Head of hr volunteer jobs in Manchester
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Job Description
The Head of Delivery & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the
successful implementation, quality of outcomes, and retention of DFN Project SEARCH programmes
across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Iberia, in line with our franchise agreement from Project
SEARCH . This role leads the Delivery & Partnerships team, ensuring strategic alignment, excellence
of delivery, and sustained impactful partnerships.
You will play a pivotal role in driving programme quality, ensuring retention, maintaining model
fidelity, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for interns. Additionally, you will oversee the growth of
our number of programmes, in line with our strategic regional and national plans. You will also
contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, working closely with cross-functional teams
to maximise DFN Project SEARCH’s impact.
Regular travel throughout the UK will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of our delivery.
In addition, occasional international travel may be required, for example to the annual conference in
the United States.
Essential Experience and Skills
• A passion for changing the lives of young people with learning disabilities and / or who are
autistic
• Educated to degree level or relevant Professional Qualification
• Highly motivated and organised self-starters with the ability to work under your own initiative
• Strong understanding of supported employment, education, and local authority partnerships.
• Experience in project management, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Experience using data systems and performance management tools.
• Experience delivering training and speaking at events or conferences.
• Understanding of SEND provision and funding arrangements in the UK (e.g., EHCPs, DWP, local
authorities).
• Experience working with senior stakeholders via formal reporting mechanisms.
• Leadership experience managing people/teams.
• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
• Experience working with DFN Project SEARCH programmes or similar supported internship
models.
• Experience in selling services or products and effective account management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in programme delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of using the Microsoft suite, in particular Outlook and Excel
• Experience of using a CRM for administrative and reporting purposes
DFN Project SEARCH are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young
people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject
to an enhanced DBS disclosure.
We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+
candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the
representation of these groups at this level at DFN Project SEARCH.
-Interviews will take place on:
1st round July 23rd and July 24th
2nd and final round: July 31st
Closing date: Sunday July 12th
-Start date - Asap
Registered Charity 
11 - 20
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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.
