Step up volunteer coordinator jobs in east of england

Who are we?

Part business, part charity, part membership body – students’ unions are all seriously fun places to work. They are organisations in their own right. Professionally run, but different. Professional teams support Elected student leaders so as they make change, improve lives and fulfil potential, we help make it happen.

The Union of Brunel Students has a small but impactful staff team dedicated to serving the needs and interests of our members. Our size allows us to work closely together and make decisions quickly, while our passion for creating positive change means that every member of our team has an impact on helping us deliver our Vision to ensure that every student thrives at Brunel.

We are one of more than 600 students’ unions across the country. And with more than 15,000 members, 150 clubs and societies, a huge range of services and a bold strategy, we’re one of the most exciting.

What’s the job?

This maternity cover role will have a significant and stabilising impact, ensuring co-ordination in governance, HR, and compliance for the Union of Brunel Students. The postholder will act as a key operational anchor, supporting legal integrity, staff wellbeing, and organisational continuity.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive individual to step into a vital fixed-term position during the maternity leave of our Head of People and Compliance. This role ensures continuity and excellence across governance, HR coordination and legal compliance.

You will work closely with the Trustee Board, Senior Leadership Team, and Union staff to uphold high standards in documentation, policy, and people management.

From servicing board meetings to managing recruitment and GDPR processes, your work will be central to our success, promote a positive workplace culture and supporting the Union’s mission to be a trusted and effective organisation for students, staff, and trustees.

This is a Fixed term role, completing on the 22nd May 2026.

Who you are:

You are a highly organised, empathetic, and values-driven professional with a passion for good governance and inclusive practice.

With excellent literacy and numeracy skills, you bring an understanding of charity, education, or similar sectors, alongside a working knowledge of key legal frameworks like GDPR, charity law, and equality legislation.

You will have experience of co-ordinating governance processes, supporting recruitment, and managing sensitive information with discretion and care. Whether you are preparing agendas, taking minutes, or liaising with trustees and senior leaders, you do so with clarity, professionalism, and integrity.

Your attention to detail is second to none, and you thrive in busy environments—juggling deadlines, solving problems independently, and adapting to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.

Above all, you’re a team player who champions equality, diversity, and inclusion. You’re proactive, resilient, and committed to the ethos of a student-led charity and are content to pitch in where needed.

Why apply?

Because you're inspired by the opportunity to make a real difference in students’ lives.

As a Students’ Union and registered charity, our mission is simple but powerful: “To ensure every student thrives at Brunel”. We’re anything but corporate – a dynamic, values-driven team of passionate individuals committed to positive change. We work in an unconventional, energetic environment where creativity and purpose go hand in hand.

In return for your passion and commitment we offer a flexible and supportive workplace, and an excellent holiday allowance – all designed to help you thrive too.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability. We’re building a diverse, inclusive team that reflects and champions the diversity of our student community.

And just so you know – your application will be read by a real person. We don’t use AI to screen candidates, because we genuinely care about getting to know you. So, when you apply, write your personal statement as if you're speaking directly to us. We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

BENEFITS

We offer a generous benefits package to reward our staff's hard work and commitment:

• Pension Scheme – statutory workplace pension scheme ‘NEST’.
• Generous holiday allowance - 25 days a year plus bank holidays. Additional days are usually given at Easter and Christmas in line with the University closure dates (usually about 5 additional days a year).
• Long service - 2 additional days leave will be given after 5 years continuous service
• TOTUM Card - All Union career staff are entitled to receive a TOTUM student discount card free of charge.
• Free Union sport membership - Allowing access to 35+ sports clubs, and our Active@Brunel social sport programme.
• On-site parking – Parking on campus at a low-cost rate.
• Flexible Working - The Union adopts a flexible working environment.
• Hybrid working – The Union allows for the ability to occasionally work from home, based on business need.
• Personal Development - The Union is fully committed to investing in your future. If you are interested in a training programme which you feel would benefit you within your current position you can submit a training request via your line manager.
• Employee assistance programme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave

KEY DATES

Application Deadline: Monday 6th October 2025

Interviews: Week Commencing 13th October 2025

Start Date: To be discussed with the successful applicant, but ideally in November 2025.

OUR VALUES

At the Union of Brunel Students, our values are at the heart of everything we do. They guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we support our student community. We’re proud to stand by these principles:

• Driven by You
• Open to All 
• Passionately positive
• Integrity

These values are more than just words, they’re the foundation of our work and the reason we exist: “To ensure every student thrives at Brunel”.

To find out more about our values and how they influence life at the Union, visit our website.

Senior Practitioner - Bracknell
Location: The Courthouse, Broadway, Bracknell, RG12 1AE
Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £23,613 per year (FTE)
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2026

Are you looking for a role where every day is different, every child is celebrated, and your impact is immediate?
Join us as a Senior Practitioner and help create joyful, inclusive play opportunities for disabled children and young people. You’ll lead with creativity, support families with compassion, and inspire a team that’s passionate about making a difference.

Senior Practitioner – Supporting Disabled Children, Young People & Families

Make play possible. Make inclusion real. Make a difference. 

We’re looking for a Senior Practitioner who is passionate about empowering disabled children, young people, and their families. This isn’t just a role—it’s a chance to lead, inspire, and create joyful experiences that build confidence, connection, and belonging.

What makes this role exciting?

• Impact with purpose: You’ll directly shape services that bring fun, freedom, and opportunity to children and young people.
• Leadership with heart: From mentoring staff to leading sessions, you’ll grow your leadership skills while making a visible difference.
• Creativity every day: Plan, deliver, and adapt activities that spark imagination and celebrate every child’s unique abilities.
• Collaboration that counts: Work hand-in-hand with families, schools, health and social care professionals, and community partners.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and leading inclusive play and social activities where children’s voices guide the fun.
• Providing dedicated 1:1 support for children with multiple and complex needs.
• Mentoring and supporting play staff and volunteers to deliver their best.
• Taking the lead on outings and external visits, making new adventures possible.
• Acting as site manager when needed, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
• Keeping records and plans up to date, making sure families are involved every step of the way.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience working with disabled children, young people, and families.
• A track record of planning and delivering engaging group activities.
• Strong communication skills that adapt to children, parents, carers, and professionals alike.
• Confidence to work independently, problem solve, and use your initiative.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, equal opportunities, and the real-life challenges families may face.
• A minimum of GCSEs/NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent).

Why you’ll love it here

You’ll join a supportive, passionate team where your ideas matter and your work changes lives. We’ll invest in your training and development, celebrate your successes, and give you the freedom to shape services that truly put children and families first.

Why Join Kids?

We’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We care about your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. Here’s what we offer:

The Good Stuff/Benefits

• Join a company that truly cares about your wellbeing
• Enjoy an enviable annual leave package, starting at a generous 25 days and growing each year up to 30 days.
• Option to buy an additional 5 days holiday.
• Enjoy your entitlement to Bank Holidays.
• We've got your back with Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Rest easy knowing you're covered with our Death in Service plan.
• Invest in your pension plan with the option to top it up knowing that Kids is also contributing 3%.
• Achieve work-life harmony with flexible hours tailored to your needs.
• Unlock exclusive discounts by taking up membership of a perks discount site
• Spread the word and reap the rewards with our enticing "Recommend a Friend" scheme.
• Access confidential support and expert guidance 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, helping you navigate both personal and professional challenges.
• Take care of yourself with Company Sick Pay which you are entitled to from your first day.
• 5 days of paid family/carers leave.
• Salary sacrifice schemes available
• Develop your mentoring skills by either being a mentor or signing up for our mentoring programme.
• Expand your horizons with Kids’ online learning platforms, offering a wealth of professional courses for your personal and career development.
• Apprenticeship programmes available for employees
• Benefit from a colleague engagement programme enabling your voice to be heard.
• Lean on us during difficult times with Bereavement Leave.

Safeguarding & Commitment

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. You’ll be trained and supported to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and inclusion.

Ready to step into a role where every day is different, every child is valued, and your impact is immediate? Apply today and help us create playful, positive experiences that last a lifetime.

Please note that we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development.

We activate teenagers’ confidence, optimism and skills to play their part in the world today, through performing and sharing extraordinary music.

We are looking for a Youth Support Manager to deliver outstanding pastoral support and safeguarding across NYO’s national programme. This role is central to ensuring that young people feel happy, listened to and secure while participating in NYO activities. It combines practical management, team leadership and youth-centred insight to embed NYO’s ethos into every aspect of delivery.

Working closely with the Head of Youth Development, you will manage the freelance Support Team and lead the Youth Support Co-ordinator, ensuring that safeguarding, welfare and inclusion are implemented consistently. You’ll be confident handling conversations with teenagers and their parents/carers, managing sensitive information, and coordinating logistics in a busy residential environment. You’ll also deputise for the Head of Youth Development when required, leading operational briefings and representing the team in cross-programme conversations.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and development through music. You’ll work closely with colleagues across planning, programmes and operations, and be a visible and responsive point of contact for young people and staff on the ground.

At the National Youth Orchestra, you'll work as part of a supportive, friendly, and adventurous staff team. Learning and personal growth are intrinsic to every role.

Our offices near Holborn in central London are a hive of activity, a space for collaboration and ideas. Hybrid working is standard for most roles, with a flexible and supportive culture. NYO offers a season ticket loan scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, health cash plan, retail and entertainment discounts, and a 24/7 counselling and support helpline.

Visit our website to find out more and apply

Deadline for applications: 10am, Monday 29 September 2025

Prison Facilitator - HMP Bedford & HMP Littlehey

Location: HMP Bedford and HMP Littlehey
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £28,274 per annum
Hours: 35 hours
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Contract

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 Littlehey & HMP Bedford. 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. 

This 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: 30th September 2025

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: 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.

REF-223590

We are recruiting an energetic and enthusiastic officer to join our Activity Service to support the older people who attend our range of activities.

We are looking for a positive, dynamic individual; to join our busy and vibrant Activity Service, this is an exciting time to join the team as we develop and expand the service including the way we take bookings and deliver our activities. This role is based at pur office in Mitcham and is the first point contact for people who attend our centre in person or over the phone, so we are looking for someone with exceptional customer service skills and warm and welcoming with good listening skills.

If you are interested in the role but aren’t sure you meet all of the person specifications, we would still like to hear from you and are especially keen to hear from people who have transferable skills which will complement this role.
 

The closing date for applications is the 5th of October, if you would like any further information or to arrange time to chat for more information on the role please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Interviews will be held in person on the 13th of October in our centre in Mitcham.

Prison Facilitator - HMP Isis

Location: HMP Isis (London)
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £12,110
Hours: 14 hours
Contract Type: Permanent

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 Isis. 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. 

This 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 week commencing 29th September 2025

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: 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.

REF-223607

Job Title: Online Engagement and Inclusion Lead (Young People’s Services)

Organisation: Kids

Location: Remote work with occasional travel to London for in-person meeting

Hours: 36 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years

Salary- £31,000 - £33,000

Purpose

This role leads the coordination of Kids’ online engagement and digital inclusion work for young people with SEND, including information provision, participation, and wellbeing support. You will deliver a two-year Online Wellbeing and Resilience Support Programme, including identifying and engaging digitally excluded young people to help them access vital digital tools and services. The role also drives collaboration across the Digital Services Consortium (a collaboration of 12 children’s charities), embedding shared learning, outcome measurement, and inclusive digital practices across Kids, and will create new capacity to work with young people to scope and deploy online campaigning activity.  

Responsibilities

• To lead and coordinate Kids’ online engagement and inclusion work for young people with SEND. This includes Kids’ online information provision; voice/ participation and wellbeing work.
• To develop and deliver Kids’ two-year digital inclusion programme, Online Wellbeing and Resilience Support Programme* to ensure reach and impact is maximised.
• To work with the Digital Services Consortium Driving Digital Inclusion members on shared digital project outcome measures and community of practice, ensuring learnings and online engagement and digital inclusion principles are captured, shared and built into the organisation.
• To identify and recruit (working closely with colleagues from services across Kids) digitally excluded young people to the digital inclusion programme so they can become digitally included and access much needed support and guidance.
• To establish a holistic and joined up approach to Young People’s online engagement and digital inclusion with Kids.
• To create new capacity to work across all services and teams, and with a range of young people, to scope and deploy online campaigning capabilities in line with Kids’ Speak Up and wider national and local influencing work.

Key to your success in the role will be:

• Ensuring an audience-led approach, leading and championing an important collaborative way of working across Kids existing young people's services.
• Confidently working within the Kids digital infrastructure and context – understanding where we are at on our digital journey, building excellent problem-solving relationships with marketing, IT, change team and young people’s services colleagues.
• Helping to embed digital inclusion practices across the organisation.
• Applying strong digital, data and analytical skills to enable you to baseline, track and measure progress.
• Demonstrating excellent attention to detail whilst being flexible to adapt to the needs of a new programme.
• Influencing the broader Kids service teams to identify and engage digitally excluded young people.
• Centering the voices and needs of young people with SEND.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven experience working in digital engagement initiatives, ideally with young people or vulnerable groups.
• Involvement in programmes that promote digital inclusion and wellbeing.
• Experience in outcome measurement, impact reporting, and using data to inform practice.

Desirable

• Experience in co-producing content or services with young people, including those with SEND.

Skills

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to diverse audiences including young people, professionals, and stakeholders.
• Skilled in using digital tools and platforms to deliver services and measure engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build strong internal and external relationships.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and practices in online environments.
• Awareness of current trends in digital engagement and youth participation.
• Knowledge of inclusive digital design and accessibility standards.
• Understanding of digital inclusion principles and the barriers faced by digitally excluded young people.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about inclusion, equity, and empowering young people.
• Committed to co-production and user-led design.
• Growth mindset and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Committed to continuous learning and sharing best practices.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a collaborative mindset.

*About the funded programme

Kids Online Wellbeing and Resilience Support Programme will help young people with SEND (aged 13 – 25 years) build resilience, positive self-regard and meaningful connections.

Our goal is to reduce isolation and protect mental health through a supportive, inclusive digital environment. We’ll begin by consulting directly with young people to understand what they need most. Together, we’ll co-create new online content and resources that truly reflect their voices and experiences. 

 What the Programme Offers: 

• Online information with resources codesigned with young people with SEND. 

• A series of interactive webinars and guided online activities. 

• Free devices and data to improve access to those who need it most, plus the support to ensure everyone can participate.

We will reach over 1,800 young people over the two year funded period.

Partner Acknowledgements

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Digital Services Consortium (DSC) has received over £1.5 million over two years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. The DSC has also received a grant of £400,000 from BBC Children in Need for two years to provide digital support for disabled or seriously ill children and young people and their family members across the UK. Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone have generously donated devices and data through the Good Things Foundation National Databank and Device Bank which will help address affordability barriers.

Are you someone who believes that the unique power of sport positively impacts the lives of disabled people?

We're seeking a Senior Partnerships Officer to help us expand our Coaching and Training offerings. In this dynamic role, you'll be the driving force behind forming new partnerships and strengthening existing networks. You’ll also manage exciting collaborations and think creatively about community sports development and its impact, helping shape opportunities that truly make a difference.

You will identify opportunities by generating leads, attending events, and engaging stakeholders to grow. You’ll have the chance to work across our project portfolio, delivering outcomes for our partners and funders, including Nike and London Sport.

Through line-managing our Workforce Development Officer, you will oversee the development of our talented and inspiring workforce, who are vital to our success.

You will play a key part in generating unrestricted funding to support our core operations and initiatives. Contributing to our “Enrich” strategic strand, a central focus will be fostering trust within the communities we serve, enriching the experiences of disabled people.

The role addresses gaps in delivery to meet the needs of underserved communities, supports the development of coaches by creating paid opportunities and mentorship for disabled coaches, and promotes awareness and attendance at our Community Clubs.

Working closely with the Head of Service Delivery, you’ll help shape the future by developing sustainable pipelines for growth, while playing your part in responding to enquiries as a valued member of our friendly team.

We’re looking for someone with a growth mindset who thrives within a small and inclusive delivery team. A positive team oriented attitude is key. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds who may not meet every qualification but are passionate about the role and bring relevant skills and experience.

If you are excited about the position of Senior Partnerships Officer, we would love to hear from you.