Early years jobs

Volunteering Matters   

Who we are 
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change. 

Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering 

Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.

Since 1962, we’ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries. 

We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice – ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come. 

What we do 
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people. 

How we do this 

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities. 

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part. 

• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change. 

• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities. 

• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects. 

• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better. 

  Our promise to volunteers 

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do. 

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.  

Role Description 

Volunteering Matters Brighter Futures CEC works with pupils (aged 12-18) who are care experienced or on the edge of care across the City of Edinburgh.

The project has two parts, one is to work one to one with the young people referred to the project, supporting them to experience a volunteering placement with local charitable organisations that will build their confidence and allow them to grow and learn new things in a different environment out with school.  

The second part is our group work, the Youth Engagement Manager will be responsible for up to 7 small groups within schools across Edinburgh.The Youth Engagement Manager supports the young people engaged in the groups to develop and deliver a Youth Social Action project within their community.

We’re looking for a patient and engaging Youth Engagement Manager to join the Brighter Futures team in Edinburgh.   The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values and strategy.  
   
 Due to the nature of this role and the needs of the young people we support, including the requirement to provide appropriate support and engagement for young males with complex experiences, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be male under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Key Duties & Responsibilities   

• To build relationships with the young people, acting in a non-judgemental way to support them through their Brighter Futures journey.  

• Consistently role modelling and displaying Volunteering Matters organisational values   

• Deliver and develop the Brighter Futures Schools programme across the City of Edinburgh, meeting ambitious targets and milestones, ensuring all young people engaged achieve positive outcomes  

Develop and deliver our Social Action group work project in different schools across Edinburgh. 

• Work alongside staff form residential units, parents and carers to help support building a relationship with the young people referred to our one-to-one work  

• Build relationships with different high schools across area through both our group work and one to one program.

• To maintain excellent relationships with charity and not-for-profit partners in Edinburgh - ensuring diverse, high quality volunteer roles are available that reflect the needs and interests of young people. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, volunteers, families, school staff, social work, NHS, Education partners, third sector organisations and others.  

• Support the young people to complete awards and qualifications linked to their volunteering. 

• To manage all elements of a young persons experience, from referral to completion of their journey   

• To manage the risk assessment, safeguarding, quality assurance and audit processes as appropriate   

• Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information is collected and that Brighter Futures meets it’s agreed targets, reporting format and schedule.  

• Assist the Senior Project Manager by preparing Impact Reports   

• Administration tasks including maintaining effective and accessible records, the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and other software such as Canva

• This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.  

Skills / Knowledge Required   

• Excellent knowledge & understanding of the life challenges and issues that young people face in Scottish society including an understanding of “The Promise” as well as understanding of trauma informed practice.  

• Experience delivering a youth work approach to young people who challenge. 

•  An understanding of how to assess the needs of an individual using a person-centred approach  

•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills including being able to have strategic conversations with partners and stakeholders one minute and talk to an anxious or unsure young people the next.  

• Excellent organisational skills including strong attention to detail, the ability to manage a busy workload, and prioritise effectively   

• Excellent IT skills including the use of Office 365, Microsoft Teams and other software packages including a CRM. 

• Ability to think on your feet, act quickly and respond to situations as well as demonstrate common sense and initiative.   

• The post holder should be non-judgemental, competent, conscientious and self-aware.   

• Ability to develop and sustain relationships with a wide range of people.  

Experience Required   

• Significant experience working directly with young people, specifically those who are care experienced or who face life challenges   

• Experience of youth work in a group setting 

• Experience in all aspects of effective Volunteer Management (recruitment, training, support)   

• Experience developing strong working relationships, with a range of internal and external stakeholders   

• Experience of project management, achieving goals, managing a busy workload and working to deadlines  

• Experience of measuring the impact of mentoring/volunteering, and understanding the results   

• Understanding of and full commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion   
   

Qualifications Required    

Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications 

Location 

This role is based in Edinburgh, a large part of your hours will require you to work within the community and schools, for the other hours you will have the opportunity to work from home. The postholder will require good internet access to enable remote working, and a suitable home office space. I.T. equipment and infrastructure will be supplied. 

PVG  

This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme. We will support you to become a PVG member if you are not already. Having a conviction will not necessarily cause a bar to employment.  

Our Values & Way of Working 

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.  

 Diversity & Inclusion   

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.   

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments 

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.  

 Benefits   

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer: 

• Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)  

• Unlimited Annual Leave  

• Employee Pension scheme  

• Life Assurance  

• Cycle to Work Scheme  

• Season Ticket Loan  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Enhanced sick and family leave.   

• Lifestyle Discount Scheme   

We are also open to discussing job share applications.   

 GDPR Statement   

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.    

Policy on AI-Generated Applications  

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply   

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.   

We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community. 

Right to Work in the UK 
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. 

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help.

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Stewardship’s customer operations. You will lead a dedicated team responsible for delivering operational excellence across our primary platforms, ensuring that the systems, processes and controls supporting our services are effective, scalable and aligned with our mission.

This dynamic and strategic role offers a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic leader who is passionate about serving our organisation’s Christian mission. As the leader in this role, you will have proven ability to drive operational efficiency and implement best practice. You will prize quality and attention to detail, and innovation, focusing on growing the Kingdom of God through operational efficiency and excellence.

Occupational Requirement (OR)

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:

· Active membership of local church congregation.

An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of Resonate Arts, supporting the smooth, safe and effective running of our organisation. The Operations & Systems Coordinator will take ownership of the administrative and operational systems that underpin our work. From financial processes and participant data to governance and communications, you will ensure that our systems are accurate, efficient and well-organised.

Your work will enable the wider team—particularly the Director—to focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred arts programmes for people living with dementia, and on securing the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

This is a hands-on role combining administration, systems management and coordination. It offers the opportunity to play a key part in strengthening how the organisation works, helping us to grow our impact while maintaining high standards of care, safety and accountability.

The Head of Fundraising and Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving Bowel Research UK's fundraising strategies and audience engagement initiatives.

This position is responsible for embedding and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, growing the charity’s supporter base and income, building up new and under-developed income streams and communicating effectively with their audiences to expand their reach, and encourage financial and non-financial support to deliver the organisations mission.

You will have the autonomy and scope to drive elements of your work and take ownership of your own objectives. You will be required to collaborate on decisions to shape and deliver initiatives, programmes and processes as required for each area of income delivery. 

Key to the success of this role is a strong understanding of individual giving fundraising – an area that is underdeveloped at Bowel Research UK. This role blends the strategic oversight and leadership of a Head of Fundraising role, with the hands-on expertise of an IG fundraiser. Experience across other income streams would be a huge benefit as the role leads all fundraising income streams, but experience in individual giving is essential.

The successful candidate for this role will be someone who has already operated at a senior level within a charity such as at Senior Manager level, or Head of in a specific income stream.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack or any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can engage with the selection process, please send an email to THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 14th July 

There will be a two stage interview process: 

Stage 1 interviews: 22nd or 23rd July 

Stage 2 interviews: 29th or 30th July 

Hackney Empire is looking for a new Theatre Technician.

The Theatre Technician plays a vital operational role within our busy 1,250-seat theatre and additional rehearsal and event spaces. Supporting the technical leadership team, you will deliver exceptional hands-on technical support across stagecraft, lighting, sound and rigging systems to realise the creative ambitions of visiting companies and in-house productions. 

This is a production-focused role that requires combining physical, high-level stagecraft management during the intensive fit-ups, live show operations and rapid get-outs with a proactive approach to health and safety, equipment maintenance and visiting company care. 

PSTT is a registered charity with a clear vision – we want to see excellent teaching of science in every primary classroom in the UK. We are seeking a part time office administrator (0.4FTE) as part of a job share with our existing Office Administrator.

The Office Administrator is the first point of contact for general enquiries. They are responsible for various areas of administration involving our staff, Fellows, trustees and external organisations. They play a logistical role in several important areas of PSTT activity supporting our professional learning events and activities, our awards, planning, fundraising, logistics, key processes and communications with Fellows. The role also involves the collection, collation and maintenance of essential PSTT data sources.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills and build a career in the charity or education sector, joining a friendly and purposeful organisation based in Bristol and working across the UK. This is a part time role, two days/14 hours per week.

Job description  

Job title: Programme Manager (Surrey) 

Reports to: Head of Justice Programmes

Direct reports: x3 Advocate (Surrey)

Start date: TBC following successful completion of HMPPS vetting

Salary: £34,391.20 pro-rata per annum (FTE £42,989 per annum, inclusive of £3,990 Southeast weighting)

Working hours: Part time - 28 hours per week across 4 days

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 with the possibility of an extension, subject to funding

Location: Hybrid - minimum 1 day per week from Surrey Women's Centre (Woking)
 

Job Purpose

To provide strategic oversight and operational management for Women in Prison services in Surrey. The role will focus on delivering Surrey Women’s CRS probation contract and any other funded programmes in Surrey.

Key Responsibility Areas - 

1. Lead on the operational management and strategic oversight of the Surrey programme, ensuring high quality, trauma responsive services are delivered to women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with, the criminal justice system.
2. Provide effective leadership to the Surrey team, fostering a positive and supportive culture.
3. Monitor case management systems to ensure accurate and timely data recording
4. Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as commissioners, probation and local authority leads to ensure effective service delivery.

For the full job description, please download the recruitment pack.
 

Person Specification

• Experience delivering effective strengths-based case work support and advocacy to women
• Experience supporting or supervising staff/volunteers
• Working knowledge of good safeguarding practice 
• Good budget management understanding/knowledge
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
• Good knowledge of the issues faced by women affected by the criminal justice system 
• Experience working with external partners
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to working in a way that promotes social justice and feminism