Volunteer jobs in North west

ABOUT CAUDWELL CHILDREN

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Volunteer Manager (maternity cover) to join our dedicated, experienced and growing team of professionals as we embark on a journey of expansion.

Established in 2000, Caudwell Children aims to change people’s lives, change the way society perceives and treats disabled and autistic people and change the way that charities operate, through the provision of child-centred practical and emotional services, passionate campaigning and demonstrating best practice.  We believe in a world where disabled and autistic children have the choice, opportunity, dignity and understanding they deserve #jointhechange and help us in our mission!

Our facilities provide a state-of-the-art base within the grounds of Keele University, Staffordshire, with the option of informal homeworking arrangements up to 40% of working week after passing probation.

POST OUTLINE

This is an impactful role working in a supportive and collaborative environment. The Volunteer Manager is responsible for implementing a sustainable volunteer strategy, onboarding journey and programme across the charity. This varied role oversees the promotion of volunteering, internal and external relationship building, all stages of volunteer recruitment, HR checks and onboarding and the coordination of an effective volunteer mandatory training programme. This role is responsible for organising recognition programmes, guiding departments on how to manage and retain volunteers, maximising the use of volunteer resources and ensuring volunteers have a rewarding experience whilst also positively contributing to the organisation objectives to provide vital services to the families of disabled and neurodivergent children. This role is also responsible for the line management of the Volunteer Administrator. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who shares our commitment to making a meaningful difference and who can truly embody our core values:

• Ambition – We dream BIG… then make it happen
• Dedication – We go the extra mile… for every child
• Inclusivity – Unique, but UNITED

The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm, professionalism and a collaborative spirit, contributing to a culture where every child, colleague, donor and stakeholder feels valued, supported and inspired to thrive.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and inspire a positive culture of volunteering within the organisation.
• Implement the Charities Volunteer Strategy and continually develop the volunteer onboarding journey and programme. 
• Liaise with departments to establish volunteer support requirements and create volunteer role descriptions.
• Continually review the recruitment plan and pipeline, analysing existing data to understand patterns, ensuring volunteer diversity.
• Promote and market Caudwell Children volunteer roles nationally with the support of the team, reaching wider audiences, using a range of recruitment methods such as online recruitment platforms, social media, local community groups, etc.
• Attend volunteer recruitment events across Staffordshire, such as university career fayres, including delivering presentations to promote volunteering and placements.
• Attend volunteer networking events
• Coordinate and lead informal volunteer interviews to identify suitable volunteer candidates.
• Responsible for overseeing references checks, ID and DBS checks in line with DBS regulation and to comply with safer recruitment policies
• Process onboarding paperwork, updating our volunteer database and auditing  volunteer records to ensure they are up to date with DBS checks, mandatory training, medical records and emergency contact details.
• Oversee DBS renewals, DBS Destruction notices, annual medical updates and mandatory training reminders.
• Lead volunteer support plan discussions with new volunteers to discuss reasonable adjustments and support we will put into place where they have disclosed a medical condition or disability.
• Coordinate and oversee the induction and mandatory training for newly appointed volunteers, delivering the mandatory charity training session in collaboration with the Learning and Development Manager.
• Working with departments to advise them on how to deliver an effective training and mentoring programme in order to establish a cohesive infrastructure of motivated volunteers, in collaboration with the Learning and Development Manager.
• Deliver volunteer management training and advice to departments on how to  support, mentor and motivate volunteers, ensuring regular supervisions are carried out by departments.
• Lead monthly catch ups with department heads to discuss the activity of volunteers and department needs.
• Monitor and evaluate all aspects of volunteer activity to ensure effectiveness. Conduct continuous evaluation of the volunteer programme, organising surveys and volunteer forums to gather feedback
• Responsible for checking volunteer expense forms.
• Design and organise formal or informal activities to recognise the contributions of volunteers to the organisation, including parties, social media recognition posts, volunteer case studies, volunteer awards, etc.
• Review and update if appropriate volunteer policies, procedures, risk logs and standards of volunteer service across the organisation ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Ensure the Volunteer Department is compliant with ISO requirements by annually reviewing standard volunteer documents due to renewal.
• Produce regular reports using volunteer data on volunteer recruitment, onboarding, activity and participation.
• Create month end board level reports, interact at Board level, to highlight progress against the Volunteer Strategy.
• Line Manage, supervise and mentor the employee: Volunteer Administrator.
• Help to facilitate and develop the corporate volunteering opportunities in collaboration with the Business partnerships team who lead on the Charities Corporate Social Responsibility offer.
• Maintain and develop the current placement offer for student volunteers recognising the contribution to a sustainable volunteer strategy, and coordinating placement project plans and timetables.
• Deal with any complaints or issues involving volunteers in the appropriate manner and take action where necessary. 

Other:

• Communicate with children, families and all stakeholders in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture in full compliance with the Equality & Diversity Policy. 
• Uphold the principles and practice of customer care and continuous improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality and Data Protection and at all times work in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations 2018.
• Have an awareness of relevant health and safety regulations and legislation, being responsible for your own health and safety and that of anyone else whom your acts and omissions may affect.
• Report any concerns of potential abuse of a service user in line with the Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
• Ensure maintenance and security of physical, financial and information resources.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. 
• Keep comprehensive and accurate records in relation to your role and in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Attend training as appropriate to the role, applying knowledge gained to the workplace.
• To work effectively and collaboratively as a member of the team, building and maintaining good working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ensure compliance with statutory and non-statutory bodies. 
• Adhere to all Caudwell Children policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate commitment to Caudwell Children’s mission, vision and values.
• On occasion and when necessary work flexible hours to meet the needs of the business.
• Willingness to travel on occasion in order to fulfil the needs of the post. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of coordinating volunteers / supervising a volunteer team.
• Experience of line management of colleagues.
• Experience of working in the charity sector.
• Excellent administration experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of Volunteer management practices
• Ability to resolve problems/issues tactfully and effectively.
• Well-developed IT skills including data/records management and analysis.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Good presentation and training skills.
• Good multi-tasking skills with the ability to deal with and prioritise multiple requests.
• Prepared to be flexible and a commitment to team work.

Desirable Criteria:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent. 
• Relevant volunteer management qualification.
• Experience of management role.
• HR administration experience.
• Volunteer/ employee recruitment experience.
• Experience of reporting against targets to the board/senior management team.
• Understanding of the legislation surrounding volunteer management.
• Understanding of confidentiality and GDPR.
• The ability to travel independently to various locations across the region to fulfill the duties of the role.

This Job Description is not exhaustive.  The post holder may be required to carry out any other task as deemed appropriate for the level and responsibilities of the post.

DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS

The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process.  All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).  This role is eligible for a basic disclosure check.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Caudwell Children is a Disability Confident employer committed to offering an interview to all applicants who meet the minimum criteria and declare they have a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010.  We are committed to creating a diverse environment and will not discriminate for any reason against any person because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.  Please make us aware on your application if you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme.  We also encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background and other underrepresented groups.

HOW TO APPLY & FURTHER INFORMATION

To apply for this exciting opportunity, click “Apply” or visit our website for further information.