Volunteer jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

We aim to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes and ultimately to achieve our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

We’re working to build and grow a powerful movement of people helping to achieve a world where diabetes does no harm. The Engaging Communities and Volunteering Manager will lead a team, working alongside the diabetes community, which empowers people, communities and organisations to raise awareness, influence change and support people affected by diabetes to live well and access better care. 

You will be a dynamic and inspiring leader experienced in all aspects of project management. You will be skilled in developing and delivering programmes which support people in challenging circumstances, working with people and communities to improve life outcomes. You will be experienced in managing teams, supporting colleagues to excel and deliver high impact strategic outcomes. You will understand the needs of diverse groups and be passionate about ensuring that support is developed collaboratively with people with lived experience enabling them to live will and access better care. You will have excellent communication and engagement skills which enable you to grow and nurture relationships with a complex set of stakeholders, including people with lived experience, volunteers and community organisations.

This is a Home-based role, connected to our office in Wolverhampton. Ideally you will need to be located in the Midlands and East of England region.

Northern Dog Volunteer Recruitment Officer

Location: Home based, supporting northern region’s (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands, with travel outside these areas occasionally)

Salary Band:  £26,000 to £27,000 FTE (pro rata for part-time hours)

Job Type: Part-time (3 to 4 days per week), with flexibility required for regular evening / overnight stays and weekend work

Reports To: Head of Dog Supply & Canine Support Services

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

We are looking for someone with the skills, experience and passion to join our Canine Services Department, and to be responsible for the recruitment, training and development of dog supply volunteers.

Responsibilities of the Role:

Recruitment of Volunteers (puppy socialisers, holiday cover, and fosterers)

• To liaise with volunteering team regarding current recruitment areas and support on the ground recruitment activities in the relevant regions, involving volunteers and dogs where appropriate
• To manage the process of dog volunteer recruitment
• To oversee that necessary checks have been completed to assess prospective new dog volunteers, including home, workplace, pet dog and children assessments, when required
• Inform stakeholders when a dog volunteer is signed off and ready to have an MDD living with them
• Achieve monthly targets as set by the Head of Dog Supply and Canine Services

Training of Volunteers:

• Deliver effective training by organising dog handling classes before volunteers receive their Medical Detection Dog
• Oversee the online training pathway for all dog volunteers
• Ensure all dog volunteers have received and read the training manual, addressing any questions they may have
• Be the first point of contact for all dog volunteers during the application and training process
• Link volunteers with appropriate buddies prior to placement of a puppy/dog

Other:

• To manage the Puppy Socialisers Facebook page, delivering key training messages via this platform.
• Update the Harlequin CRM and Assemble database promptly to maintain accurate and up to date records of all dog volunteers, e.g. what training they have received etc.
• Support the Dog Training and Partnership Instructor in matching and allocating dog volunteers with MDD puppies
• Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area
• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity
• Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager to ensure the successful running of the charity

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in planning and coordinating volunteer recruitment events and recruiting volunteers
• Previous experience delivering training sessions
• Strong ability to communicate clearly and confidently with a range of audiences
• Confidence in using social media to promote volunteer recruitment
• Basic knowledge of GDPR
• Ability to deliver volunteer training, including assessing individual learning styles and adapting approaches while following structured programmes
• Strong teaching and instructional skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload effectively for self and others
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients and their families, volunteers, professional partners, members of the public, media, managers and colleagues
• High level of IT literacy and report writing skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desirable

• Understanding of training assistance dogs
• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in dog training
• Basic understanding of practical dog training theories
• Knowledge of laws related to dogs
• Understanding of dog and human psychology
• Awareness of health and safety implications in dog and volunteer handling
• Understanding of ADUK and ADI regulations

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends with the possibility of spending nights away

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Medical Detection Dogs, please do not hesitate to apply.

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Head of Volunteering

Shape the future of volunteering at one of the UK's leading charities for disabled children. Lead an ambitious strategy to transform how thousands of volunteers contribute to changing lives across retail, fundraising, and community programmes.

About Newlife

As one of the UK's leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better - for the families we serve, and for the people who help us to make that happen.

Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get the vital equipment they need, when they need it, while our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information – as well as a listening ear. Our campaigns help to give children with disabilities and their families a voice, advocating for change to benefit the families we serve. And we support adults with additional needs with volunteering and employment opportunities, providing an introduction to the workplace and a means for career development.

Across the whole of Newlife, our teams are crucial to our success – it's not just a job; here you'll be helping us to change lives every day.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the development and delivery of an ambitious volunteering strategy that increases Newlife's capacity, reach and impact. Working across retail, supply chain, warehouse, fundraising and community-based activities, you'll significantly grow volunteer involvement over the next three years.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead development and delivery of Newlife's Volunteering Strategy
• Implement annual volunteering plans supporting organisational growth
• Identify emerging trends and best practice in volunteering and charity retail
• Contribute to strategic leadership as a member of the Charity Leadership Team

Volunteer Growth and Engagement

• Significantly increase volunteer recruitment, retention and engagement
• Ensure volunteering opportunities are accessible, inclusive and rewarding
• Monitor volunteer satisfaction and impact using data and insight
• Champion volunteering as key to strengthening communities and improving outcomes

Innovation and Experience

• Explore technology-enabled and partnership-based approaches to volunteer engagement
• Develop contemporary volunteering models supporting operational growth
• Promote best practice in volunteer management, recognition and development
• Ensure volunteers are equipped and empowered to make meaningful contributions

Partnerships and Growth

• Develop relationships with corporate partners, educational institutions and community organisations
• Identify skilled volunteering and employer-supported volunteering opportunities
• Contribute to funding bids and partnership proposals
• Represent Newlife externally as an ambassador for the charity

What we're looking for

Experience

• Significant experience leading national volunteering programmes in charity, retail or not-for-profit sectors
• Developing and implementing strategic plans and improvement programmes
• Managing teams and delivering organisational growth through volunteering
• Partnership working with businesses and community organisations
• Budget management, performance monitoring and quality assurance

Skills

• Strong understanding of volunteering best practice and engagement
• Knowledge of contemporary charity retail and volunteer-led operating models
• Strategic leadership and people management abilities
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Passion for improving outcomes for disabled children and their families

Location: Hybrid (2 days per week in Cannock – visits to retail locations and other sites as required)

Reports to: Charity Director

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checking may be necessary for this role.

Ready to transform volunteering?

Join us as Head of Volunteering and lead the strategic growth of volunteer engagement across one of the UK's most impactful charities. Help us build a movement that changes lives for disabled children and their families.

We're looking for an inspiring Head of Volunteering to lead and shape the future of volunteering across Sense.

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

About the Role

We're looking for an inspiring Head of Volunteering to lead and shape the future of volunteering across Sense.

This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, ensuring volunteering continues to play a vital role in delivering our mission. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you'll provide organisation-wide leadership on volunteering, helping us maximise our impact, strengthen community connections, and support the long-term sustainability of our services.

Working closely with senior leaders and teams across the organisation, you'll champion inclusive, accessible and innovative volunteering opportunities that enable people from all backgrounds to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver a volunteering development plan aligned to Sense's strategic priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on volunteering strategy and opportunities.
• Champion volunteering as a key contributor to organisational impact, reputation and sustainability.
• Represent Sense internally and externally, promoting excellence in volunteering.

Developing Volunteering

• Create new, flexible and inclusive volunteering opportunities across services, communities, retail and corporate activity.
• Develop frameworks, tools and guidance that support managers to recruit, engage and retain volunteers effectively.
• Build volunteering opportunities that are meaningful, accessible and rewarding.
• Develop robust KPIs to measure volunteer engagement, impact and experience.
• Use volunteer feedback to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Inclusion and Engagement

• Promote accessible and inclusive volunteering practices across the organisation.
• Work alongside volunteers, disabled people with complex needs and families to co-design volunteering opportunities.
• Ensure volunteer voices help shape the future of volunteering at Sense.

Governance and Compliance

• Provide expert guidance on volunteering governance, risk management and best practice.
• Lead the development and review of volunteering policies and procedures.
• Ensure volunteering activities comply with relevant legislation, regulation and safeguarding requirements.
• Manage the central volunteering budget and demonstrate value for money.

About You

You'll be a passionate and experienced volunteering leader with a strong commitment to inclusion and social impact.

You'll bring:

• Proven leadership experience within volunteer management.
• Experience working in social care, health, disability services or a related sector.
• A track record of developing and growing inclusive, sustainable volunteering programmes.
• Strong coaching, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Experience using data and insight to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.
• Budget management experience and an ability to demonstrate return on investment.
• A commitment to accessibility, inclusion and rights-based approaches.

We'd love it if you also have

• Experience supporting disabled people with complex needs.
• Experience within regulated services.
• Knowledge of retail volunteering.
• Experience of co-production and co-design approaches.
• Understanding of trauma-informed or positive behaviour support approaches.
• Experience using digital systems to enhance volunteer engagement.

Why Join Sense?

This is an opportunity to shape volunteering across one of the UK's leading disability charities. You'll join a values-led organisation where collaboration, inclusion and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

If you're passionate about creating outstanding volunteer experiences and want to help more people make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

To apply

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly.  We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.

Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.

We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.

If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role. More information on this can be found here Our commitment as an employer | Sense Careers