Adult education coordinator volunteer roles

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Coordinator role

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. Using a simple assessment, the Coordinator will explain to a potential new ‘Reader’ how Read Easy may be able to help them. The Coordinator pairs up new Coaches with those who want to learn to read and provides ongoing support to these reading pairs. They visit reading sessions occasionally and maintain support through regular calls with both Reader and Coach to check all is going well, calling on the group’s Literacy Specialist to respond to any literacy related difficulties a pair may be having. Being a Read Easy Coordinator is very flexible. You decide how much time you have to offer, and this will determine the number of reading pairs you look after. The role provides lots of variety, is home-based and can work well around other commitments.

How we will support you

You will be provided with the Coordinator Handbook, training, induction, policies, resources and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser. In addition, the Coordinator Supporter will meet with you regularly to provide support and find out how your Reading Pairs are getting on. You will be invited to Read Easy UK’s volunteer forums and National Conference which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

What you will be doing:

● Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter.

● Enrol and assess new Readers, using the simple resources provided.

● Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions (which will take place in an approved venue or online).

● Visit your reading pairs to provide encouragement, presenting certificates on occasion.

● Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.

● Contribute to Coach meetings where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support. (Run by the Management Team typically every 8 weeks.)

● Attend Management Team meetings when invited, typically every 6-8 weeks either in person or remotely.

● Record progress of your reading pairs using resources provided, sharing these with the Management Team to keep them fully informed and submit expenses for payment egularly.

The skills you will need:

● A passion for supporting others achieve either their reading or coaching goals;

● A willingness to become familiar with the methods of the phonics based Turning Pages coaching manuals, so that you can confidently guide others;

● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills;

● Self-awareness, personal responsibility and a professional approach;

● Reasonable confidence in using IT(accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings);

● The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently and as part of a team;

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures;

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Management Team;

● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included;

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of 2-3 hours a week to commit to the role.

What's in it for you? You will:

● receive outstanding Reading Coach Training;

● meet and work collaboratively with new people, and

● be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole Witnessing these transformations are one of your greatest rewards as Coordinator.

Interested?

If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, often described as ‘the best role in Read Easy’ because it is so rewarding, please contact the person who sent you this role description.

Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references. This role also requires an Enhanced without barring DBS Check (in line with DBS Code of Practice)

Can you spare 3 hours a week to make a difference to the lives of children? Home-Start Volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to families.

We are looking for compassionate, non-judgemental and caring individuals to join our community of volunteers to share their parenting experiences and knowledge with families. Home-Start is one of the leading family support charities in the UK and Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire work in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford. Our volunteers provide a weekly, one-to-one home-visiting service. We help families from all backgrounds, with at least one child in the household under the age of 5 years, through their most challenging times.

Your role will be to offer support to a family you are matched with and support them in the way that they would like: this may include help with practical tasks such as getting out of the house, attending appointments, an extra pair of hands on a trip to the park or a playgroup, role-modelling how to play with children or helping to get organised. It could also involve empathising and supporting through emotional issues in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. All visits are a maximum of three hours, once per week and all take place Monday to Thursday, between 9am and 4pm (and only when our office is open).

Home Start also deliver targeted groups to support families, a place for families to connect, learn and play together. Volunteers support Home Start staff to deliver groups for families – from helping to set up/clear away, role-modelling playing with the children to parents and offering friendly emotional support to parents.

We will train you to Home Start Warrington and Cheshire standards of excellence. The training is free and is delivered by a combination of online modules and four, weekly, face to face sessions with one of our Family Support Coordinators. 

The course will cover 

The role of a Home-Start volunteer

Values, attitudes and inclusivity

Confidentiality

Listening and communication

Meeting the needs of families and children

Safeguarding

Our next volunteer course of preparation is due to start in September. We offer the course in two locations - Warrington on Tuesday's or Winsford on Thursday's.

Volunteers will receive ongoing support and supervision from our Family Support Coordinators and there are opportunities for further training. Your experience, attributes and competencies will be recognised, and you will have the opportunity to develop them further.

Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire is committed to safer recruitment practise as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults. Any offer of a voluntary role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references and to have completed our preparation course and signed our Code of Conduct and relevant policies and procedures before they will be able to volunteer with a family or at one of our groups or events.

Make a difference for children in Northwich, Warrington and Winsford and enquire today.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. 

The Literacy Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone who comes to Read Easy to improve their reading gets the support that they need to succeed.

Role of a Literacy Specialist:
● Providing literacy support to the Coordinator and Reading Coaches
● Visiting reading pairs to advise on specific situations and challenges that Readers and Coaches may be facing
● Contributing to the content, delivery and organisation of coach meetings
● Creating a ‘Resources Box’ containing a range of useful activities and resources that Coaches can use to support and extend their Readers’ learning
● Assembling ‘Starter Packs’ for Coaches and Readers, using guidance provided
● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every 6-8 weeks

Skills needed:
● A background in teaching reading/literacy (preferably, but not necessarily, with adults)
● An understanding of the difference between the needs of adults and children in the learning process
● A knowledge of the range of teaching resources that are available for adults, or a willingness to research them
● Reasonable confidence in using IT
● The ability to use initiative and work independently
● A willingness to abide by Read easy policies and procedures
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role, ideally some during the day

Ideally you will be based in the Keynsham area. You will need to attend meetings with reading pairs and there will be Management Team meetings every 6-8 weeks.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. 

Reading Coaches are paired with Readers and meet twice a week to guide them through Read Easy's phonics based Turning Pages programme.

Role of a Reading Coach:
● Developing the literacy skills of an adult Reader who has difficulty with reading
● Meeting with your Reader for two separate half hour sessions each week face to face in an approved venue or remotely on a video call or a combination of both
● Providing non-judgemental literacy support to your Reader
● Utilising your empathy and understanding to support your Reader
● Delivering the phonics based Turning Pages programme with guidance for coaches on every page and using other approved resources
● Keeping records of your meetings
● Liaising with your allocated Coordinator and Literacy Specialist
● Attending Coach meetings approximately every two months
● Working within Read Easy policies and procedures

Skills needed:
● Confident reading skills
● Clear communicator
● Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding whilst maintaining boundaries
● Ability to talk and listen to the person you coach in a patient, positive, encouraging and purposeful way
● A non-judgemental attitude and a positive respect for others, regardless of abilities, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or age
● Ability to focus on your Reader and their needs
● Ability to work alone, seeking support when necessary
● Reliability, consistency and an ability to handle disappointment
● A commitment to maintain confidentiality and volunteer within Read Easy’s guidelines and policies
● Willingness to commit to the required training
● Ability to utilise Zoom meeting platform to attend remote coach training
● Ability and confidence to use a computer to access documents online, or the willingness to learn to do so 

You will need to make a regular commitment to meet your Reader twice a week for a half hour session.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. 

Outline of the Volunteer Recruiter role
If you’re a ‘people person’ and enjoy meeting a wide range of people, the Volunteer Recruiter role will give you the opportunity to be the first point of contact for all potential volunteers and to have overall responsibility for managing the recruitment and interviews for your local group.

You will need to be enthusiastic, a good listener and be able to spot a strong volunteer. By helping to recruit the 
right volunteers, you will play a vital role in ensuring the longevity of the group. 

How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, policies, training/induction, and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups. 

What you will be doing 
● Managing the recruitment process of all volunteers for your group, leading interviews with the Coordinator or Team Leader.
● Making sure all volunteers feel properly supported, informed, heard and valued.
● Working with the rest of your group’s Publicity Organiser to identify the best means of advertising to attract the volunteers you need.
● Managing the recruitment process for all potential volunteers and ensuring that an appropriate induction is provided, and keep everyone informed on progress.
● Ensuring that volunteers’ expectations are managed appropriately and that your group does not recruit significantly more volunteers than it can reasonably allocate roles to.
● Providing all Coaches with an annual Feedback Questionnaire and raise any issues identified that need addressing with the Management Team.
● Ensuring compliance with Volunteer Policy and Equality Diversity and Inclusivity Policy
● Attending Management Team meetings typically every six to eight week.

The skills you will need
● Ideally, experience of interviewing. 
● The confidence to promote the work of Read Easy and a strong commitment to improving the lives of people who struggle with reading.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two - three hours a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you? 
● Apply and develop your interviewing and communication skills
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

DofE Program Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Leaders perform a vital role on behalf of the DofE and CAG. They are the adult leaders responsible for the management and training of a DofE group which could be at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. They lead, guide, train and support young people, agree their program choices, sign off their completed sections and approve their eDofE evidence.

Description

We are looking for someone to lead and train our DofE groups to a successful conclusion and take home an award to be proud of.

To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking or walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, route planning, map reading, using a compass, campcraft) and be able to cope with changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential. CAG can provide training opportunities to the right person.

Key Tasks

Young people

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programmes to young people in the DofE group.

• Manage the provision of a safe and enjoyable DofE programme for participants in the DofE group.

• Support participants to decide on their program choices and set their timescales and goals.

• Regularly encourage and review participation in chosen activities by participants.

• Train teams to undertake expeditions.

• Support expedition team(s) with their expedition planning.

• Coordinate with other CAG team members for the successful planning and completion of expeditions.

• Encourage the use of eDofE by participants, regularly approve uploaded evidence and agree the completion of sections.

• Celebrate achievements as often as possible.

CAG - the Licensed Organisation

• Keep in regular contact with the DofE Manager / Coordinator  and CAG Trips Coordinator.

• Respond to requests from CAG in a timely manner.

General

• Regularly communicate with parents about DofE group plans / meetings etc.

• Use eDofE to measure the performance of the DofE group and to keep abreast of participation.

In addition DofE Leaders must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Further training may be undertaken by completing the DofE Leadership Programme.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate young people.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles & CAG ethos.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   You will also have some fun, support a good  cause, gain skills and experience, and support the DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time).

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week and some weekends - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. 

Outline of the Volunteer Recruiter role
If you’re a ‘people person’ and enjoy meeting a wide range of people, the Volunteer Recruiter role will give you the opportunity to be the first point of contact for all potential volunteers and to have overall responsibility for managing the recruitment and interviews for your local group.

You will need to be enthusiastic, a good listener and be able to spot a strong volunteer. By helping to recruit the 
right volunteers, you will play a vital role in ensuring the longevity of the group. 

How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, policies, training/induction, and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups. 

What you will be doing 
● Managing the recruitment process of all volunteers for your group, leading interviews with the Coordinator or Team Leader.
● Making sure all volunteers feel properly supported, informed, heard and valued.
● Working with the rest of your group’s Publicity Organiser to identify the best means of advertising to attract the volunteers you need.
● Managing the recruitment process for all potential volunteers and ensuring that an appropriate induction is provided, and keep everyone informed on progress.
● Ensuring that volunteers’ expectations are managed appropriately and that your group does not recruit significantly more volunteers than it can reasonably allocate roles to.
● Providing all Coaches with an annual Feedback Questionnaire and raise any issues identified that need addressing with the Management Team.
● Ensuring compliance with Volunteer Policy and Equality Diversity and Inclusivity Policy 

● Attending Management Team meetings typically every six to eight week.

The skills you will need
● Ideally, experience of interviewing. 
● The confidence to promote the work of Read Easy and a strong commitment to improving the lives of people who struggle with reading.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two - three hours a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you? 
● Apply and develop your interviewing and communication skills
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

We are looking for team members who can commit for a minimum of 10 weeks, with adaptable profiles and who have the enthusiasm and energy we need to provide support in various areas across the organisation.

In this generalist role, you will find yourself responsible for a variety of tasks, helping to ensure that both our programme activities and day-to-day operations run smoothly. Second Tree works in a transparent way, in a challenging and changeable situation in the field; therefore, an ability to learn quickly and be open to feedback is vital. 

Your role would include:

The possible tasks included below are not exhaustive or rigidly defined; an exact role profile is dependent on the skill set of individual applicants. An average day might see you talking to students in a camp to tell them about a new class, or supporting the writing of a grant proposal. Tasks could loosely fall within 4 key areas:

Programmes

• Supporting programme coordinators in maintaining the day to day running of their activities with the Youth or Adult Education Programmes

• Supporting our children’s teachers or workshop facilitators in the planning or delivery of classes or excursions outside of camps

• Communicating key messages about our programmes to our students in camps

Admin, Finance & Logistics

• Supporting our management team in liaising with external partners

• Maintaining organisation-wide financial processes

• Coordinating the arrival and housing of incoming team members

Grants & Partnerships

• Supporting in the identification of relevant grants

• Supporting in grant writing activities

 Communications & Fundraising

• Contributing to the written/visual content of Second Tree’s social media output

• Developing social media strategies to expand our reach and impact

• Producing regular reports on performance

• Maintaining our website

• Supporting the planning and implementation of Second Tree’s fundraising initiatives, such as campaigns

• Organising and maintaining regular communications with Second Tree’s donors (newsletters, thank you letters)

You should be able to:

• Be accountable and efficient, making sure that tasks that you take up are completed on the agreed timeframe

• Be honest and transparent, being able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way possible

• Care for people; the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

• Instil the values above in the people that work with you

• Have keen problem-solving abilities, and a good understanding of what questions to ask, and when

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Learn quickly, managing a wide-ranging and intense workload

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow; investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

NOTE: If you require a visa to stay in Greece for the minimum ten-week commitment, please know that as a Greek NGO, we are unable to sponsor your visa.

London is one of the most electric, fast-paced cities on Earth. Yet underneath the noise, it is facing a quiet crisis.

In boroughs like Tower Hamlets, nearly 40% of our neighbors report feeling chronically lonely and isolated. For many adults, urban isolation is a heavy, daily reality.

We are SUNSHINE, and we are here to smash that isolation with pure, unadulterated, radical positivity and human connection!

We are seeking a volunteer who has experience in Marketing and Communications. We need our storyteller, a creative, visually minded, and highly driven volunteer to amplify our voice, build our digital footprint, raise our profile, and help us paint London yellow with positivity and human connection!

What You’ll Do

• Own the Story: Create and lead on our social media content calendar and bring it to life across Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook and others.
• Guard the Vibe: Coordinate with our volunteer graphic designers to ensure all templates, quote cards, and digital assets match our signature high-vibrancy brand identity.
• Drive Engagement: Write punchy, encouraging copy that inspires lonely residents to take the brave step of showing up to our socials, and motivates local creatives to join our behind-the-scenes squad, or our frontline volunteer team.
• Animate the Grid: Turn raw photos and smartphone footage captured by our frontline team at the "SUNSHINE Programmes" into joyful Reels, TikToks, and posts that showcase our real-world impact.

Who We Need

A positive human, passionate about marketing and communications and who wants to help us reduce loneliness through positivity and human connection.

• A Creative Storyteller: You understand social media aesthetics. You know how to make digital content feel urgent, warm, inspiring, and visually engaging.
• An Organised Coordinator: You are comfortable leading a small micro-team of 3–4 creative volunteers, delegating tasks smoothly, and keeping asset production on schedule.
• A Smartphone & Canva Native: You know your way around Instagram Reels, TikTok formatting, and basic Canva layouts, and you love using digital tools to build communities.
• Empathetic & Purpose-Driven: You deeply believe in the power of words and visuals to dismantle the "loneliness stigma" and want to use your creative skills for good.

Why Lead With Us?

• Complete Creative Freedom: No corporate red tape. You have the ultimate license to design bold, bright, and radically positive campaigns that disrupt the standard charity landscape.
• A High-Impact Portfolio: Building the entire launch marketing framework for a fast-scaling London charity is an incredibly high-utility asset to showcase on your CV or professional portfolio.
• A Supportive Founding Crew: You will be backed by a dedicated Founder and team of volunteers.
• Pure Joy: You will directly see the impact of your storytelling as your posts guide isolated individuals out of their rooms and into a supportive community of floating bubbles and friendly smiles.

Ready to help us Paint the Town Yellow?

Let’s make something beautiful together.

SUNSHINE Charity

Shining a light on loneliness

DofE Program Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Leaders perform a vital role on behalf of the DofE and CAG. They are the adult leaders responsible for the management and training of a DofE group which could be at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. They lead, guide, train and support young people, agree their program choices, sign off their completed sections and approve their eDofE evidence.

Description

We are looking for someone to lead and train our DofE groups to a successful conclusion and take home an award to be proud of.

To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking or walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, route planning, map reading, using a compass, campcraft) and be able to cope with changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential. CAG can provide training opportunities to the right person.

Key Tasks

Young people

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programs to young people in the DofE group.

• Manage the provision of a safe and enjoyable DofE programme for participants in the DofE group.

• Support participants to decide on their program choices and set their timescales and goals.

• Regularly encourage and review participation in chosen activities by participants.

• Train teams to undertake expeditions.

• Support expedition team(s) with their expedition planning.

• Coordinate with other CAG team members for the successful planning and completion of expeditions.

• Encourage the use of eDofE by participants, regularly approve uploaded evidence and agree the completion of sections.

• Celebrate achievements as often as possible.

CAG - the Licensed Organisation

• Keep in regular contact with the DofE Program Manager and CAG Trips Coordinator.

• Respond to requests from CAG in a timely manner.

General

• Regularly communicate with parents about DofE group plans / meetings etc.

• Use eDofE to measure the performance of the DofE group and to keep abreast of participation.

In addition DofE Leaders must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Further training may be undertaken by completing the DofE Leadership Programme.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate young people.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles & CAG ethos.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   You will also have some fun, support a good  cause, gain skills and experience, and support the DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time).

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week and some weekends - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.