to manage the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire Service.Our aims and mission are to give voice to the public and engaging communities especially those who are least heard and the most vulnerable. You will also be committed to working collaboratively with communities, VCSE and statutory sector services.

The Service Manager will also be able to lead all the key functions of Healthwatch including:

· Providing an effective Information & Signposting service for the public.

• Priority Research Projects

• Gathering Public and Patient Experiences

• Proactively managing Community Engagement & Outreach work

• Meeting Enter & View requirements

• Promoting and supporting Volunteering

We are looking for someone who is committed to social justice and equalities and able to translate this into practice. We need a confident manager who is credible and can lead an effective work programme relevant to meeting the needs of local communities and informing change to policy and practice of health and social care services.

Service Manager: Healthwatch North Northamptonshire

Background

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire is one of more than 150 local Healthwatch formed in response to the Health and Social Care Act 2012.  Healthwatch represents the views and experiences of local people and help communities to exercise greater choice over the services they receive.

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire will champion the health and social care needs of our communities, acting as an independent local voice and ensuring that services meet the needs of our communities and remain high quality.

Our vision is to inspire positive change in North Northamptonshire’s health and social care service through effective community engagement and ensure people and communities have a strong voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided.

We hope to ensure that Healthwatch North Northants has a strong presence, with an effective, proactive and independent local voice.  We act as a ‘critical friend’ to the commissioners and providers of health and social care services to enable progressive and beneficial decisions to be made.

Job Purpose:

To lead and manage all aspects of the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire service in line with statutory duties, service specification, performance requirements and in line with the values and objectives of Support Northamptonshire.

Our aim is to raise awareness amongst commissioners, providers and other agencies about the importance of engaging with communities, and the expertise and value that individuals can bring to discussion and decision making on local and national issues.

We hope to carry out this work in North Northamptonshire through specific ways:

· By capturing community views through people’s experiences and by understanding and reporting on these experiences to health and social care services.

· By actively promoting community involvement in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of health and social services, giving people and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within their locality.

· By undertaking community-led research in priority areas to examine the impact of health and social care services, its pathways and make any recommendations for change.

· Healthwatch can monitor and review how local services are planned and run (except for social care facilities for children and young people) and have the statutory power to ‘Enter and View’ premises delivering health and social care services. This enables authorised representatives of Healthwatch to observe the nature and quality of services, report on their findings and make recommendations so that local authorities and health services can exercise their duty to respond. 

· By providing Information & Signposting Service to help people understand the services available in their local area and to make informed choices about different health and social care services.

KEY TASKS:

To work closely with the Healthwatch NN Advisory Group and the Support Northamptonshire’s CEO to:

1. Fulfil Healthwatch NN’s statutory purpose, contractual requirements and its strategic and operational plans and objectives.

2. Contribute and challenge at a strategic level, influencing and shaping decisions made by commissioners and providers, in line with the vision and priorities of Healthwatch NN.

3. Implement a project management approach to the design and delivery of all workplan activity and deliver on respective programme areas including:

• Providing an effective Information & Signposting service for the public.

• Priority Research Projects

• Gathering Patient Experiences

• Proactively managing Community Engagement & Outreach work

• Meeting Enter & View requirements

• Promoting and supporting Volunteering

4. Coordinate all statutory functions including enter and view visits, information requests, escalations to Healthwatch England, and the coordination of intelligence gathering from a range of sources including the Information and Signposting function, and the NHS Complaints Advocacy service. ·

5. Work closely with the Care Quality Commission, Experts by Experience representatives, Social Service Quality Inspectors and any other stakeholders that perform a quality or inspection role to ensure coordination of activities and awareness of each other’s workplans. ·

6. Lead on all communications with Healthwatch England, the CQC and other national partners, ensuring the timely distribution of intelligence collated locally, and escalating matters of serious concerns.

7. To lead and undertake research and issue led investigations. in priority areas, provide quantitative and qualitative analysis on key data, ensuring projects and reports are achieved on time and to a high quality and that recommendations are reported and reviewed.

8. To develop a core team of community volunteers who can support and contribute to the work of Healthwatch NN and support them to be proactive and enthusiastic in fulfilling their roles.

9. To represent and promote Healthwatch NN with the NHS, Local Authority and Third Sector stakeholders and

10.  Deliver presentations and progress reports at key statutory bodies including the Health & Well Being Board, Health & Care Partnership and Overview and Scrutiny Committee as required.

11.  Act as the central point of contact for key stakeholders, commissioners, and service providers and sit on issue led boards and networks and attend such meetings when deemed it could add value to the work of Healthwatch.

12.  Ensure effective working relationships are in place with neighbouring Healthwatch, and explore opportunities for cross boundary working and joint utilisation of resources. and ensure appropriate protocols are in place for collaborative working. ·

13.  Identify, advance and manage collaborative relationships with key strategic stakeholders and partners to achieve our statutory roles (including voluntary sector, statutory agencies and other local Healthwatch)

14.  Act as ambassador for Healthwatch NN, working with other organisations and bodies as appropriate, taking part in external working groups and events to further the work and reputation of the organisation.

15.  Lead and develop and maintain productive networks, relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders and other appropriate bodies and organisations. 

16.  Where deemed appropriate, prepare formal requests for information to providers and commissioners, and keep a record of requests and timelines for responses. Identify appropriate actions when a late or insufficient response has been received, including onward referral to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. ·

17.  Identify gaps in the knowledge of Healthwatch North Northamptonshire about the health and social care needs of local residents and look to address these, particularly working with key partners. ·

18.  Assess local strategies and policy documents, to identify gaps where local public concerns are not being addressed.

19.  Adopt an effective and shared approach to information management with appropriate sharing of data to avoid duplication, misinterpretation or underuse of data. ·

20.  Work with the team to identify gaps in service provision and alert local commissioners of any such gaps.

21.  Act as the central point of contact for all incoming press enquiries and be available to provide comments when health and social care related articles appear in the news, or direct enquiries to Senior Management where appropriate.

22.  Act as the central point of contact for any complaints made against Healthwatch North Northamptonshire and escalate accordingly to internal policies.

23.  Deliver key performance targets and ensure contract monitoring reports are produced in a timely manner.

24.  Manage the Healthwatch NN website and social media , production and publication of reports and all external materials and content.

25.  Line manage Healthwatch NN staff and carry out supervisions and appraisals in line with Support Northamptonshire policies and procedures

26.  Working with the relevant staff ensure the necessary infrastructure, resources and relationships are in place for the effective and efficient management of Healthwatch NN.

27.  Ensure compliance with all Support Northamptonshire policies and procedures

The ideal candidate for this role:

· Is passionate about social justice and addressing health inequalities

· Has experience of co-production and best practice in community engagement

· Is knowledgeable about key health and social care services.

· Is an experienced manager who is driven to manage a small team to capture views and experiences of local health and care services and produce recommendations for change to reflect what people tell us.

· Has the skills and confidence to influence change by working in partnership with other organisations and system partners

You’re passionate about supporting volunteers and creating a positive experience for those who give their time to make a difference.  You thrive in a role that brings people together and ensures they are set up for success.

As Operations Volunteering Experience Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that volunteers in operations-based roles feel valued, prepared, and supported throughout their journey. Working closely with internal teams, you’ll coordinate recruitment, training, and engagement efforts that enhance the volunteer experience and contribute to the smooth running of essential services.

You’ll oversee the flow of volunteers into operations-based roles, ensuring they are matched effectively to support Guide Dogs’ canine, children, and adult services. Working in collaboration with service and volunteering colleagues, you’ll support planning and resource allocation to ensure volunteer programmes align with national and local needs.

By ensuring volunteers receive comprehensive training and induction, you’ll help them build confidence in their roles. You’ll coordinate face-to-face and virtual induction sessions, facilitate ongoing training opportunities, and provide regular communication to ensure volunteers remain engaged and informed.

A key part of your role will involve monitoring and evaluating the volunteer journey, gathering feedback and insights to improve processes and experiences. You’ll manage volunteer data and compliance, ensuring records are accurate and up to date. Additionally, you’ll support the recognition and celebration of volunteers, helping to coordinate award events and initiatives that highlight the incredible contributions of those who give their time.

To excel in this role, you’ll have experience managing and supporting volunteers, ensuring they have a positive and rewarding experience. You’ll be confident in advising on best practices and processes, with the ability to build strong relationships across different teams.

Experience with volunteer management systems, CRM databases (such as Salesforce), and Microsoft Office will be beneficial. A strong understanding of GDPR, safeguarding principles, and best practices in equality, diversity, and inclusion is also essential.

Strong organisation and communication skills will be key, as well as the ability to problem-solve and handle enquiries efficiently. Whether facilitating training, providing advice, or coordinating new volunteer initiatives, you’ll bring a solutions-focused approach to ensure volunteers feel engaged, valued, and equipped for success.

No two people with sight loss are the same, and none of our people are either. So, we are proud to offer a range of person-centred benefits that can support each member of staff in ways that really mean something to them – and show them how much they mean to us. We offer a flexible benefits package, discounts and cashback scheme, a generous holiday allowance and matched contributory pension scheme to care for our people.

This role can be based from our either Sheffield or Nottingham site a minimum of 3-days per week, and occasional travel throughout the region is also needed. This is a full time position working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Interviews for this role will be held at our Sheffield site and are planned for W/C 19 May 202

We’ve recently refreshed and invested in our fundraising team,creating four fantastic new roles that reflect our bold ambitions for the future. This is an incredible opportunity to join a passionate, purpose-driven charity at a pivotal time — bringing your ideas,energy,and experience to a team that’s all about collaboration, creativity, and making a real difference.

Community & Volunteer Manager

Annual Salary - £29,000 – £33,000 

Weekly Hours - 35 hours (full time)

Reporting To - Community & Events Manager

Contract Type - Permanent

Work Location - Primarily based in Guildford (GU1 1TU) with flexible work options.   

BENEFITS - Why Work With Us?

• Generous Holiday Allowance – Enjoy 32 days off a year (including Bank Holidays), with extra days for long service. Plus, we’ll give you your birthday off after your first year – because cake should be mandatory!

• Real Work-Life Balance – We care deeply about your wellbeing and believe in supporting our teams as much as we do the children and families we serve.

• Training That Grows With You – Plus, every team member gets a personal training budget and access to a holistic learning platform to support your development.

• Perks That Make Life Easier – We’ll cover the cost of your DBS check, and you’ll get access to a NEST pension and Simply Health cash plan for everyday healthcare costs.

• Room to Recharge – After 3 years, you’ll be eligible for a career break to refresh, reflect, or do something amazing.

• Parking - No need to play musical chairs with parking spots – we've got free parking just for you!

ABOUT US

Challengers is a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled children and young people through the power of play. We provide inclusive, fun, and safe spaces across the Southeast where children aged 2–18 can make friends, enjoy new experiences, and develop vital life skills. Our unique non-exclusion policy ensures that every child, regardless of the complexity of their needs, is welcomed and supported.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

You’ll lead and grow our community fundraising activity — building strong relationships with schools, local groups, and volunteers to help us raise vital funds. You’ll plan and deliver community events, support third-party fundraisers, and be a friendly, visible presence at public events. You’ll also manage our amazing volunteers, creating engaging opportunities and making sure everyone feels valued and supported

You’ll Be Great If...

• Know your stuff when it comes to community fundraising, supporter journeys, and volunteer engagement.

• Have a track record of smashing fundraising targets and running brilliant campaigns or events.

• Love building relationships and can connect with anyone — from volunteers to VIP donors.

• Can juggle projects, use data to guide decisions, and stay cool when deadlines are looming.

• Are tech-savvy, creative with tools like Canva and CRM systems, and happy to travel for the cause.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job- There is no such thing as the perfect candidate.  Challengers is a place where everyone can grow.  We follow equal opportunities so however you identify and whatever your background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day 

Application Closing Date: Mon 5th May

Head to our website for our recruitment pack!

The Volunteer operations team are looking a new Volunteer projects officer, who has experience in and enthusiasm for developing projects and finding practical working solutions that can support and empower volunteers to deliver their roles in guiding. As a team, we work with a range of stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop policies, procedures and guidance that help volunteers to share their experience and passion for guiding confidently, consistently and safely.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team that is seeking to make a real difference to volunteer experience. You will report to the Volunteer operations manager and will need to be able to build relationships, manage your time and deliver across multiple workstreams.  If you are someone who enjoys problem solving across varied projects and initiatives, has a keen eye for detail and is able to communicate effectively we would like to hear from you.

The Volunteer Relationship Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing and optimising the volunteer programme within the College of Paramedics.

With a focus on enhancing volunteer relationships and strengthening organisational capabilities, you will lead strategic initiatives to help to create a positive, productive, and rewarding experience for volunteers while maximising their contribution to our strategic objectives.

The Volunteer Relationship Manager will be required to:

• Recruitment and Onboarding – Develop best practice volunteer recruitment strategies, conduct interviews and volunteer screening and organise required induction sessions
• Volunteer Management – Match volunteers with appropriate roles, coordinate schedules and maintain the volunteer database
• Support and Development – Provide ongoing support to volunteers, identify opportunities for skill development and address any concerns
• Recognition and Retention – Implement volunteer recognition programs and events, developing strategies to improve volunteer retention rates and gather feedback from volunteers to enhance their experience
• Policy and Compliance – Ensuring volunteer activities comply with relevant laws and regulations, develop and updating volunteer policies and conduct risk assessments for volunteer roles
• Reporting and Evaluation – Track volunteer impact and prepare reports to identify effectiveness of the volunteer programme
• Collaboration – Work closely with all departments to integrate volunteers effectively and build relationships with external organisations for potential partnerships
• Diversity, Equity and Belonging
  • Inspire and enable paramedics to participate in the profession within an environment based on safety, collegiality, inclusiveness, mental and physical wellbeing, and innovation
  • Review activities in relation to the role to ensure alignment with the College of Paramedics ‘Belonging and Inclusion’ Strategy 
  • Ensure diversity equity and belonging is an integral aspect of volunteers

Qualifications and/or Knowledge (essential)

• Be educated to degree level or equivalent through experience 
• Knowledge of best practices in volunteering, safeguarding, and inclusion
• Commitment to keeping up to date with best practice in volunteering and ensuring compliance with latest legislation

Experience (essential)

•  Have proven experience in volunteer management and implementation of volunteer programmes
• Have experience of successfully managing a project or team

Experience (desirable)

• Experience of working in the voluntary sector, NHS, or public sector 
• Experience of working in a membership organisation

Aptitude and Abilities (essential)

• Strong ability to recruit, train, and support diverse groups of volunteers
• Have demonstrable and evidenced leadership skills and the ability to enthuse and motivate individuals. 
• Be able to manage a delegated budget and contribute to financial planning and budget setting activity 
• Have the ability to think strategically and to develop and present plans clearly 
• Be able to manage multiple work-streams, conflicting priorities and an ability to meet deadlines 
• Be able to collect and analyse data from IT systems, reports and research to measure volunteer impact
• Have evidence of well developed communication skills (written, verbal and digital) with the ability to 
  engage with a wide range of stakeholders

Values

• Be self-motivated and have personal drive, integrity, and adaptability, with the ability to work flexibly, under pressure and to deadlines, as required
• Be reliable with a high degree of personal integrity, acting with positivity, energy, and compassion to inspire those around them to achieve their full potential
• Flexible attitude to working hours 
• Have a commitment to the aims and ethos of the College of Paramedics, demonstrating a passion and desire to lead positive developments and improvements in volunteer management within the College
• Have personal insight with regards to values and behaviours and the impact on others, with the skills to build relationships and create a shared vision 

Other (important)

• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Be able to work remotely as necessary and be willing to travel as required, to attend meetings or support College events across the UK or attend the College head office in Bridgwater, Somerset

Thames Chase Community Forest was established in 1990 and covers an area of 98 square miles on the edge of east London and south-west Essex. Thames Chase Trust welcomes around 65,000 visitors per year to the Forest Centre complex. The architecturally acclaimed Visitor Centre is the information hub for the entire Community Forest and includes a cafe, shop, and public toilets. The complex also includes a 17th century barn, original stable block, refurbished Education Room, and farm cottages.

Our dedicated and friendly Forest Centre team seeks to provide the best possible visitor experience and to continue to develop and grow the complex. You will manage volunteers and five members of staff focussed on the Forest Centre complex. The staff team includes four Forest Centre Assistants and one Forest Centre Caretaker. You will be further supported by our Communications and Media Officer, Finance Officer, and Administration Officer. You will also work closely with the Progammes Team whose focus is project delivery across the Community Forest.

Role Description - What will you do?

People

You will bring this spectacular place closer to the hearts of visitors, our local communities and our many partners and you will lead on facilities, retail, catering (outsourced), visitor experience, membership, and volunteer teams. 

You will show initiative in developing the visitor experience through events, guiding, informing, and reinforcing the Thames Chase Plan, brand and values.

You will need to be able to promote the natural and cultural heritage of landscapes.

You will be familiar with the use of professional and social media and will need to be an exceptional communicator and an inspiring manager for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team of staff and volunteers.

You will know just how to get the very best out of everyone and to support and motivate the team. There are set targets for income, and you will be responsible for ensuring that your team meets these.

You will lead the development, integration and delivery of all the visitor facing elements of the Thames Chase Forest Centre complex.

Place

You will work with the Thames Chase Community Forest Director, Deputy Director, your fellow colleagues and with the support of the Board of Trustees, to create a sense of place, a destination venue and a resource that families and visitors will consider as a day’s offer.

You will sensitively maximise the built heritage within the complex, acknowledging that this adds to the sense of place, our culture, heritage, and tradition. In particular, the agricultural heritage of this landscape.

Business

You will support the Thames Chase Community Forest Deputy Director in leading staff and volunteers in developing and growing the income from all aspects of the Forest Centre, to support the work and aims of the Community Forest and provide a quality visitor experience.

To create a robust business plan for the Forest Centre complex that identifies income potential and scope for maximising the diverse facilities on site whilst protecting the built, cultural and natural heritage

The approach you will need and the skills and attributes we require

To be an exceptional communicator, team-player, and an inspiring manager of an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team. Teamwork will be essential for your role.

To quickly gain an understanding of the Thames Chase Plan and the overall functions, aims and objectives of Thames Chase Community Forest.

To quickly gain an understanding of the Forest Centre budget and financial procedures.

To be familiar with the use of social media, be an effective communicator and able to engage and enthuse others.

To be IT proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Google Docs.

To have a Full UK driving licence.

To be flexible. The operation of the Forest Centre complex is 7 days. The role requires some evening, weekend and bank holiday working

Job Purpose

This is an exciting time to be joining Barnsley CVS and the development of its volunteer offer, working closely with the Barnsley Refugee Advice Project to ensure best practice.

The main purpose of the role is to facilitate better integration of refugee’s, migrants, and asylum seekers into community life in Barnsley using the vehicle of volunteering as a means of supporting this.

You will be responsible for building a strong and trusted relationship with the refugee and asylum seeking community; ensuring potential volunteers are well supported to easily access volunteer roles in Barnsley and playing a significant role in community cohesion. You are likely to provide support through 1-1 support, small group sessions or carefully worded website adverts and information.  Alongside this, you will work closely with voluntary and community sector groups to help them develop appropriate opportunites, ensure good practice and create a network of trusted organisations.

You will need a passion for volunteering and inclusion, patience to work with vulnerable communities and the ability to communicate with a diverse range of people in both a written and spoken context.

Main duties

Individual support

· Providing direct support to individuals from Barnsley refugee, migrant and asylum-seeking community to find community-based volunteering roles

· To support the potential volunteer through the application process

· To support the potential volunteer through the recruitment and selection process

· To provide support to the volunteer during the settling in period

Support to organisations

· To work with organisations to ensure that volunteer policies and procedures are inclusive

· Work with organisations to provide high quality support to volunteers from the Barnsley refugee, migrant and asylum-seeking community

· Provide support and guidance in relation to obtaining DBS and equivalent checks where necessary

· Provide information, advice, training and assistance to organisations on the implementation, management and monitoring of volunteering activities

Collaboration

· The post-holder will be expected to work in collaboration with the Barnsley Refugee and Advice Partnership

· To attend the migrant drop-in and work in collaboration with the partners of the migrant network

· To work in collaboration with other Volunteer Coordinators both internally and externally through attendance at the Volunteer Coordinators / Managers meetings hosted by Barnsley CVS

· To attend workshops, group meetings, market places to help network and promote the volunteer services of Barnsley CVS

· To create reports reflecting the progress and learnings of the project to both report to the local authority and to assist in development

We’re looking for a Head of Volunteering Development to lead and inspire new approaches to social action in Somerset.

We are seeking someone who is passionate about volunteering and the huge benefits it can bring for individuals and community organisations. You will explore new and innovative ways of working that help ensure volunteering is accessible to all, well supported, and provides a positive experience for everyone. In addition, you will build strong partnerships across the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to help bring this vision to life.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging with partners, stakeholders and the wider VCFSE sector and build strong relationships to develop and implement a Somerset Vision for Volunteering
• Working with partners across the health system to deliver the Volunteer for Health programme, an initiative that seeks to develop volunteering infrastructure to support health and wellbeing outcomes
• Identifying and developing training support Volunteer Coordinators and Managers so volunteers feel supported
• Working with grassroots community groups to co-produce ways to enable place-based volunteer engagement
• Developing and implement innovative ways to engage new and returning volunteers and address barriers that exist
• Developing and growing our Volunteer Coordinators Forum; a network that allows shared learning, networking and best practice
• Working with the wider Spark Somerset team to develop our digital volunteering platform, Spark a Change, that matches residents of Somerset to a range of volunteering opportunities
• Collect and use a range of quantitative and qualitative data to demonstrate impact and champion the value of volunteering

You’ll bring experience in developing and delivering volunteer opportunities, a strong understanding of the local and national volunteering landscape, excellent communication and partnership-building skills, and the ability to work creatively and independently in a fast-paced environment.

In return, we offer flexible, hybrid working options, a free Employee Assistance Programme, and up to 7.5 hours of volunteering leave per year.

This is a full time role, although we welcome applicants seeking part time or flexible working. The annual salary is £36-£38k (full time equivalent and dependent upon experience).

For further information about the position and who we’re looking for, or to apply, please visit our website.

We have been lucky enough to secure funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for our wilder future for Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Project. This is to undertake a programme of digital and cultural transformation at the Trust, creating a more efficient and effective organisation.

You’ll be part of the Trust’s Development Directorate, leading the development and delivery of the Trust’s volunteering transformation plans with the aim to improve collaboration and efficiency across the Trust.

About the role

This is a new role funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund that will enable the transformation of how the Trust supports volunteering by delivering a programme of volunteer and staff engagement and training, and leading the set up and migration to a new cloud-based volunteer management system. The role will also lead on volunteer development with external partners as part of the project.

The postholder will require the ability to work collaboratively and to implement an agreed project plan to fixed milestones and is expected to support and embrace a positive team culture, and to uphold the Trust’s values and expected behaviours at all times. They should act as a positive role model for staff, volunteers and external stakeholders through a professional, collaborative and engaging approach.

Please see our recruitment for further job description and person specification.

How do we support you?

We offer an excellent benefits package, ranging from office perks, generous leave entitlements and financial benefits. You can find out more on our website.

How to apply

It’s quick and easy to apply.

Once you had read our recruitment pack just email with your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (max 2 sides of A4), outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria. Please see our recruitment pack online for contact details. 

The application deadline is 9am, Tuesday 6th May 2025.

Early application is encouraged as we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may contact you to discuss your application further before the interview stage.

About the Trust

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a local nature conservation charity.

We believe that wildlife should have space to thrive alongside our everyday lives and that everyone benefits from having access to nature.

Our staff team is enthusiastic, friendly and committed to making a difference.