576 Training volunteer jobs

Benefits: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rated), 3% matched pension contribution, employee benefits scheme

Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

Job Purpose

As one of our High Support Needs IDVAs, you will be part of our experienced and dedicated adult team reporting to the HSN IDVA Manager covering the Canterbury District area, and your role will include a mixture of working from Catching Lives homeless centre, community and office working.

You’ll be providing a high-quality, frontline service to survivors of domestic abuse and play a crucial role in advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning and empowerment for our clients with more complex needs. You will assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse which are impacting their situation and help them to regain control of their lives. You will support them to make informed and safe choices and to move forward. You will provide a weekly drop-in at Catching Lives and will co-work with clients as appropriate.

Alongside working with survivors, you will develop and maintain productive relationships with partner organisations to strengthen multi-agency working and improve service outcomes for survivors. As the HSN IDVA, you will provide enhanced casework support to individuals within the EHCF client group, delivering support in community settings, in partnership with agencies such as Porchlight and the RSI team, and remotely via telephone where appropriate.

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting people who is confident, resilient and can build strong relationships.

You will have experience of delivering domestic abuse interventions with survivors, including some whose individual circumstances are more complex. This might include clients with issues such as homelessness, poor mental health or drugs and alcohol use.

The nature of this work and being exposed to survivors’ trauma and challenges can have a negative impact on our own wellbeing as support workers, and therefore good self-awareness and the ability to recognise our own needs and put in place appropriate boundaries is essential. All team members are expected to exercise self-care and attend regular clinical supervision to mitigate the potential impact of vicarious trauma.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 50 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide high quality case work support and information to victims/survivors who have experienced domestic and/ or sexual violence and have high support needs.
• Support those who are experiencing domestic and sexual abuse to access services to keep themselves (and their children) safe and address their needs
• Identify and assess the needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist while taking a trauma informed approach
• Provide 1:1 support to survivors in the Ashford, Canterbury and Folkestone and Hythe districts, either over the phone, in community venues or at Rising Sun offices
• Manage a caseload in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and adhere to confidentiality
• Work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and building positive working-relationships with team members
• Attend regular clinical supervision and case review meetings
• Hold weekly information and advice drop in sessions and facilitate relevant programmes when required i.e. Freedom Programme
• Participate in street walks to meet and build relationships and trust with street homeless
• Advocate for high-risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:
  • Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them.
  • Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to survivors including in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance. 
  • Effective partnership working with all key agency partners (including housing and other specialist services, such as drug and alcohol support) to address the safety of high-risk victims and ensuring that their safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference).
• Identify training opportunities and provide training and support for housing staff and other relevant agencies as appropriate
• Provide both formal training and informal guidance/casework support to Catching Lives staff.
• Work with volunteers (where appropriate) to enhance the capacity of the service
• Be responsible for personal well-being and exercise appropriate self-care
• Attend wider team meetings to share learning and feed into organisational developments
• Ensure that the service user is at the heart of all service delivery by encouraging participation in service development and reporting on their recommendations and complaints
• Be willing and available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support wider team activities such as representing Rising Sun at events (time off in lieu can be taken)
• Ensure publicity materials are effectively distributed as well as contributing to the development of literature

General

• At all times work professionally and to a high standard, setting an example to the wider team and external partners
• Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development, being responsible for personal learning and keeping up to date on research, relevant legislation, policy and practice, and other literature relevant to the role
• At all times protect the safety and security of the Rising Sun, service users, staff, volunteers and buildings, and the confidentiality of records and other information
• Uphold the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, and proactively assess the gender specific, trauma informed needs and the safety of children and women to ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed, having full regard to Rising Sun Safeguarding Children policy and Safeguarding Adults policy
• Ensure the effective implementation of Rising Sun’s policies and procedures and uphold the core values of the Rising Sun.
• Work across teams and undertake such other duties, appropriate to the grade and nature of the work, as may reasonably be expected.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Person specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes. (D = Desirable)

Qualifications

• An accredited VAWG/domestic abuse qualification, e.g. IDVA / DAPA (D)
• Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) qualification (D)

Knowledge and Experience

• A good understanding of the causes and dynamics of domestic abuse including its impact on survivors, children and young people, families and communities. 
• A sound working knowledge of housing, welfare and policy relating to domestic and sexual violence
• Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation (adults and children)
• At least two years’ experience of working directly with survivors affected by domestic abuse
• Experience of supporting individuals with mental health needs, including understanding the impact of mental ill health on wellbeing, safety, and recovery
• Experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse with complex needs for example homelessness, mental health issues, drugs and alcohol dependency (D)
• Experience of managing own case load, working under pressure and prioritising workload
• Experience of risk assessment and management, and safety planning
• Experience of multi-agency partnership work
• Experience of facilitating group programmes (D)
• Experience of delivering training (D)

Skills and attributes

• Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
• Personal resilience
• Good self-awareness and ability to exercise effective self-care
• Competent in the use of Microsoft packages i.e. Word, Excel and Power Point
• Effective negotiation, advocacy and interpersonal skills, at all levels
• Ability to collect and collate data and write reports as appropriate to this role
• Ability to be self-motivating, work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Ability to liaise and work well with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong crisis management skills

 Other

• A good understanding of cultural issues, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• A commitment to the values and ethos of Rising Sun
• A commitment to fostering innovation in working practice
• A flexible approach to your work
• A commitment to respecting and valuing service users' perspectives and involvement in Rising Sun
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (D) (the post holder will be required to attend meetings and events across our areas of work)

Please visit our website to download and fill out an application form if you feel that this role would be a good fit for you, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

About You

You are a reliable, compassionate and calm individual who is committed to supporting vulnerable people. You are able to work independently during night shifts while remaining a supportive member of the wider team.

You communicate well, build positive relationships with residents and colleagues, and handle challenging situations in a professional and respectful manner. You are organised, attentive to detail and comfortable completing records, handovers and routine checks.

Most importantly, you are motivated to create a safe, welcoming environment and to support residents in developing confidence and independent living skills.

Main Purpose Of The Job:

This role is responsible for delivering a safe and supportive service to all residents living at O’Hanlon House during the night. The post holder needs to work alongside the day and night teams to ensure the effective delivery of high quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire Policies and Procedures.

Main Areas Of Responsibility:

• Ensure the effective delivery of high quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.
• To be a supportive and effective part of the team working as part of a rota including nights and weekends. Maintain positive relationships with clients, relatives, carers, professionals, commissioners, contractors and the local community.
• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment.
• To support and encourage clients to care for themselves and develop independent living skills.
• To assess and manage risk for individuals and in the service, making use of emergency services as required.
• Report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with the charity’s policies and procedures.
• Comply with the charity’s health and safety standards.
• Manage challenging situations in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Actively ensure security of the building through regular checks and monitoring of CCTV system.
• To carry out designated cleaning and laundry duties (and any other housekeeping tasks).
• To participate in handovers at the beginning and end of shifts, ensuring that information is properly recorded and passed on where appropriate and relevant and in a timely fashion.
• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required and concise record keeping is completed promptly.
• Ensure clients are aware of and support them to maximise their opportunity to be involved in Client Participation.
• To participate in the induction of and support new team members.
• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.
• To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required, and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this position.
• To ensure that Homeless Oxfordshire’s Equal Opportunities Policies are complied promoted in carrying out duties of the post.

About Us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

Safeguarding Statement:

Homeless Oxfordshire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults, children and young people who are at risk of harm and that come into contact with our services. We believe that all adults, children and young people have an equal right to protection from abuse, regardless of their age, race, religion, ability, gender, language, background or sexual identity and consider the wellbeing of the vulnerable adult, child or young person is paramount. As a result, we have a robust safeguarding policy to ensure everyone is treated fairly and a whistleblowing policy to enable people raise any concerns confidentially. We expect everyone (staff, trustees, associates, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of the Company) to share this commitment and read, understand and adhere to this policy and related procedures.

Equal Opportunities:

We employ people on the basis of their abilities. We strive to attract and develop talent that is representative of our clients and all sections of the society, and do not discriminate based on of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional or cultural background. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.

Open To: People wanting to work weekends. This role is a shift and rota'd role that includes weekends, bank holidays, early and late days.

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Vision: Home-Start Southwark and Lewisham believes every parent should have the support they need to give their children the best possible start in life.

Main purpose of the job:

• To support the SVC to deliver a creative, safe and effective volunteer programme for potential, new and existing volunteers, with the aim of growing our volunteer team and encouraging retention.
• To help ensure HSS&L recruits volunteers from a range of communities, backgrounds and life experiences, including those with lived experience of parenting & community support.
• To outreach, develop and grow relationships with local organisations, groups, schools, businesses and residents to raise the profile of HSS&L and encourage volunteering, donations, referrals and wider partnership opportunities.
• To contribute to volunteer training, support, communications and events so that volunteers feel informed, confident, appreciated and connected to HSS&L’s mission.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by trauma and adversity. As Chief Executive, you will provide inspirational leadership, driving our vision, strategy, and impact while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed, and focused on delivering high-quality services that transform lives.

Working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners, you will champion our mission and identify new opportunities for growth and innovation. We are seeking a strategic and values-driven leader with experience of working within trauma-informed environments, a strong track record of securing grant funding, and the ability to build and maintain excellent donor and stakeholder relationships. The successful candidate will also have training experience and/or confidently stand in-front of large audiences discussing sensitive topics.

This is an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and ambitious leader who can inspire others, strengthen our charitable impact, and help shape the future of our organisation. If you have the vision, leadership experience, and commitment to making a meaningful difference in people's lives, we would love to hear from you.

St James’s Piccadilly is a Church of England parish in the heart of London. In addition to the regular services, a large and dynamic congregation, and committed staff team, we run and support a network of people with refugee asylum seeker lived experience, offering practical help and pastoral care as well partnering with organisations that support refugees and people going through the asylum system.

The successful candidate will have working knowledge and proven experience of the process of claiming asylum in the UK from first arrival to leave to remain and proven experience in supporting individuals going through this process; at least 2 years’ experience of working with volunteers, and team building networks of support; at least 2 years’ experience of providing pastoral care with people who have experienced significant trauma; understanding and appreciation of promoting and championing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office 365, computer literacy and online communication including social media.  

Candidates do not have to identify as Christian or belong to a religious faith, but the successful candidate will be in sympathy with, and actively promote St James’s ethos and values.

St James’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

St James’s actively welcomes applications from people who are currently underrepresented in our community including people with global majority heritage, people with lived experience of poverty and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Full role description and including application details can be downloaded from our website.

Closing date for applications: midday Friday 25th September 2026

Interviews:  planned for Thursday 8th October 2026

This is a varied, rewarding role for someone who wants to make a real difference in the community while helping to shape high-quality welfare benefits advice services. As a key member of the senior management team, you will lead a team of welfare benefits caseworkers, supporting colleagues with complex welfare benefits issues, offering regular supervision, and bringing the team together through advice meetings that encourage learning, collaboration and consistent good practice. You will also work with the senior management team to review data, identify trends and contribute to the development of our services. 

Working with our Head of Service, you will help recruit, train and supervise a small team of advice support volunteers. You will also have opportunities to share your expertise by delivering occasional welfare benefits training to volunteers and external partners.

Alongside your management responsibilities, you will provide specialist welfare benefits advice casework. The role includes flexibility in appointment scheduling, allowing you to respond to changing workflows and emerging needs across the service.

We are looking for someone with up-to-date welfare benefits knowledge, strong casework skills, and the confidence to support and develop others. You will bring excellent communication and organisational skills, sound judgement, emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach to leadership. Ideally, we are looking for someone with strong management experience, but we will also consider highly skilled caseworkers with the right aptitude, who are ready to take the next step in their career.

North Bristol Advice Centre is an innovative and forward-thinking charity that has been delivering advice support in communities since 1984. We are inclusive, values-driven, and prioritise excellence and quality, as well as providing caring and person-centred support. We actively support the wellbeing of our staff with flexible/hybrid working, relaxed dress-code and an active Wellbeing Group, and provide ongoing training and opportunities for professional development. 

The role is full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Hours: 35 per week. Occasional evening/weekend work may be required

Salary: £35,292 – £37,037 (pro rata) (+ 4% employer contribution to contributory pension scheme – after qualifying period)

We are looking for an inspiring and strategic Head of Services and Engagement to ensure our services are impactful, accessible and centred around the needs of people living with arthritis.

The Role

Hybrid: Two fixed days in London office (Mondays and Wednesdays), three days at home.

The Head of Services and Engagement will lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of Arthritis Action’s services and engagement activities. This is a key role responsible for ensuring that people affected by arthritis receive high-quality, evidence-based support and have meaningful opportunities to connect, participate and influence our work.

The postholder will oversee our membership and service portfolio, including community-based activities, self-management support and engagement programmes, ensuring they are effective, inclusive and aligned with organisational priorities. They will also support the creation of a sustainable volunteer model alongside our new Volunteer Manager, enabling volunteers to extend our reach, strengthen communities and increase our impact.

Key Responsibilities

Membership and Service Delivery

· Develop a strong understanding of the member and service user journey, using insight, feedback and data to identify opportunities to improve engagement, satisfaction, retention and outcomes at every stage.

· Oversee and lead on the delivery and continuous improvement of Arthritis Action’s member services, community activities, events, and other programmes.

· Develop approaches to increase access and engagement amongst diverse and underserved communities.

· Implement effective monitoring and evaluation processes to demonstrate impact.

· Work with colleagues to identify opportunities for service innovation, partnership working and growth and fundraising.

Engagement and Community Building

· Develop and implement an engagement approach that strengthens relationships with members, service users, supporters and communities.

· Create meaningful opportunities for people affected by arthritis to participate, connect and share their experiences.

· Work collaboratively with Communications and Fundraising colleagues to maximise awareness, participation and impact.

· Build relationships with community partners and relevant external organisations to extend reach.

Volunteering Strategy and Development

· Help develop Arthritis Action’s volunteer strategy alongside the Volunteer Manager, creating a sustainable model that supports organisational priorities.

· Provide strategic oversight and support to the Volunteer Manager, ensuring effective volunteer recruitment, training, support and recognition.

· Establish appropriate volunteer policies, processes, safeguarding arrangements and systems.

Line Management

· Lead, motivate and develop the Services and Engagement Team.

· Manage budgets effectively, ensuring resources are used efficiently and deliver value.

· Work collaboratively across the organisation, particularly with Communications and Fundraising.

· Represent Arthritis Action externally with partners, stakeholders and sector networks.

Data, Insight and Impact

· Use data, evaluation and feedback to understand service effectiveness and improve outcomes.

· Report meaningful KPIs for services, engagement and volunteering alongside the Services Manager.

· Use CRM and engagement data to improve communication, participation and user experience

Person Specification

 Essential

 Experience

• Experience of leading health, wellbeing, community or support services within a charity, healthcare or related environment.
• Experience of managing teams, budgets and operational delivery.
• Experience of implementing volunteer led services.
• Experience of improving the overall membership journey.
• Experience of developing and improving services based on evidence, insight and user needs.
• Experience of engaging diverse communities, members, service users or people with lived experience.
• Experience of developing partnerships and collaborative approaches.

Skills and Knowledge

•  Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to write in Plain English.
• Understanding of person-centred approaches and co-production.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of inclusion, accessibility and reducing health inequalities.
• Ability to use insight, data and evaluation to improve impact.

 

Attributes

•  An understanding of, and commitment to, Arthritis Action’s vision, mission, equal opportunities and diversity.
• A self-starter and senior leader, able to work on own initiative where required.
• Values-driven, collaborative and inclusive professional.
• Empathetic and committed to ensuring people’s voices shape services.
• Able and willing to travel within the UK.

Desirable

• Experience working in a health charity, patient organisation or membership body.
• Experience of supporting people with long-term conditions.
• Experience using CRM systems and digital platforms to improve engagement.

How to apply

Applications should be in the form of a CV with a covering letter explaining your interest in and suitability for the role. Please provide both email and telephone contact information for yourself. . Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Applications should be received by 11:59pm on Thursday 10th September 2026 at the latest.

First-round interviews will take place by Zoom on Thursday 17th September 2026. Second-round interviews will take place in the London office on Monday 21st September 2026.

 Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert ahead of the deadline should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

 Arthritis Action is an equal opportunities employer. We treat employees and job applicants in the same way regardless of age, disability, marital status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Could you turn bold ideas into campaigns that inspire people to give, volunteer and take action?

Mercy Ships UK is entering an ambitious period of growth and we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Marketing to help turn that ambition into impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the operational engine room of marketing at Mercy Ships UK, ensuring our fundraising, volunteering and brand priorities are transformed into compelling, integrated campaigns that reach the right audiences and deliver measurable results.

Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that bring free, life-changing surgical care and medical training to people who otherwise have little or no access to safe healthcare. Behind that extraordinary mission sits an equally important challenge: engaging more supporters, growing income, recruiting more volunteers and helping more people discover the work of Mercy Ships.

That’s where you come in.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Engagement, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary marketing delivery team spanning creative, content, digital and project coordination. You’ll bring together people, ideas, channels and priorities to make sure great strategies become brilliantly executed campaigns.

You’ll oversee the campaign journey from brief to launch and evaluation, shaping creative ideas, coordinating digital and offline activity, improving workflows, managing resources and using insight and performance data to continually improve what we do.

You’ll work closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Volunteering, Strategic Communications, Communities and Engagement, Digital and the wider global Mercy Ships network. This is a highly collaborative role where your ability to influence, prioritise and bring clarity to complex activity will be just as important as your marketing expertise.

We’re looking for someone who combines creative judgement with operational discipline.

You’ll know what makes a great campaign, but you’ll also understand everything that needs to happen behind the scenes to deliver it successfully. You’ll be comfortable moving between creative conversations, campaign planning, digital performance, budgets, stakeholder discussions and team leadership.

You may already be a Head of Marketing, or you could be an experienced senior marketing or campaigns professional ready to take the next step. What matters most is your track record of leading integrated campaigns, managing multidisciplinary teams and turning organisational priorities into marketing activity that delivers results.

This isn’t a role for someone who simply wants to maintain what already exists. We’re strengthening how marketing works across Mercy Ships UK, building greater integration between digital, creative, content and campaign delivery and creating a more resilient in-house capability for the future.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape those ways of working, develop the team and help create a marketing function capable of supporting Mercy Ships UK’s ambitious plans for growth.

And ultimately, the campaigns you help deliver have a purpose far beyond marketing metrics.

They help raise the funds, recruit the volunteers and build the awareness that enable Mercy Ships to bring hope and healing to people around the world.

If you’re an experienced marketing leader who loves making great ideas happen and you want your expertise to contribute to something genuinely meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

Shannon Trust facilitator - HMP Bure
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Bure. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

‍Interviews are planned for the 11th September 2026

REF-230325

Shannon Trust facilitator - HMP Wormwood Scrubs

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
Please note this role is subject to contract award

‍Interviews are planned for September 18th 2026

REF-230326

Join us and be part of something incredible - changing lives and creating fresh starts.

South West Community Chaplaincy (SWCC) provides dynamic, holistic support for people navigating the Criminal Justice System. We mentor individuals with criminal convictions to help them safely integrate back into their communities.

The Role

As our Community Connections Co-ordinator, you will inspire faith communities and churches across the South West to get involved. You will lead our volunteer network from start to finish, bringing creative ideas to attract, train, and support passionate people. Our volunteers are the absolute cornerstone of this life-changing work.

• Location: Office base is in Exeter (Covering Devon, Cornwall, and Western Somerset)

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage Communities: Network with churches and faith groups to promote volunteering.
• Manage Volunteers: Oversee recruitment, induction, training, and retention.
• Deliver Training: Upskill local congregations to work safely and effectively with people who have convictions, using SWCC resources.
• Build Safe Spaces: Identify and cultivate welcoming community networks for our clients.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with our Chaplains and other staff to map out local volunteer opportunities.

 What we are looking for:

• Faith Alignment: You actively embrace the faith ethos and values of SWCC (Occupational Requirement).
• People Skills: You build positive, authentic relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Creative Mindset: You think outside the box to solve recruitment challenges.
• Flexibility: You are available for occasional weekend work to support community events.

Benefits:

• 12 - 17 days annual leave per annum + 4 – 5 bank holidays
• Pension contribution 6%
• Travel and mileage expenses paid from designated office.
• Flexible working hours

Join Our Team and Help Transform Lives!

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Benefits Adviser to join our Transitions team, providing personalised benefits advice and support to people in their own homes and communities across West Devon and Torridge. You will help people understand and access the benefits they are entitled to, maximise their household income and navigate what can often be complex and challenging benefit processes. Many of the people we support face barriers to accessing mainstream services, so the ability to build trust, listen and provide patient, practical support is at the heart of this role.

We are looking for someone with strong communication and interpersonal skills, a person-centred approach and a genuine commitment to supporting people experiencing vulnerability or financial hardship. Previous benefits advice experience would be an advantage, but we also welcome applications from people with transferable skills and the right values and aptitude to develop in the role. Full training, support and opportunities for professional development will be provided

About the Role

Working as part of the Transitions Project, you will provide specialist, person-centred benefits advice to people in their own homes and community settings across West Devon and Torridge.

Many of the people we support experience barriers that make it difficult for them to access mainstream advice services, including poor physical or mental health, disability, rural isolation, digital exclusion, low confidence and complex personal circumstances. You will take advice directly to clients, providing the time, flexibility and practical support they need to understand and access their benefit entitlements.

You will complete comprehensive benefit checks, support clients to make and manage claims, identify opportunities to maximise household income and help resolve benefit-related problems. This may include supporting clients with challenging decisions, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals, as well as liaising and advocating with the DWP, local authorities and other agencies.

The role involves regular lone working and travel to clients' homes, so you will need to be confident working independently while remaining closely connected to the wider Transitions team.

This is a rewarding role with the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the financial stability and wellbeing of people who may otherwise struggle to access the support they need.

10–12 hours per week | £10,582–£12,698 per annum pro rata (£37,037 FTE) | Fixed term for 5 years to July 2031 | 3% pension

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is looking for an experienced and motivated Disability Employment Coach to support disabled people to move towards employment, volunteering, education and training, while developing the confidence, skills and practical strategies needed for sustainable employment.

You will provide one-to-one employment coaching, helping participants identify their strengths, aspirations and goals and develop personalised action plans. You will support people to overcome barriers to employment through practical coaching, encouragement, problem-solving and appropriate signposting.

You will also help plan and deliver CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s Job Club, creating accessible and engaging sessions that encourage confidence, peer learning and mutual support. Alongside this, you will develop relationships with employers, recruitment agencies, training providers and partner organisations to create opportunities for disabled people.

The role recognises that employment can take different forms. You will support participants to explore volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships, self-employment, social enterprise and entrepreneurship where appropriate. You will also provide suitable in-work support to promote job retention, workplace integration and career progression.

An important part of the post will be maintaining contact with programme alumni, monitoring longer-term employment, training and wellbeing outcomes and contributing to an active alumni network offering Job Club activities, peer support, mentoring and employer engagement.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting disabled people into employment, education or training, together with experience of employment coaching, careers guidance, employability support or vocational rehabilitation. You will need excellent coaching and motivational skills, an understanding of disability and barriers to employment, and knowledge of reasonable adjustments and inclusive recruitment.

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is a Disabled People’s Organisation committed to the Social Model of Disability, equality, inclusion and independent living, and welcomes applications from disabled people and people with lived experience.

Youth Volunteering Officer

35 hours per week, temporary contract until December 2028.

We are Chester Zoo

We're not just an award-winning visitor attraction that's home to 30,000 incredible animals within 128 acres of stunning gardens. We're a major conservation charity committed to preventing extinction and restoring nature, both locally and globally.

As the world faces an extinction crisis, we're making a significant contribution to conservation when it's needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Youth Volunteering Officer to join our Volunteering Team within the Conservation Education and Engagement Directorate.

As a Youth Volunteering Officer, you will work closely with the Volunteer Manager and the Networks for Nature project staff to deliver an inclusive volunteering programme for young people aged 14-25. The role focuses on creating meaningful opportunities that connect young people with conservation and social action, whilst supporting their personal development and wellbeing.

The Youth Volunteering Officer will recruit, train and mentor young volunteers, ensuring high-quality experiences that are inclusive, safe and impactful. The Youth Volunteering Officer will also recruit, train and support adult Youth Champion Volunteers who will be empower and support the youth volunteers to participate and engage in the volunteer programme.

As Youth Volunteer Officer, you will co-ordinate a supported programme for young people that will include practical conservation, visitor engagement and the Conservation Changemakers programme, designing and delivering their own projects while recognising and evidencing the skills they gain.

The role will also support the delivery of our wider youth programmes including our Environmental Leadership courses, and Youth Network events supporting pathways for young people to access training, events, and volunteer experiences.

We're looking for someone who can:

Programme Delivery

With guidance from the Volunteer Manager, coordinate and deliver youth volunteering opportunities for young people aged 14-25, including practical conservation activities, visitor engagement opportunities and social action projects. Support young people to develop skills, confidence and experience through meaningful volunteering.

Volunteer Recruitment and Support

Recruit, induct, train and support youth volunteers, ensuring they receive a positive and rewarding volunteering experience. Support young people to access pathways into conservation, community action and the wider youth programme. Recruit, train and support Youth Champion Volunteers who play a key role in encouraging and facilitating youth participation within the programme.

Inclusive Participation

Work proactively to reduce barriers to participation and provide tailored support for young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, neurodiversity, mental health challenges or socio-economic disadvantage.

Youth-led Projects and Co-production

Coordinate and facilitate youth-led conservation and community action projects through the Conservation Changemakers programme. Enable young people to generate ideas, plan activities, take ownership of projects and evidence their learning and achievements.

Events, Training and Activities Planning and Delivery

With support from the Volunteer Manager, deliver volunteer events, training sessions, workshops and networking opportunities for youth volunteers, working with colleagues and partners to provide engaging and high-quality experiences. Support the delivery of youth programme events, including Environmental Leadership courses.

Participant Engagement Monitoring

Monitor participation through surveys, feedback mechanisms and regular check-ins. Collate engagement and outcome data, contributing to project evaluation and reporting for internal stakeholders and funders.

Daily Volunteer Engagement

Manage day-to-day communication with youth volunteers and Youth Champion Volunteers, including responding to enquiries, processing applications, maintaining records, organising rotas and training bookings, and providing ongoing support.

Safeguarding, Safety and Risk Assessments

Work with the Volunteer Manager to ensure all youth volunteering activities operate within safeguarding policies and procedures. Assist with risk assessments and ensure that appropriate welfare, wellbeing and safety measures are embedded throughout all activities.

Partnership Working

Work with the Volunteer Manager to develop effective working relationships with schools, colleges, youth organisations, community groups and relevant internal departments to increase participation, reduce barriers to engagement and strengthen programme delivery.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.
As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• Fixed term contract until December 2028

• 35 hours per week

• Salary £24,062.50 per annum (pro rata based on 35 hours per week)

• The postholder will work 5 days out of 7 including a regular weekend day

• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (pro rota)

• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family

• Cycle to work scheme

• Healthcare plan

• Discounted gym membership

• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks

• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions

Our Requirements

• An understanding of and commitment to Chester Zoo's mission, vision and values.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Experience of coordinating, supporting or working with volunteers.

• Experience of delivering training, workshops or activities with a range of audiences.

• Knowledge of inclusive practice and supporting young people with diverse needs.

• Strong organisational, administrative and planning skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent communication and literacy skills including by phone, face to face and via email/online discussion boards

• Ability to build positive relationships with young people, colleagues and partner organisations.

• Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and digital communication tools.

• Experience of working in a busy office environment as part of a team & on own initiative

• Full UK driving licence.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Knowledge of youth work/ youth engagement which could be demonstrated by a relevant qualification in youth work, education, community development, related field or relevant experience

• Experience of delivering conservation, environmental or outdoor learning activities.

• Experience of supporting young people facing barriers to participation.

• Working knowledge of volunteer management systems.

• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.

• Experience of monitoring and evaluating volunteering activities

Additional Information

• Due to the nature of the role, this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

• The closing date for applications is 27/09/2026.

Networks for Nature is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.