Volunteering coordinator jobs

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. 

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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).

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships, using creativity to solve problems, and delivering engaging experiences for our supporters and volunteers?

Here at Rainbows Children’s Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care and end-of-life support to over 750 Babies, Children, and Young People living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as approximately 3,000 people, including families, siblings, and carers, across the East Midlands. Simply put, we’re here to brighten short lives and support families, wherever they are.

We are currently seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to join our dedicated Volunteering Team at Rainbows. Volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting every aspect of our vital work – from fundraising and events, to our retail shops and the hospice itself – with over 350 individuals generously volunteering their time, skills, and passion.

We are looking for a positive and enthusiastic individual who will help ensure volunteers feel welcomed, supported, and confident, enabling them to make a meaningful difference to children, young people and families across our services.

Location: Primarily an office-based role, at our hospice in Loughborough.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Some flexibility is required, as occasional evening and weekend working and regional travel will be part of supporting volunteers.

About the role

As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will play a key role in shaping how people volunteer with Rainbows. You’ll lead on volunteer recruitment across the East Midlands, building relationships with communities and organisations, and supporting individuals to find opportunities that match their motivations, skills and strengths. Once volunteers are involved, you’ll help ensure they feel confident, informed and well supported, working closely with colleagues to create positive volunteering experiences.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

· Recruitment, Selection, and Induction: Be the first point of contact for volunteering enquiries and applications, ensuring a seamless onboarding process.

· Volunteer Support and Supervision: Act as the central point of contact for volunteers at Rainbows, offering guidance and support throughout their volunteering journey.

· Team Collaboration: Provide staff with proactive support and best practices for volunteer management, engagement, and stewardship.

· Operational Duties: Maintain accurate volunteer records, ensuring GDPR compliance, and provide KPI data as needed.

· Further responsibilities in the role of a Volunteer Coordinator at Rainbows, can be found by downloading the Job Description.

Requirements

While previous experience working with volunteers is ideal, it is not essential. What matters most is your ability to:

• Build connections with a diverse range of people through exceptional interpersonal skills and empathy.
• Approach tasks with positivity and enthusiasm, inspiring others to get involved.
• Confidently use databases and Microsoft Office packages, with strong administrative skills and a good understanding of GDPR processes.

Further requirements can be found by downloading the Person Specification.

Our Benefits include:

· Free onsite parking at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Eligibility to join blue light card discount scheme and Company Shop.

· Simply Health Cashback plan.

· Life Assurance.

· 27 days holiday plus bank holidays.

· Contributory pension scheme or Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

· Affordable meals at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Free Tea, Coffee and Fruit whilst at the Hospice

· Free access to Health Assured employee assistance programme

· Wellbeing support and access to Mental Health First Aiders

· Unofficial benefits: Fun events like Total Wipe Out, All staff away days, Guest visitors

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and barring Service Check) and pre-employment checks.

We are looking for an experienced, engaging, community minded professional.  This role will focus on steering this area of our work, building relationships and developing partnerships.

Salary:£29,000 per annum

Contract:Permanent

Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Interview date:Thursday 7th May 2026.

Please provide a cover letter and CV when applying for this role.

As both sites are rural, having your own transport is essential, and we offer a supportive environment with great opportunities to build skills and develop your career.

What it's like to work here

Lacock is a leading heritage attraction welcoming local, national, and international visitors. With ambitious plans for the next ten years, it is an exciting and forward thinking place to work. Alongside our sister property, The Courts Garden, the team creates inspiring experiences, from world class photographic exhibitions and family programmes to beautiful natural spaces, rich cultural activities, and memorable days out. This work is made possible by a dedicated team of around 60 staff and more than 350 volunteers. 

For more information about our property please visit 

What you'll be doing

• Building strong, positive relationships with local communities, organisations, and groups. 

• Developing partnerships and co creation projects that deepen engagement and support our vision for Lacock. 

• Working closely with volunteer managers, offering guidance and helping to grow volunteering pathways.

• Creating new opportunities for participation, ensuring they reflect community needs and interests. 

• Contributing to the development of our visitor experience through collaborative, people focused approaches.

• Working across both Lacock and The Courts Garden to connect people with our places in meaningful ways.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• a strong understanding of community engagement, participatory practice, and volunteer innovation.
• experience in increasing community participation and developing inclusive opportunities.
• excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• the ability to coach and support others, and to work collaboratively across teams.
• confidence in using data and insight to guide decisions.
• knowledge of relevant legislation including safeguarding, GDPR, and equality.
• a proactive, empathetic, and inclusive approach.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)

• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most Trust places

Voluntary Action Harrow is looking for a Champion & Volunteer Co-ordinator. 

We're looking for a confident and enthusiastic Champion & Volunteer Co-ordinator to join our team. In this role, you'll be at the heart of our volunteer programmes, bringing activities to life and supporting a diverse team of volunteers. From recruitment and training to event logistics and ongoing volunteer support, your organisational skills and passion for community engagement will ensure every initiative runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of programme activities, ensuring smooth delivery and operational efficiency.
• Support volunteer recruitment campaigns to attract a diverse and skilled workforce.
• Develop, co-ordinate and deliver orientation and training for new volunteers.
• Provide ongoing support and recognition to maintain volunteer satisfaction.
• Plan and co-ordinate logistics for events, workshops, and community activities.
• Maintain volunteer rosters, schedules, and relevant administrative records.
• Support internal and external communications and outreach related to programme delivery.
• Take part in light physical activities (e.g. walks)
• Assist management with reporting, data collection, and other administrative tasks.

Skills, Competencies and Behaviours

• Skilled in recognising and addressing health inequalities
• Proficient in monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong communication skills with clients, colleagues, and agencies from diverse backgrounds.
• Experienced in working collaboratively within multi-professional and multi-agency settings.
• Capable of maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Effective time and diary management skills.
• Competent in navigating complex local community relationships and politics.
• Able to liaise effectively with colleagues, ensuring clear communication and information sharing.
• Experienced in supporting and empowering staff and volunteers.
• Experienced in using databases (our system is Salesforce) 
• Strong ICT skills (Including Teams and Zoom), with adaptability to new systems and tools.

Listening, Verbal, Written and Presentation Communication Skills

• Mentoring skills, ensuring that participants have understood
• Able to communicate well with clients, colleagues and other agencies
• Able to work in partnership in multi-professional and multi-agency settings
• Able to keep accurate records
• Able to effectively manage your time and diary
• Ability to negotiate complex local community relationships and politics
• Effectively liaising with colleagues and ensuring others are kept informed
• Supporting and empowering staff and volunteers
• Strong ICT skills, including adaptability to new systems and tools

Who are we?

Voluntary Action Harrow Co-operative work with the local community providing information, training and guidance.

Based in Harrow, we are a not-for-profit co-operative owned by our workers. We have in-depth knowledge of the local area and of who’s doing what. 

Support available to the successful candidate

You will be working within the Voluntary Action Harrow, Stronger Communities, and Third Sector Service Team, which holds a vast amount of knowledge, maintains monitoring templates, and has strong relationships with charities and community groups across Harrow. 

Voluntary Action Harrow Co-operative aims to be an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

This role description can be requested in large print. 

Application Process

• CV outlining related work experience, responsibilities and qualifications
• Cover letter covering why you want to work with us and the skills and knowledge in the job description.

If these documents are not received, we will not be able to progress with your application.

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We are scheduling interviews as applications come in. We're ready to hire as soon as we find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now.