Volunteering and community engagement manager jobs

About this role

The Children’s Book Project is a registered charity that directly tackles inequalities in well-being, self-esteem and educational outcomes in childhood by gifting beautiful, contemporary books to young people with very few books of their own. We have now gifted over two million pre-loved, carefully curated books to children across the UK via schools, foodbanks, prisons and women’s groups, ensuring the relevance and appeal of every book we gift.

Join us as Volunteer Manager and you’ll help transform childhoods through book ownership. In this vital role, you will recruit, inspire and coordinate a diverse team of volunteers across three regional hubs, each team charged with running impactful corporate volunteer events. Your energetic leadership will foster a vibrant community, ensuring effective recruitment, training, and retention. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about social impact, this is your opportunity to create a best in class volunteer experience and support our wider goals.

Our Volunteer Manager has a very clear remit: to ensure that each of our book sorting events in Birmingham, Leeds and London is fully staffed by motivated and well trained Team Leaders and Volunteer Coordinators and that our wider volunteering needs (occasional drivers, remote volunteers) are met and supported as required.

They will plan and implement an ongoing programme of recruitment and training that takes into account potential attrition and our expanding needs. They will develop and implement initiatives that show our gratitude for our volunteers. And they will play a key role within the charity helping to measure and convey externally the value we place on a high quality volunteering experience.

To read the full role outline please visit our website and submit your completed application form.

Note that CVs are not accepted. Applications accepted until 24th April.

Job Title: Volunteer Development Manager

Team: People and Culture

Location: Hybrid (split between home-working and either London, Cardiff or Edinburgh) or home-based contract.

Status: Permanent

*The salary on appointment will be set between £47,845 to a maximum of £54,369 depending on the candidate's skills and experience. If you are internal and on the same grade then the salary will be as reflected in our pay policy. This approach aims to ensure fair compensation for new hires while maintaining alignment with the structured pay scale for the role.

Context and purpose of role

Volunteers are vital to the success of the Ramblers and the delivery of our strategic goals. That’s why we’ve launched a bold new initiative to enhance volunteer experience. We’re creating a journey that is inclusive, engaging, and genuinely impactful. Our aim is for The Ramblers to be a place where every volunteer feels welcomed, valued, and supported every step of the way.

We believe volunteering should be more than giving time. It should be about finding purpose, building connections, and being part of something meaningful. We are committed to creating an environment where people from all backgrounds and walks of life feel inspired to join us, confident in contributing, and motivated to stay and grow.

As volunteering lead, the postholder will play a pivotal part in bringing that vision to life.

You will work closely with key stakeholders to enhance the volunteer experience at every stage of the volunteer lifecycle—from attraction and recruitment through to development and recognition.

You’ll design and deliver innovative approaches to enhance the experience of our current volunteers, along with planning and implementing new approaches to attracting volunteers for the future.

This role provides the opportunity to create something lasting: a volunteer experience where people don’t just give their time —they feel a genuine sense of belonging, while making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

The role will report directly to the Head of People Experience.

Key responsibilities

Volunteer Recruitment and Onboarding

· Develop and implement strategies to attract and recruit a diverse pool of volunteers.

· Design and deliver comprehensive orientation programs to introduce new volunteers to the organisation and their responsibilities.

Training and Development

· Create and facilitate ongoing training programs to enhance volunteer skills and knowledge.

· Provide resources and support to ensure volunteers are equipped to perform their roles effectively.

· Organise workshops, seminars, and training sessions to foster continuous learning.

Volunteer Management and Coordination

· Ensure accurate records of volunteer hours, roles, and performance are maintained.

· Create a safe and supportive environment, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practices around safeguarding.

· Develop and implement policies and procedures for volunteer management.

Volunteer Retention and Engagement

· Design and execute recognition programs to acknowledge and celebrate volunteer contributions.

· Organise events and activities to keep volunteers engaged and motivated.

· Regularly communicate with volunteers to provide updates, gather feedback, and address concerns.

Program Evaluation and Improvement

· Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer program.

· Conduct surveys and assessments to gather feedback from volunteers and identify areas for improvement.

· Implement changes and enhancements based on feedback and best practices.

Collaboration and Partnership Building

· Work closely with teams to identify volunteer needs and opportunities.

· Build and maintain relationships with external partners and community organisations to expand volunteer resources.

Technology and Data Management

· Utilise technology track and manage volunteer information.

· Maintain up-to-date records and generate reports on volunteer activities and program outcomes.

· Leverage communication tools and platforms to effectively engage with volunteers.

Other

· Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required of the post

· Engage and proactively develop excellent working relationships

The person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Knowledge

This section specifies the theoretical understanding or specific expertise needed for the role:

· Knowledge of the value volunteers add, and the impact they bring to organisations.

· Expert and up-to-date knowledge of the law relating to volunteering and volunteering best practice principles, and procedures, particularly around recruitment and retention.

· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of implementing best practice solutions to drive a volunteering involving ethos and culture.

- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practices.

Skills

This section details the specific abilities and competencies required to perform the job effectively:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building and influencing skills

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data and use insights to drive decision-making

• Problem-Solving Skills: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues

• Project Management Skills: Ability to plan and co-ordinate activity across multiple teams to deliver project goals

Experience

This section specifies the practical, hands-on experience required for the role:

• Experience of ensuring Volunteer and Volunteer Role Manager journeys are accessible and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion.

Personal Attributes

· Active Listener: Listens attentively to others and values their input

· Collaborative: Values and leverages diverse perspectives and skills within the team

· Adaptable: Able to adjust to new situations and challenges with ease

· Problem Solver: Proactively identifies issues and works towards effective solutions

· Analytical Thinker: Analyses information thoroughly and makes sound decisions.

· Detail-Oriented: Pays attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in work

· Mentoring: Willing to mentor and support the development of team members

· Innovative: Embraces new ideas and technologies to improve processes

· Ethical: Upholds ethical standards and integrity in all actions

· Visionary: Looks outwards to anticipate trends and identify opportunities to enhance volunteer experience

Values and Behaviours

Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people.

Inclusive

We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.

Inspiring

We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.

Empowering

We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.

Responsible

We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.

If you love connecting people with purpose, this is your chance to shape something extraordinary. Join Rockinghorse and lead a volunteer community that supports children and families when they need it most.

About Rockinghorse Children’s Charity

Rockinghorse Children’s Charity supports sick and disabled children across Sussex. We support babies, children and young people, along with their families, at The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and The Trevor Mann Baby Unit in Brighton and all of the specialist children’s wards and baby units throughout Sussex. 

We deliver and fund projects that enable doctors and nurses to do more. All of projects are led by the needs of children and young people and their families – the lifesaving medical equipment, the support for parents and families, the toys for children spending time in hospitals across Sussex, the environments and spaces that help children feel more at home when they are in hospital and additional staff to make sure children get the best possible care when they are unwell. 

Originally set up in 1967 by Dr Trevor Mann, we have been supporting children for more than 55 years, and in that time, we have supported nearly a million children and their families. As the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, including the Trevor Mann Baby Unit, we work with the NHS, charity partners and the Sussex community to ensure children can be children no matter now sick they are. 

We do not receive any government, statutory or local authority funding and so we rely on the generous support of individuals, community groups, companies and trusts: people like you, who care about children and want Sussex to be a safe place for children to grow up. 

About the Role

In 2025 we launched our five-year strategic plan, which prioritised our activities to enable us to support more babies, children and teenagers. As we enter the final year of this strategy the charity continues to expand and develop its projects and services children all over Sussex.

This role will support the Head of Finance & Operations and be responsible for organising and managing the charity’s volunteers and the volunteer programme, working across the charity to ensure we have the right individuals to support our work. You will be responsible for the management, recruitment, onboarding and retention of all short and long-term volunteers, to ensure we can continue to deliver life-saving projects for children and young people across Sussex.

You’ll bring excellent organisational skills, outstanding written and verbal communication skills, a can-do attitude, evidence of brilliant people management skills, and a passion and enthusiasm for supporting young people. You’ll be part of a successful team that values wellbeing and champions teamwork, where our vision for children and young people is shared, and success is celebrated.

Duties of the Role 

Support the charity to deliver brilliant projects and services that support children and their families:

· Work collaboratively across the charity team to recruit volunteers with the necessary skills, experience and commitment to support our project delivery, fundraising activities, events schedule and office work.

· Communicate regularly with our volunteer community, to highlight upcoming fundraising and challenge events and ensure there is sufficient and appropriate representation in place per event.

· Ensure that the charity has the right policies and procedures in place for the recruitment, onboarding, retention and management of volunteers.

· Lead on and co-ordinate the induction and training of volunteers to ensure they are fully onboarded and prepared for the charity and the role.

· Support volunteers to achieve their aspirations in terms of work experience, education, training or further volunteering during their time with us.

· Co-ordinate individual and/or group supervision and support for volunteers.

· Manage a volunteer database in line with relevant data protection legislation and ensure that all volunteers undergo appropriate due diligence during the recruitment process.

· Encourage and facilitate volunteers to share their experiences as case studies and reflections.

· Co-ordinate volunteer thank you initiatives, engagement activities and communications to ensure volunteers feel part of the charity and actively participate in our work.

· Create partnerships with new corporate and community partners to maintain a steady flow of volunteers into the charity.

· Develop effective working relationships with existing partners, helping to engage local teams in volunteering and fundraising opportunities.

· Oversee work experience placements throughout the year, ensuring a positive experience and maximising the return on investment for the team.

· Manage the offboarding process for all volunteers, ensuring a brilliant experience from start to finish.

· Support the Head of Marketing and Communications to create promotional, marketing and social media materials related to our volunteer programme.

· Modernise and automate processes on an ongoing basis to increase workflow efficiency.

· Lead on the evaluation of the volunteer programme and ensure we understand and value to impact volunteers bring to the charity.

· Report on the volunteer function as part of the management information and against set KPIs and targets. 

Support the charity more widely:

· Represent Rockinghorse at events and activities, building strong peer relationships and sharing best practice.

· Model excellent conduct and behaviours in line with the charity’s values and ethos.

· Carry out other such duties as may be required for the purposes of the charity, including working flexibly during evenings and weekends as required.

· Travel across Sussex as needed in order to attend events and meet with our supporters and volunteers.

Person Specification -

Essential experience, skills and knowledge for the role: 

1. Experience and understanding of the principles of volunteer management in a charity and/or not-for-profit.

2. Proven experience of recruiting and managing volunteers day to day.

3. An understanding of safeguarding and welfare management frameworks.

4. Able to work collaboratively and build productive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and third-party partners.

5. Able to prioritise own workload effectively and comfortable with working autonomously.

6. Excellent time management skills with strong prioritisation and organisation skills.

7. Brilliant communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities.

8. An understanding of data privacy theory and application.

9. Experience of using customer relationship management platforms (Rockinghorse uses e-Tapestry).

10. Commitment to Rockinghorse Children’s Charity’s mission, vision and values.

Desirable experience, skills and knowledge: 

1. Experience managing communications and marketing to support volunteer engagement.

2. Previous work experience with a non-profit, or charitable organisation.

Work skills you’ll need day to day: 

1. A can-do attitude.

2. Brilliant organisational skills.

3. Excellent people skills with an adaptable and flexible manner and approach.

4. Excellent written and verbal communication.

5. Ability to support and motivate others.

6. Ability to work on own initiative and as an active team member.

7. Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits of Working for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity: 

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata to part-time working pattern). 

· An additional day of annual leave on your birthday. 

· Additional Christmas closure days (pro-rata to part-time working pattern).

· Competitive pension scheme. 

· Employee and dependants’ health cash plan including access to an online GP and counselling. 

· Family leave including maternity, adoption, shared parental and paternity leave. 

· Ongoing opportunities for learning and professional development. 

· Quarterly reward and recognition days. 

· Opportunity for flexible, hybrid and part-time working. 

· Cycle to work scheme. 

· Access to Enterprise Car Club. 

Rockinghorse is committed to building an inclusive workplace, with equity for all, whilst embracing and championing inclusion and diversity. We welcome applications from all. 

_______________________________________________ 

Application Process 

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter outlining how you fulfil the ten essential elements of the person specification.

Your covering letter must address your experience, skills and knowledge against the “Essential” elements of the person specification. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. If you also meet any of the “Desirable” criteria, please outline these too. 

If you need any support with the process or application, please get in touch. We can also talk through the role and answer any questions you may have informally.

All applicants will be shortlisted to proceed to interview based on their ability to demonstrate they have, or can gain, most of the essential criteria for the role – as demonstrated in the covering letter.

Estimated timeframes: 

· Application deadline midnight 10th May 2026.

· Shortlisting w/c 11th May 2026.

· Interviews will be Thursday 21st May 2026 in central Brighton.

Interviews will be with the Head of Finance & Operations and the Senior Projects Manager and will consist of a series of set questions (the same for each candidate) about your skills, experience and knowledge relating to the post (Essential, Desirable and Work skills).

The interview will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the role, the charity and the process of recruitment.

The role will be available from 1st June 2026 (depending on post holder’s availability).

The role

The Engagement Manager leads the relational and safeguarding delivery of Lighthouse, ensuring the programme is experienced as a place of dignity, trust, and consistency for every participant. This role sits at the centre of the work - shaping how Lighthouse feels, how people are received, and how support is experienced in practice.

Lighthouse operates in a dynamic environment where participant needs, operational demands, and volunteer teams intersect daily. You will bring presence, judgement, and emotional intelligence to that space, maintaining strong relational consistency while responding thoughtfully and appropriately to what emerges in real time.

You will take ownership of participant engagement across the programme. This includes building trusted relationships, maintaining strong safeguarding practice, and supporting volunteers to engage in ways that are respectful, boundaried, and trauma-informed. Your role is to ensure Lighthouse is not only well run, but deeply human - a place where people feel seen, respected, and supported.

You will also play a central role in shaping how Lighthouse supports people beyond immediate engagement. By understanding participant journeys and needs, you will help strengthen pathways into stability, connection, and opportunity. This requires sound judgement, relational skill, and the ability to translate insight into practical support.

You will work closely with the Programme Manager to ensure Lighthouse remains both operationally strong and deeply responsive to the people it serves.

Key responsibilities

Participant engagement and presence

• Lead participant engagement across Lighthouse delivery
• Build consistent, trusted relationships with participants
• Maintain a visible, calm, and grounded presence during programme sessions
• Help ensure participants feel recognised, welcomed, and respected

Participant wellbeing and support

• Recognise emerging participant needs and respond appropriately
• Support participants to access information, services, and appropriate support
• Help maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive programme environment
• Ensure participant experience remains consistent and well held

Safeguarding leadership

• Lead safeguarding practice across the programme
• Coordinate safeguarding processes, documentation, and follow-up
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and incidents
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and escalation pathways are consistently followed
• Exercise sound judgement in complex or sensitive situations

Volunteer support and guidance

• Support volunteers to engage confidently and appropriately with participants
• Provide guidance on boundaries, relational approaches, and safeguarding awareness
• Help create a volunteer culture that is consistent, compassionate, and well supported
• Ensure volunteers feel clear, confident, and supported in their roles

Partnerships, referrals, and pathways

• Build and maintain relationships with outreach teams, support services, and sector partners
• Coordinate referrals and connections to external services where appropriate
• Develop pathways into employment, training, and longer-term stability
• Liaise with employers and partner organisations connected to participant opportunities
• Strengthen the network of support available to participants beyond Lighthouse

Requirements

About you

This role requires someone who is grounded, perceptive, and confident taking responsibility within a complex, people-centred environment.

You will be able to build trust quickly while maintaining clear boundaries and professional consistency. You will bring a calm, thoughtful presence and be comfortable navigating emotionally complex situations with care and sound judgement.

You will likely bring:

• significant experience working alongside vulnerable or marginalised communities
• strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• knowledge of safeguarding practice and working with vulnerable adults
• confidence navigating complex or emotionally demanding situations
• the ability to remain calm, consistent, and thoughtful under pressure
• a deep commitment to dignity, respect, and trauma-informed practice

Working pattern

Lighthouse operates primarily between 8:00am and 8:00pm, with occasional evening events. Programme delivery is supported by a team of volunteers.

The two Managers coordinate their working schedules to ensure presence during key delivery periods across the programme week.

Working patterns are flexible and planned collaboratively to support delivery while maintaining sustainable workloads.

Lighthouse Management Structure

Lighthouse is delivered through a shared model, with two Managers working together to ensure the programme remains a safe, consistent, and dignified space for people experiencing homelessness.

Delivering this well requires both strong programme organisation and careful, trauma-informed engagement with participants.

The two Managers hold complementary responsibilities that ensure Lighthouse is both well-run and deeply responsive to the people it serves. While each role leads on specific areas of the programme, they work closely together to maintain consistent standards, clear communication, and a reliable experience for participants.

Joint responsibilities

Together the Managers ensure that Lighthouse operates with consistency, safety and care:

• Participants experience Lighthouse as a safe and welcoming space where they are treated with dignity and respect
• Delivery remains trauma-informed, relational, and grounded in Under One Sky’s values of presence, trust, and follow-through
• Lighthouse sessions are appropriately staffed, with volunteers and team members supported to deliver confidently and reliably
• Safeguarding is embedded into day-to-day delivery, with clear processes for responding to disclosures, incidents, risk, and vulnerability
• Participant needs, concerns, and wellbeing are recognised early and responded to appropriately
• Volunteers and staff are supported to hold clear boundaries while maintaining compassion and respect
• Communication and follow-through are strong so participants do not experience gaps, confusion, or inconsistent responses
• Lighthouse maintains a high standard of care, professionalism, and stability across the programme week

Culture and approach

The Managers help shape the tone of Lighthouse through calm, grounded leadership and consistent presence within the programme.

They help ensure the Lighthouse remains a place where participants feel:

• seen and respected
• safe and protected
• met with consistency rather than unpredictability
• supported without judgement
• able to access help with dignity

They create the conditions for volunteers and staff to provide meaningful support while ensuring Lighthouse remains structured, accountable, and deeply human.

ID: 1782 Operational Manager, Northeast

Service: Stockton on Tees Family Time, Stockton Family Outreach & Volunteer service and South Tees Perinatal service

Salary: Grade 4 Point 34-38: £42,562 – £46,703 FTE (£34,049.60 - £37,362.40 per annum, pro rata for 29.6 hours per week)

- Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum

Location: Home based

Hours: Part-time (up to 29.6 hours per week)

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the operational delivery of services across Stockton on Tees and South Tees (Recar & Middlesbrough) area.  The Operational Manager will provide strategic and operational management to our services in the Northeast and line management of 2 - 3 service managers.

Stockton services are delivered under our successful strategic partnership with Stockton Borough Council. This unique partnership was formed nearly 5 years ago with the aim of transforming service provision using a collaborative approach to service development and innovation. Our South Tees Perinatal service operates over Redcar and Middlesborough and are just entering a 3 year extension to our current contract.

Main Responsibilities:

· Provide leadership, management and supervision to operational services that provide Family Time sessions, Family Outreach support and Volunteering support, plus perinatal support to families.

· Ensure that services are delivered to a good quality standard in relation to practice and performance and that services can demonstrate their impact using evidence based outcomes tools.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Experience of providing effective management, leadership and safeguarding oversight of case work and group work based support services, which overall improve the lives of  service users.

· Experience of setting up and/or managing innovative projects.

· Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence and ability to present and communicate information effectively both in person and using a range of mediums to internal and external stakeholders, including children and young people, parents and carers, and funders.

· Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service –Enhanced

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holiday pro rata

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the “Apply Now” link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Sunday 10th May 2026 at 23:59

Interviews are scheduled to take place on: 20th May 2026

For direct queries or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or flexible working requests, please email: Claire Meek (email address available on advert document).

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse reasonable travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Team: Community Operations 

Location: Hybrid in North Wales (comprising of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham) 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week 

Salary: Up to £31,918.98 per year

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Community Operations Volunteer Team Manager 

• Lead and grow a regional volunteer network across multiple locations, supporting hubs and branches, implementing local plans, and exploring new ways of working to meet community needs 

• Recruit, induct and coordinate volunteers, managing campaigns, interviews, onboarding, and rotas to ensure smooth operations across multiple locations 

• Support and engage volunteers, promoting best practice, resolving issues, and recognising contributions through regular communications and celebration events 

• Collaborate across teams and manage risk, ensuring health and safety, safeguarding, and organisational procedures are embedded in volunteer activities 

About the Community Operations team: 

• the community operations team is responsible for supporting our volunteers in centres and branches to work towards our strategy – All for Cats. 

• our centres and branches care for thousands of cats each year until they are able to find a loving new home. 

• the team consists of Community Operations Volunteer Team Leaders, an Area Branch Development Manager, Regional Community Operations Manager and a Community Support Manager as well as multiple branch teams and volunteers across the region 

What we’re looking for in our Community Operations Volunteer Team Manager 

• Team leader/supervisory experience of both employees and volunteers 

• Good understanding of volunteer management 

• Full valid UK manual driving licence 

What we can offer you: 

• range of health benefits 

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service 

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing 

• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested? Here’s how to apply: 

Application closing date:03 May 2026 

Virtual interview date: w/c 18th May 2026 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. anonymised application form 

1. virtual or in-person 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey. 

Join Homeless Oxfordshire as our Events & Community Fundraiser and help bring inspiring events to life while supporting amazing community fundraisers. You’ll plan and deliver key events, from challenges like the Oxford Half Marathon to flagship events like Race Across Oxfordshire. You’ll build strong relationships with schools, faith groups, local organisations, and community groups, supporting them to raise vital funds and awareness.

If you love connecting with people in your community and making a real impact, we’d can’t wait to hear from you!

Main Purpose Of The Job:

The Events and Community Fundraiserwill take responsibility for the planning and delivery of Homeless Oxfordshire’s events and third party events, and provide exceptional care to our community fundraisers. Working closely with the Community Fundraising Manager and Partnerships Fundraising Manager and the wider Fundraising and Communiations team, they will plan and run a calendar of events to engage our community and corporate supporters, as well as the general public, with the aim of raising money for and awareness Homeless Oxfordshire.

They will work with the Community Fundraising Manager to develop and build relationships with community and corporate supporters, and give talks to community groups (schools, faith groups, local organisations etc.) to encourage their support for the charity.

Main Areas Of Responsibility:

Events Planning And Delivery

· Oversee planning and delivery of our community and corporate events including the Golf Day, Race Across Oxfordshire, the Business Breakfast, HOxStock, and the Thank You event.

· Liaise with venues, suppliers and contractors to ensure all events are well planned and professionally run.

· Manage all event communications, from invitations, registration, to event day and follow up, ensuring an excellent support journey throughout.

· Support the Community Fundraising Manger on third party events, including Homeless Oxfordshire’s participation in the Oxford Half Marathon, the London Marathon, London to Brighton bike ride and other challenge events.

· Manage and plan event day activity at third party challenge events.

· Support community groups who are running their own “in aid of” events for Homeless Oxfordshire, providing materials and promotion and attending events where appropriate.

· Ensure timely communications and stewardship of all challenge event participants.

Community Fundraising

· Support the Community Fundraising Manager to research and identify community fundraising prospects, and deliver communications and approaches to engage schools, colleges, faith groups and other community organisations.

· Give talks to community groups (schools, faith groups, local organisations etc.) to encourage their support for the charity and represent Homeless Oxfordshire at community fundraising events.

· Support the Partnership Fundraising Manager to steward employee fundraising activities e.g. bake sales, Giftmas collections etc.

· Work with HR and the Community Fundraising Manager to recruit and manage Community Fundraising Volunteers who can give talks to community groups.

· Work with the Community Fundraising Manager and Marketing and Communications Manager to develop presentations and resources to enable volunteers to represent Homeless Oxfordshire at community events.

· Oversee the administration linked to community fundraisers, including updating the database with communications and monitoring and managing fundraising materials.

· Support community fundraisers to use and register on third party platforms e.g. JustGiving, Enthuse, providing encouragement and tips for securing sponsorship and funding.

· Ensure timely and professional communication and interaction with community supporters, and prompt thanking of fundraisers and donors.

· Take responsibility for responding to/redirecting all emails to the shared fundraising inbox.

· Undertake other relevant duties, supporting the Fundraising and Communications team as required.

General Duties:

• Compliance with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures.

• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.

• Contribute to the work of the broader team.
• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.

• Be prepared to work evenings and weekends, as the job reasonably demands. Time off in lieu will be given.

Key Internal Working Relationships:

· Community Fundraising Manager, Partnerships Fundraising Manager, and Fundraising and Communications Team.

· CEO and Senior Management Team.

· Support Staff and Resident Engagement Team.

Key External Working Relationships:

· Schools, colleges, and universities.

· Local faith groups.

· Other community groups, e.g. Women’s Institute, Guides, Scouts etc.

· Challenge event participants.

· Third party event organisers and fundraising platforms e.g. JustGiving.

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!

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.

About us

Every day, SOHK transforms lives. We work with young people at risk of exclusion and disengagement from education, empowering them to break cycles of disadvantage and realise their potential. Through a combination of rugby and social and emotional learning, we help participants develop the confidence, skills, and resilience they need to succeed in life and education.

We plan to double the number of young people engaging with our programmes over the next five years. We are also making significant investments in our impact function, to better understand how we can maximise the benefits for participants and attract more attention and investment to social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions.

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and driven Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager to play a key role in delivering our fundraising ambitions across England and Wales. This is a varied and hands-on role, combining strategic relationship-building with high-quality event delivery to generate income and deepen supporter engagement.

The Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager will take ownership of a portfolio of major fundraising events, from planning and budgeting through to delivery and follow-up. This includes developing the annual events strategy, managing income and expenditure, supporting ticket and table sales, sourcing prizes, and ensuring an exceptional supporter experience throughout.

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising, they will build and convert a pipeline of corporate partners, developing compelling proposals and securing new partnerships to meet income targets. They will also lead on the stewardship of these relationships, delivering tailored engagement plans that demonstrate impact and maximise retention.

Alongside delivery, the Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager will monitor performance, manage budgets, and maintain accurate reporting and CRM data, working collaboratively with Fundraising and Marketing colleagues to maximise results.

Key Responsibilities

Major SOHK Events

• Events Lead: Take full ownership of the SOHK organised major events in England, Scotland and Wales.
• Develop and deliver an annual events strategy & Calendar that is aligned with FRT targets
• Set and manage event budgets, income targets and KPIs
• Ensure exceptional supporter experience at all touch points.
• Source high value auction and raffle prizes
• Work closely with FRT to sell tables & tickets at events.
• Ensure prize donors, table buyers and supporters have a great experience of SOHK – feeling thanked and appreciated.
• Plan thoroughly for post event stewardship and follow up

Corporate Partnerships (working with Head of Fundraising)

• Build a pipeline of potential corporate partners and continually seek to add to pipeline as needed
• Research and make high quality approaches
• Confidently write winning pitches and present at meetings
• Secure new partnerships to achieve income targets
• Stewardship: Act as the main point of contact for partnerships that are allocated to you; nurturing and strengthening the relationships
• Develop and implement tailored cultivation and stewardship plans to enhance partner engagement and retention
• Demonstrate the impact of partner contributions to maximise retention (alongside our Marketing & Comms Team)

Reporting, Monitoring & Budgeting

• Report as required on all activity and progress to the Head of Fundraising
• Monitor and manage expenditure related to fundraising activities – managing P&L sheet
• Ensure data capture for CRM (Beacon) from all events

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in event management, including planning, delivery, and evaluation of fundraising or engagement events
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, volunteers, and suppliers
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organisation professionally
• Experience managing event budgets and delivering activity within financial targets
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of the role events play in fundraising, supporter engagement, and awareness-building
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with event or CRM systems
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends as required
• Genuinely buy into the SOHK mission, purpose and values

Desirable

• Experience supporting or delivering corporate partnerships, sponsorships, or donor engagement initiatives
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and income generation through events
• Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Ability to identify and develop partnership opportunities that align with organisational values
• Experience with volunteer coordination and stewardship
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce, Raiser's Edge)
• Understanding of marketing and communications to support event promotion and partner visibility
• Awareness of compliance, safeguarding, and ethical considerations within a charity setting
•  

Terms of Appointment

• Salary range: £37,000 - £40,000
• Full-time
• 28 days annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
• South East England (based). This role requires weekly travel to London, with occasional travel to other locations across the UK.
• Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for successful candidates and the job is dependent on suitable references.

How to Apply

Please send a current CV and a cover letter no longer than two sides of A4. Please express why you think you could do this job for School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK). 

School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is an inclusive charity committed to broadening the diversity of our organisation and is keen to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Applications close at 10pm on Sunday 17th May. In-person interviews will be held in London on 21st and 22nd May.

Job Title: MK Volunteer Services Managers x 2

Responsible to: Volunteer Manager

Location: Milton Keynes, occasional travel to Aylesbury

Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 (FTE) depending on experience

Hours: 21.6 hours x 2 (Flexible working)

Contract: Permanent Contract x 2

BucksVision is the leading charity supporting people affected by sight and hearing loss in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes through a wide range of tailored services and support. We are proud of the wide range of services delivered by our small, dedicated team and fantastic volunteers.

If you thrive where you have clarity of purpose, produce your best work when working in a supportive, collaborative environment, and are motivated by seeing how your contribution makes a positive impact on the lives of people affected by sight loss, you could be just who we are looking for!

We currently have an exciting opportunity for two MK Volunteer Services Managers to join our team, working flexibly from our office in Milton Keynes and from home.

Why are these roles so critical to us?

The MK Volunteer Services Managers will play a pivotal role in recruiting and managing volunteers in Milton Keynes for our social clubs and our home visiting services. 

· One MK Volunteer Services Manager will support our existing social clubs, which provide a range of activities and services to people with vision impairment.

· One MK Volunteer Services Manager will support our home visiting services, which include reading, shopping and befriending services to ensure that local people with sight loss are not socially isolated and alone. 

Have no doubts, these are roles with significant impact.

Your Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Social Clubs & Events Role

· Supporting the delivery of existing social clubs, including organising activities and coordinating volunteer-led sessions.

· Supporting the planning and delivery of key events across the year (e.g. Volunteer Appreciation, AGM).

· Recruiting and managing volunteers involved in group-based activities.

· Providing administrative support to ensure activities and events are well organised and run smoothly.

Home Visiting Services Role

· Managing referrals and coordinating home visiting services, including reading, shopping and befriending support.

· Matching volunteers with clients appropriately, ensuring a positive and effective service.

· Supporting and maintaining relationships with volunteers and clients.

· Maintaining accurate records and supporting effective use of systems (including Beacon).

Shared Responsibilities (both roles)

· Supporting volunteer recruitment across Milton Keynes.

· Building positive relationships with volunteers, members and local partners.

· Contributing to the ongoing delivery and development of services.

You will spark our interest by being:

· A “People Person”: Having excellent interpersonal skills is crucial.  This is a role that relies on working closely with volunteers and local people with sight loss.

· Well-organised and able to prioritise effectively: You will be able to manage a varied workload, balancing competing demands and focusing on what matters most to ensure services run smoothly.

· Community minded: You will be driven by a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of vision impaired individuals in our community, ideally having worked with volunteers to deliver services.

· Connected to Milton Keynes: This role involves working with individuals  across the Milton Keynes area.  Ideally, you will live in Milton Keynes or nearby, with good local knowledge and connections across the community.

· A confident communicator: You will be comfortable building relationships with a wide range of people, including volunteers, members and partners, and able to handle sensitive or challenging conversations in a calm and professional way.

· Resilient and adaptable: You will be able to manage changing priorities and respond to challenges positively, maintaining a calm and solutions-focused approach

Required Experience

· Experience working or volunteering in the voluntary/community sector – ideally with an understanding of the current challenges in the sector.

· Experience in recruiting, coordinating, or supporting volunteers or growing a team, service or project through community engagement.

· Demonstrable success in building partnerships, networking or stakeholder engagement.

· Comfortable managing projects or local services with limited supervision, ideally in a community-based setting.

· Experience of managing a varied workload and prioritising effectively across multiple tasks.

· Prior experience working with or supporting people with sensory loss would be beneficial, but not essential.

If our purpose excites you, and you feel you have the skills required to excel in one of these roles, we would love to receive an application from you!

We understand that the requirements of job advertisements can, on occasions, appear a bit daunting. Please don’t be deterred from applying if you feel you don’t quite meet them all. Training and development will be provided to support your success.

Please apply with with a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining why you feel you are a good match for the role. Please indicate in your application which role would be your preference (Social Clubs or Home Visiting Services).

Please note, applications received with no covering letter will not be considered.

The successful candidate must be freely eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to accommodate sponsorship.

BucksVision is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from eligible candidates regardless of any protected characteristics. 

No agencies, please.

Make a real impact through creativity, community, and inclusion

Are you a dynamic events professional who thrives on building meaningful connections and delivering impactful experiences? Do you want to see the direct impact of your work in the community, whilst creating exciting opportunities for others?

At The Baked Bean Charity, we empower adults and young people with learning disabilities through performing arts, wellbeing programmes, and inclusive community opportunities. From theatre productions and DJ training to fitness and life skills, we offer inclusive, high-quality opportunities that build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and support independence.

We’re looking for an Events & Community Engagement Lead to take our events, outreach, and fundraising to the next level.

This is a senior, high-impact position at the heart of our organisation, offering the opportunity to shape how The Baked Bean Charity connects with the world. As Events & Community Engagement Lead, you will drive a dynamic programme of events, outreach, and partnerships that not only showcase our work, but actively challenge perceptions and champion inclusion.

You will take ownership of the strategic planning and delivery of our full events portfolio - from Theatre in Education performances and community workshops to respite holidays, fundraising events, and external commissions. You’ll ensure every event is thoughtfully designed, professionally delivered, and aligned with our mission to amplify the voices, talents, and lived experiences of our students.

A key part of your role will be building and nurturing meaningful relationships. You’ll develop partnerships with schools, universities, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organisations - creating opportunities for collaboration, education, and increased visibility for our work. Acting as a confident and passionate ambassador, you’ll represent the charity in a variety of public and professional settings, helping to grow our network and influence.

You will also lead on fundraising, identifying and securing new opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. This includes crafting compelling funding applications and fundraising initiatives, managing funder relationships, and ensuring projects are delivered in line with agreed outcomes and impact measures.

Internally, you’ll provide leadership and direction across the events and engagement function. Working closely with, and overseeing, the Events & Project Coordinator and wider ad hoc events teams, you’ll ensure all activity is well-planned, resourced, and delivered to a high standard. You’ll support and mentor staff, recruit and induct volunteers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment.

This role requires both strategic planning capabilities, as well as skills in organisation and hands-on delivery. One day you might be developing long-term engagement plans or writing a funding proposal; the next, you could be delivering or presenting at an event, supporting students, or building new partnerships in the community.

We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and creative, with the confidence and autonomy to lead, and the passion to make a difference.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in events management, community engagement, or fundraising
• A track record of delivering events from concept to completion
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Experience securing funding or writing successful grant applications
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities
• Confidence in public speaking and representing an organisation

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Experience in the charity or voluntary sector
• Knowledge of Theatre in Education or arts-based outreach
• Understanding of funding landscapes and partnerships

We want to hear from you if you’re someone who:

• Believes deeply in inclusion, equality, and social impact
• Is proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused
• Leads with energy, empathy, and integrity
• Thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment
• Is excited to champion the voices of people with learning disabilities

Why join us?

• Lead work that has real, visible impact on people's lives
• Help shape the future of our community engagement and events programme
• Work in a creative, collaborative, supportive and purpose driven environment 
• Alongside a rewarding role, we provide a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. These include hybrid working (up to one day per week for this role), enhanced annual leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and a staff benefits platform with discounts on shopping and everyday costs. We also embrace a casual dress code to help you feel comfortable at work.

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to combine creativity, leadership, and social impact in a role that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Monday 4th May 2026. Please note we will review all applications during the recruitment period and will begin contacting candidates for interview after the application phase is concluded.

Lead with compassion. Deliver excellence in dementia care.

Age UK Enfield is a values‑led local charity supporting older people to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives. We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and highly organised Dementia Day Centre Manager to lead our specialist Dementia Day Centre at the Mabel Churn Centre.

The Dementia Day Centre Manager is a pivotal leadership role for someone who combines a deep commitment to person‑centred dementia care with strong operational, safeguarding and people management skills. You will be responsible for ensuring the service is warm, inclusive and dignified for people living with dementia, while also being safe, well‑governed and inspection ready.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead a structured, therapeutic day service with engaging activities tailored to individual needs.
• Champion safe practice and compliance, including safeguarding, assessments and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Recruit, lead and develop a high-performing team, ensuring consistent staffing and service continuity.
• Drive quality and smooth operations—maintaining inspection-ready records and oversight of transport and catering (including on-call/deputising as required).

About you

We are looking for a manager who is values‑led, confident and organised, and who understands the balance between compassionate care and robust governance.

You will bring:

• A Level 3 (or above) Health & Social Care qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Strong knowledge of dementia care best practice, safeguarding adults, and CQC Fundamental Standards (including MCA/DoLS).
• Proven experience leading staff and volunteers in a care or community setting.
• Confidence in assessment, person‑centred care planning, risk management and record keeping.
• Excellent IT skills and a clear commitment to maintaining accurate, inspection‑ready records.
• A genuine commitment to equality, dignity, inclusion and person‑centred practice.

Management and dementia‑specific qualifications, and experience overseeing transport or catering services, are desirable but not essential.

Why work with us?

At Age UK Enfield, we are proud to be:

• Values‑led: compassion, dignity and inclusion sit at the heart of everything we do.
• Supportive: we invest in our staff and believe strong leadership creates great care.
• Purpose driven: every role contributes directly to improving the lives of older people in our community.

If you are passionate about dementia care and ready to lead a high‑quality, inspection‑ready service where people truly matter, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 3rd May 2026

Interviews will take place on 13th and 14th May 2026.

About us

The Merchant Taylors’ Company dates from 1327, when it was formed as a social and religious organisation for tailors and linen-armourers dedicated to St John the Baptist. Today, it is a flourishing Livery Company whose members are dedicated to education, fraternity, and philanthropy.

Volunteering is important for the health of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, since the hands-on experience of volunteering binds members in an emotional commitment to what the Company stands for. Many of the Great XII Livery Companies prioritise volunteering, offering a wide range of opportunities from due diligence visits with grant applicant charities to longer term mentoring opportunities with our family of schools. 

At the heart of Merchant Taylors’ Company lie the concepts of ‘Fraternity, Philanthropy and Education’.  Volunteering is vital to each pillar, enabling members to give their time and talent alongside their treasure. 

The Company is now at an exciting juncture where the groundwork to embed a more systematic approach to volunteering has been completed and the appetite within the Company has started to grow particularly across the Company’s Education programme.

The team is conscious that managing volunteering takes time, diplomacy and interpersonal skills and this role is pivotal to the success of volunteering for both Company members and partner organisations. 

About the role

Reports to:Educational Grants and Relationship Manager

Direct reports:                None

Place of work:               The Hall (Bank, London)

Contract type:Fixed-term and part-time (0.8 FTE). 

The working days and times can be flexible and some hybrid working may be possible. 

Some evening work will be required as well as occasional attendance at events outside of the employee’s usual working hours (including at weekends).

Some travel may be required within Greater London in connection with various aspects of the role. Occasional travel may be required within the UK.

Overview of role:

With your experience in events / project management and excellent communication and diplomatic skills, you will be the interface between the membership, your colleagues at Merchant Taylors’ Company, our family of schools and our charitable partners. You will be responsible for developing and delivering an engaging, interesting and successful range of events for members to participate in.

Job Description:   

• Take a lead on the delivery and development of an annual programme of volunteering opportunities and education events aligned with existing initiatives and in collaboration with partner organisations and schools where appropriate. 
• Work with the EGRM to co-ordinate the Trust’s Livery Academy Award scheme: recruiting, training, and supporting member volunteers to ensure high-quality engagement. 
• Take a lead on promotion of volunteering opportunities through the members’ portal in good time, with appropriate explanation to encourage take up. 
• Proactively identify barriers to participation from the membership, and develop innovative, accessible volunteering opportunities and methods to engage new audiences. 
• Champion and promote the Company’s volunteering and event initiatives by working, both with the Communications Manager and independently, to promote opportunities through compelling articles, e-newsletters, social media outreach, public talks and by representing or supporting Company staff at events. 
• Take a lead on designing and creating appropriate training resources for all volunteer roles to manage expectations including, where appropriate, delivery of training. 
• Support members with any queries relating to volunteering opportunities, offering members the chance to talk to MT staff. 
• Ensure that all volunteer members have completed the MT safeguarding questionnaire before they are cleared for any opportunity and has been trained in appropriate MT policy areas (E.g. GDPR/safeguarding) 
• To actively liaise and respond to School requirements to ensure volunteer members deliver excellent support for students. 
• Collaborate closely with Company Schools and internal teams to identify opportunities and design high-quality, sustainable volunteering activities that support project goals and help achieve Company targets. 
• To use the Membership portal to capture and analyse data about Company volunteering in order to evaluate cost/benefit of volunteering efforts, and tell the story of MT’s volunteering impact to the MT membership. 
• Gather and act on feedback from volunteers and participants to inform and improve the Company’s volunteering and education strategies.
• Uphold the health, safety, and wellbeing of all volunteers and participants, following the Company’s Health & Safety policies.
• To take a lead on the administration of Company Volunteering activities including DBS checks, budgeting, database management, website administration, project reporting and meetings. 
• Work with colleagues to identify and co-ordinate other volunteering opportunities at the Company, including responding to enquiries, planning logistics, and delivering high-quality experiences.
• To undertake other duties as may be appropriate for the position to support the wider work of the Company. 

What we can offer you

• 25 days holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays
• An additional up to five days off over the Christmas / New Year period
• A generous employer pension contribution of 10% of salary
• Free lunch in the office when the kitchen is operational
• “Perkbox” discount app
• A monthly gym / wellbeing allowance of £70
• Private Medical Insurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• Electric Car scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection Insurance

Person Specification 

We are looking for:

Essential

• Proven track record of project/events management, including planning, delivery, reporting, evaluation, budgets, and partnership working.
• Proven track record of working meaningfully with different stakeholders ie in a public-facing role. An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and public engagement skills.
• Good diplomacy skills with the ability to inspire, listen and find a solution for all stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to solving problems and the ability to keep going until a solution is found which works for all.
• A do-er and a thinker; someone who is able to approach situations imaginatively but also spot, and implement, practical and workable solutions. 
• Excellent organisational, planning and IT skills. 

Desirable 

• Experience developing and delivering volunteering and community programmes, working with a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Experience of interacting with or working for a membership organisation 
• Understanding of health & safety, safeguarding, and risk management in a volunteer setting. 
• Experience of being a volunteer yourself. 

Miscellaneous 

• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends

Interview dates and start date:

We are actively recruiting for this role and will consider and interview applicants in the order in which they apply.

The successful Candidate is to start as soon as possible.

Are you ready to lead something from the ground up? Help us create REST – a new daytime drop-in hub focused on recovery, support and conversations held over a good cuppa!

We are looking for a compassionate and reliable Community Services Manager to help create and lead the REST Hubs Service across Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality and holistic support for individuals accessing the service who may be experiencing mental distress.

Located in central Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, you will oversee both services, proactively developing both sites into recognised wellbeing hubs within their local communities, building strong partnerships and creating accessible pathways into wider wellbeing support.

You will be responsible for the operational delivery of both sites, including recruiting and managing 6 members of staff, partnership development, contract compliance and reporting, managing health & safety alongside ongoing service development in line with commissioner expectations.

At Suffolk Mind, our mission is to make Suffolk the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health. 

 
Key information:

· Hours: 37 hours per week

· Work pattern: 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday

· Salary: £32,480.00 - £36,032.50 per year

· Location: Ipswich & Bury St Edmunds

· Transport: Driving licence and own transport is essential as travel will be required between both sites

· Contract type: Fixed term until 31st March 2027 (subject to service contract renewal)

Why work for Suffolk Mind?

We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff and have tailored our benefits package* to support this; we offer:

· 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays as standard– increasing to 30 days with length of service (pro rata for part time employees)

· Your birthday day off

· An option to buy or sell annual leave

· Health and dental care insurance plan

· Occupational sick pay scheme

· Pension scheme

· Blue Light Card – offering discounts on 100’s of retailers both in store and online

· Monetary reward for length of service

· Refer a friend scheme

Plus, internal wellbeing courses, opportunities for training, flexible and hybrid working options, excellent support and job satisfaction.

Is the job for you?

Below is a brief summary of the key requirements for this role, but for more information please make sure you visit the vacancies page on our website and download the full job description and person specification.

· Essential:

o At least 2-3 years’ experience of working with adults in a mental health environment

o Ability to work in high-pressure, emotionally demanding environments with people suffering mental distress

o Full valid UK driving license and own transport

o Enhanced & Adult’s Barred DBS check (arranged by Suffolk Mind)

· Desirable:

o Qualification in mental health e.g. DipSW, RMN, NVQ3, Cert 3, Human Givens diploma, Counselling or equivalent

o Good listening and people skills, especially supporting staff in complex situations

o Experience in recruiting, setting up and managing teams

o Experience in working with a similar REST or equivalent service

If you are looking to use your skills towards a career where your need for meaning and purpose are met, then come and join our team.

To apply, please complete a Suffolk Mind Application form by visiting our website, select ‘get involved’ from the top menu then ‘vacancies’ in the drop down list.

Closing date for applications:   midnight Sunday 10th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this job advert once a suitable a candidate has been found, therefore successful candidates may be contacted to interview at any time throughout the advertising process and would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interviews date: week commencing 18th May 2026

Interview questions may be sent in advance of interview.

We aim to let all applicants know the status of their application within 4 weeks from closing.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship on this role.

Please complete our Equality and Diversity Survey here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Suffolk Mind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk who have contact with our services and personnel. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background and DBS checks will be required for relevant posts as part of our Safer Recruitment procedures.

*T&Cs apply

Additional keywords: Community Service Manager, day drop in, mental health, charity, recover, recovery, eat, support, talk, hub,

At Samaritans, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. As the needs of communities evolve, so must the ways in which people can connect, contribute and make a difference. We’re looking for a Volunteering Innovation Advisor to help us imagine, design and embed what volunteering could look like in the years ahead.

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This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about innovation, curious about emerging trends, and motivated to meet the needs of future Samaritans volunteers. You’ll contribute to developing new and flexible models of volunteering—ensuring we reach more people, remove barriers to involvement, and create opportunities that are equally meaningful and sustainable.

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Contract

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• £30,000-£33,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full Time (35hrs per week)
• Permanent
• Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.​
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

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What You’ll Do

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In this role, you’ll bring ideas to life.

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You’ll research emerging trends and evolving volunteer expectations to inform the development of new roles, opportunities and approaches to volunteering - helping to translate insight into practical and sustainable solutions that support current and future volunteers.

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You’ll contribute to answering questions like:

• How can Samaritans offer more flexible and inclusive opportunities?
• What motivates volunteers today, and how is that changing?
• How do we ensure our volunteering reflects the diversity of the communities we support?

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From managing insight to project planning and from developing resources to collaborating with volunteers and staff, your work will support shaping a positive and inclusive future volunteer experience across our organisation.

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What You’ll Bring

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• Curiosity and openness to innovation and improving ways of working.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people, including staff and volunteers.
• Ability to use insight to inform decisions and drive improvement.
• Experience in change, improvement or innovation projects.
• Experience in a volunteering‑focused organisation and understanding of volunteer engagement.

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Full Job Description and Person Specification below

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

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We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

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You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV.

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​Applications close: Monday 27th April

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In person interviews will be held at our Surrey office (KT17 2AF) from the w/c 11th May until end of May. Exact dates are to be decided.

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.