At Samaritans, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. As the needs of communities evolve, so must the ways in which people can connect, contribute and make a difference. We’re looking for a Volunteering Innovation Advisor to help us imagine, design and embed what volunteering could look like in the years ahead.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about innovation, curious about emerging trends, and motivated to meet the needs of future Samaritans volunteers. You’ll contribute to developing new and flexible models of volunteering—ensuring we reach more people, remove barriers to involvement, and create opportunities that are equally meaningful and sustainable.
Contract
- £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits
- Full Time (35hrs per week)
- Permanent
- Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
- In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.
- We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
What You’ll Do
In this role, you’ll bring ideas to life.
You’ll research emerging trends and evolving volunteer expectations to inform the development of new roles, opportunities and approaches to volunteering - helping to translate insight into practical and sustainable solutions that support current and future volunteers.
You’ll contribute to answering questions like:
- How can Samaritans offer more flexible and inclusive opportunities?
- What motivates volunteers today, and how is that changing?
- How do we ensure our volunteering reflects the diversity of the communities we support?
From managing insight to project planning and from developing resources to collaborating with volunteers and staff, your work will support shaping a positive and inclusive future volunteer experience across our organisation.
What You’ll Bring
- Curiosity and openness to innovation and improving ways of working.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people, including staff and volunteers.
- Ability to use insight to inform decisions and drive improvement.
- Experience in change, improvement or innovation projects.
- Experience in a volunteering‑focused organisation and understanding of volunteer engagement.
Full Job Description and Person Specification below
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.
You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Apply now
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV.
Applications close: Monday 27th April
In person interviews will be held at our Surrey office (KT17 2AF) from the w/c 11th May until end of May. Exact dates are to be decided.
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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Would you like to be part of a retail team that are community based, offer amazing choice and genuine sustainability?
Look no further – join us as a Sales Assistant in Bowness
This is a part time role working 20 hours a week in one of our busy clothing stores. Our stores are fast-paced and trade 7 days a week. This role requires flexibility to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
What does this role involve?
As a Sales Assistant you’ll be at the very heart of our retail operation. This is not just a standing behind the till or filling shelves type of role, we’re looking for someone who will deliver a first class customer service experience. It’s a fun, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and everyone works as a team.
Every day is different in charity retail, as well as working on the till or sorting donations, you can expect to:
- Engage with customers, providing exceptional service and promoting our charity’s mission
- Organise and merchandise donated stock creatively to maximise sales potential
- Collaborate with our E-Commerce team to maximise online sales
Please note, this role can be physically demanding and will involve moving a high volume of donation bags.
You will be given lots of autonomy in your role and will strive to continually build your knowledge of BHF.
What are we looking for?
- Previous retail experience isn’t essential. What truly counts is your passion, energy, and ability to deliver the very best customer service.
- You’ll be confident within a team environment and comfortable guiding the activity of volunteers on the shop floor
- Able to work well under pressure and on your own initiative in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail in everything you do
- Positive, creative, confident, customer service focussed and passionate about sustainability
- You’ll be comfortable with tech, able to use a Till, PC, Smartphone and e-mail with ease.
What’s important to us?
At the British Heart Foundation (BHF) we offer a huge range of new and used quality furniture, clothing, jewellery and more, available in store and online.
Since 1961, British Heart Foundation has been at the forefront of research that has helped to halve annual deaths from cardiovascular disease in the UK. But our work is needed more than ever.
In addition to raising funds for the BHF, we connect with our local communities and help reduce clothing and furniture waste across the UK. With over 700 stores we make a huge environmental impact by preventing around 70,000 tonnes of unwanted items going to landfill every year. We receive 1.6 million items donated to our home stores and 9.8 million bags of donated items and will continue to build upon our reuse agenda in the years to come.
Belonging at BHF
BHF values the diversity of our communities and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we believe we are better equipped to achieve our mission of helping people have a healthier heart for longer.
Why join the BHF?
We have a strong culture of internal progression and will actively support you to develop your career.
Our generous staff benefits include:
- 38 days annual leave (plus the option sell leave)
- Holistic support leave of up to 10 additional days off each year
- Enhanced family policies (maternity, paternity and adoption leave)
- Wagestream - early access to your wages
- 25% staff discount
- Health cash plan (Dental, Optical, Therapies, etc)
- Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Pension with employer contribution of up to 10%
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on gym memberships
- Discounts with a wide range of retailers
Ready to apply?
To apply, please follow these simple steps:
- Click the “Apply” button below.
- You’ll be seamlessly redirected to the BHF Careers page.
- Complete the application form, submit your CV and upload your employment history.
What do I need to know?
Inclusivity Matters: We’re committed to fairness and consistency. As part of this commitment, we use anonymous CV software during the application process
Act Swiftly: Early applications are encouraged. We’ll be reviewing submissions throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early
Sponsorship: Please note that we are unlikely to be able to sponsor applicants in respect of this role due to the role not meeting the minimum salary criteria to be eligible for sponsorship.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact a member of the Recruitment team.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region.
Role Profile and Person Specification
Key deliverables
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Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.
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Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.
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Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.
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Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.
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Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
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Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders.
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Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.
Role profile
Leadership and governance
- Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board.
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Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs.
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Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.
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Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.
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Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team.
Advocacy, profile and civic engagement
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Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
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Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.
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Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region.
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Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.
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Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.
Creative
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Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City.
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Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences.
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Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.
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Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.
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Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.
Brand, commercial performance and income
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Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.
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Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme.
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Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.
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Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.
Finance and operations
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Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.
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Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.
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Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.
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Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately.
People and culture
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Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement.
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Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.
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Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.
Person specification
Essential
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Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries.
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Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.
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Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.
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Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.
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An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change.
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A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources.
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A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.
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Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.
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Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.
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A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.
Desirable
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Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme.
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An extensive network in the cultural sector.
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Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects.
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Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.
We believe that difference is our strength.
Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Our mission is to ensure the northeast of England is the best place to dance and to experience dance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.