Volunteer Coordinator

Fine Cell Work is a charity transforming the lives of people in prison and post-release through training in high quality, creative, commercial needlework. Handmade products are sold to public and to designers, artists, and heritage organisations, many of whom commission bespoke pieces. Customer demand for these products continues to grow. 

Our frontline services are delivered by a team of talented and dedicated volunteers across the country, making possible the transformational work that we do. Volunteers bring a wide range of experience, skills, and expertise. We offer a range of volunteering opportunities from teaching in prison to production and commissions support, to events, sales, and pop-up shops.  

Core Job Purpose: 

Fine Cell Work is seeking a highly organised and people-focused Volunteer Coordinator to provide administrative support for a community of 100+ volunteers nationally. Based at our head office in Battersea, this role is central to ensuring a positive, efficient, and engaging volunteer experience - from recruitment and onboarding through to retention and ongoing support - and makes possible the realisation of our organisational mission.  

Whilst acting as the first point of contact for general enquires about volunteering opportunities across the organisation, including with workshop, events, commissions, and production teams, the Volunteer Coordinator will act as the primary point of contact for volunteers working in prison, handling queries, maintaining up to date records, and triaging concerns to the appropriate members of the team.  

This position requires strong administrative skills, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a supportive and professional approach. 

Principal Accountabilities for the Core Job: 

Volunteer Recruitment & Onboarding 

• Coordinate end-to-end volunteer recruitment processes for all volunteer roles, including advertising, screening applications, and scheduling interviews 
• Manage all correspondence with prospective prison volunteers, ensuring a welcoming and professional experience 
• With the Senior Programmes and Impact Officer, support the creation of a regularly updated volunteer information pack and ensure all new prison volunteers receive it at least 7 days prior to their FCW volunteer training 
• Coordinate and timetable onboarding processes for prison volunteers, including induction administration, prison vetting, training sessions, and the distribution of materials 
• Maintain accurate records of all applicants and volunteers (across all roles) 

Volunteer Administration 

• Maintain and update all volunteer contact details  
• Process all volunteer expenses  
• Using Volunteero, track volunteer participation, hours, and engagement levels 
• Ensure all required documentation (e.g. references and vetting information for prison volunteers) is collected and securely stored 
• Using Volunteero, support scheduling and coordination of volunteer shifts in prison and across other activities including reflective practice; training; event attendance etc.  

Volunteer Support & Retention 

• Act as the primary point of contact for Fine Cell Work volunteers working in prison, responding to queries in a timely and supportive manner 
• Build strong relationships with volunteers across all teams  
• Coordinate regular check-ins, feedback collection, and recognition initiatives for volunteers across all teams e.g. for Volunteer Week 
• Lead on the coordination of the annual Fine Cell Work Volunteer Lunch 

Triage & Internal Coordination 

• Receive and assess volunteer questions, concerns, and feedback, via phone, email and Volunteero reports, determining the appropriate course of action  
• Handle, escalate, or direct issues to relevant team members (e.g. Senior Programmes and Impact Officer / prison contacts / Production team / events or the Director of Programmes) as needed  
• Any other ad hoc administrative or organisational tasks as required  

The following knowledge and skills have been identified for the role: 

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:  

• Experience in volunteer coordination, administration, or a similar people-focused role 
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to triage and prioritise effectively 
• Proficiency in standard office software and database systems 
• Proactive and solution-oriented 

Personal attributes: 

• Collaborative, empathetic and approachable, with a genuine interest in supporting volunteers 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Friendly and approachable  
• Detail oriented 
• Authoritative, calm, flexible and adaptable 
• Able to work with an experienced and established team  
• Commitment to aims and ethos of Fine Cell Work 

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare: All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions.