Volunteer and regional office administrator jobs in Edinburgh
Location - Remote · United Kingdom (multiple locations)
Suffolk · Essex · Lincolnshire · Norfolk · Cambridgeshire - Homebased in East Region of England
About the role
This is an excellent opportunity to join a small, dedicated team delivering a specialist service to service leavers and their families.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate Mentor Manager to join our mentoring service, supporting both SSAFA beneficiaries and our network of volunteer mentors.
In this role, you will act as the operational point of contact for your area of responsibility, managing and recording the work of volunteer mentors. You will conduct specialist needs assessments for potential beneficiaries and monitor, support, and review mentoring relationships through regular engagement with volunteers. You will also brief, present to, and coordinate the involvement of key stakeholders across your area of responsibility.
This is a home‑based role with extensive travel across the East Region of England.
Please refer to the Area of Responsibility map for further details.
About the team
You will be joining a small, well‑established, and dedicated team covering the whole of the UK. With regular team meetings and a range of communication channels, you will receive ongoing support, training, and mentoring. Although we operate remotely, we are a closely connected team whose collaboration, commitment, and shared purpose drive our success.
About you
We are seeking an exceptional candidate who thrives on challenge—someone determined, highly motivated, and able to build strong relationships and a positive reputation across the region while working from home. You will be confident communicating with a wide range of stakeholders and comfortable balancing teamwork with the ability to work independently under your own initiative.
Ideally, you will have experience managing a large geographic area, along with excellent communication and IT skills, including strong proficiency in MS Office 365 and database systems.
Experience in volunteer management, with a willingness to learn and a genuine passion for making a difference are essential.
An understanding of the Armed Forces and ex‑Forces community would be beneficial, but it is not a requirement.
About SSAFA
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 54,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.
SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.
Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA
SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.
SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.
How to apply
For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button. If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Clare Bain for an informal discussion.
If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact us.
Closing date: Midnight on 03 March 2026. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.
Interviews: TBC
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
Thank you!
Purpose of the role:
Back Up courses are a vital part of what we do and have been transforming lives for almost 30 years. You will play a critical role in making this fantastic service work as well as supporting the wider team.
You will be the main support and liaison for participants, buddies and care team volunteers, ensuring that everyone feels supported and knows what to expect. You will ensure courses run smoothly and effectively through an effective, efficient administration service.
Key stakeholders:
People with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their families; professionals and organisations working with people affected by SCI; Back Up staff
How to apply:
• A CV (including two referees, one of whom should be your present or most recent employer. We will contact them after interview.)
• A (maximum) two side A4 supporting statement, saying why you want the job and explaining how you meet the criteria in the job description. This statement is crucial; CVs alone will not be accepted.
• A completed equal opportunity form. This form will be kept separate from your application and not viewed by the recruiting manager. It is used to help us assess the diversity of our applicants to ensure our processes are fair to all. It is optional to fill in, but it will help us improve and maintain high standards.
Registered Charity
At Back Up, our vision is a world where everyone affected by spinal cord injury can reach their full potential.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
This is an exciting and varied opportunity to join Arthritis Action at a pivotal time as we are in the process of developing our 2027-2030 strategy. As our Engagement and Events Co-ordinator (Devon and Cornwall), you’ll play a key role in expanding our reach and impact across the region, ensuring more people have access to our resources and delivering our programme of online events.
You'll engage with a wide range of communities and professionals and support the delivery of online groups and outreach projects. From working with underrepresented communities to helping us connect with more people living with arthritis to support them to self-manage their condition.
Key Responsibilities
Community Outreach & Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with local organisations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
- Organise and deliver community presentations and outreach activities to promote Arthritis Action's services and resources.
- Actively support the delivery of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy by engaging with diverse and underrepresented groups across the region, including rurally isolated and low-income communities.
- Consolidate findings from the community outreach work into a report by the end of the fixed term contract.
Networking & Relationship Building
- Identify and pursue new networking opportunities with community, healthcare, and voluntary sector partners.
- Represent Arthritis Action at regional events.
- Support collaboration across projects and teams to maximise impact.
- Identify opportunities to work with local volunteers to help raise awareness of Arthritis Action.
Events
- Help promote attendance at our online groups and events to those living in Devon and Cornwall.
- Support the delivery of our programme of online Groups and Events.
- Assist in gathering feedback to help evaluate this service.
General Duties
- Maintain up-to-date records, including inputting data into the organisation’s database.
- Attend and contribute to the internal Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group.
- Carry out other duties appropriate to the role as required.
Person Specification
Experience & Skills
Criteria
Proven experience in community engagement or outreach: Essential
Strong project management and organisational skills: Essential
Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Essential
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and video conferencing tools: Desirable
Confident in group facilitation and public speaking: Essential
Ability to research and establish partnerships: Essential
Experience using a charity database: Desirable
Experience delivering training content: Desirable
Experience working as part of a small team: Desirable
Experience of working with volunteers: Desirable
Essential Personal Attributes
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently
- Collaborative team player with a positive, proactive attitude
Location & Travel
This is a home-based role located within the Devon or Cornwall region. The post requires frequent travel throughout the region, and candidates must have access to their own vehicle. All reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 5 years), plus Bank Holidays and 3 additional days for Christmas office closure
- 7.5% employer pension contribution (with 2.5% employee contribution)
- 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Annual Eye Tests
How to Apply
Applications should be in the form of a CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience meet the requirements. Please include your email address, telephone number and location within the Devon/Cornwall region.
Deadline for applications: 12th March 2026 at Midday.
We may close applications early if sufficient interest is received, so we encourage early submissions.
- First interviews will be held via Zoom the week commencing 16th March 2026
- Second interviews will be held on Zoom and are TBC
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Arthritis Action is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively welcome applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with lived experience of arthritis or similar conditions.
Arthritis Action is an equal opportunities employer. We treat employees and applicants in the same way regardless of age, disability, marital status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
In order to process the application we will require both a CV and cover letter.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Arthritis Action is a UK charity helping people with arthritis to live fuller lives with less pain.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.
The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.
The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.
The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.
Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development
- Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
- Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
- Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.
Public Affairs
- Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
- Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
- Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.
Campaigns & Influence
- Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
- Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
- Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims.
Leadership & People Management
- Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
- Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
- Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.
Financial Accountability
- Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Diversity & Inclusion
- Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
- Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.
How to apply
Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.
As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.
If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.
Safeguarding
Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.
At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.
Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.
For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Role
The Programme Officer will manage day-to-day relationships with Degrees’ research groups based in the Latin America and Caribbean region, ensure smooth grant administration, and support regional events.
Key Responsibilites
Grantees
- Being the first point of contact for our grantees and stakeholders, including volunteer research collaborators.
- Supporting research teams to gain access to, for example, modelling data.
Grant management
- Grant management, including onboarding and ongoing administrative support for the grantees of the various research funds at Degrees.
- Processing payments.
- Supporting the monitoring, evaluation and learning process in relation to programmatic activities.
Events
- Working closely with the Events Manager, other regional Programme Officers and Policy Engagement staff to organise international events, including regional workshops in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Administration
- Support the building and improvement of internal processes.
- Contributing to the monthly call and research seminars.
- Provide ad-hoc support as needed, for example, financial administrative support for grants and programmatic events, note-taking, organising travel, inputs to communications, working with Degrees’ senior management, board, volunteers, and partners.
Key relationships
- Within the Programmes team forge close working relations with Programmes Director, Programmes Manager, other Programme Officers, Events Manager, Staff Scientist and Scientific Writing and Publishing Lead.
- Develop strong working relations with colleagues from the following teams i) Operations, ii) Policy & Engagement and iii) Communications.
- Provide ongoing support for Degrees funded scientists based in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Qualifications
We are seeking a dynamic self-starter based in the UK, with experience in planning and running international events as well as academic workshops. As Degrees is still operating as a relatively small but growing team, the successful candidate will be flexible and motivated – prepared to turn their hand to whatever needs doing to deliver Degrees’ programme of work.
Essential
- A university degree in a relevant subject such as international development, international relations, public policy or earth sciences.
- At least two years’ experience.
- An understanding of climate change science and associated development challenges.
- Fluent in English and Spanish.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Good analytical skills with an ability to distil key messages from complex information.
- Strong digital skills.
- An ability to multitask, to set and deliver on priorities, and to work under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with people of all levels and backgrounds.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, remote start-up environment.
- Ability to travel overseas for up to a week per visit as required.
- A commitment to the mission and values of the Degrees Initiative.
- Legal right to work in the UK.
Desirable
- A master’s degree in a relevant subject.
- A degree in environmental science or international development.
- Five to ten years of post-university professional experience
- Proficiency in Portuguese.
- Advanced digital skills, such as proficiency with advanced spreadsheet functions.
- Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications, with strong proficiency in Excel.
- Experience working in or with developing countries.
- Experience in event organisation, workshop facilitation, grant administration, impact monitoring and evaluation, and/or budgeting and financial management.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
A dynamic charity working on climate change and global development
