Volunteer Coordinator

Work Location: In Person / Remote /  TBC

This role is voluntary and unpaid; however, expenses can be claimed as necessary.

Adoption Matters are looking to recruit for a Volunteer Coordinator role. This is an exciting opportunity to join and support an innovative, ‘Outstanding’ children’s charity and which is one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK.

About us

Adoption Matters is a registered children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train, support individuals and families as adopters, offer them ongoing support, and training for as long as they need it. We also provide support to birth families and adopted adults. We are the ONLY adoption service in the North of England rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the last five consecutive inspections. In 2024, the Adoption Matters family grew as we launched our not-for profit fostering agency Foster Care Matters.

About the role

The Volunteer Coordinator undertakes a wide range of tasks, including:

• Dealing with queries from potential new volunteers who get in touch.
• Being the first point of contact for our existing volunteers and answering general queries.
• Championing volunteer engagement.
• Initially, this role will support the initial contact of volunteers.
• Fundraising support at the annual Garden Party picnic event.
• Support at community events – fun runs, sponsor events.
• Promotion of our charity lottery.
• Possible involvement with arrangements of/attendance at large events, e.g. golf days, charity dinners.
• Liaising with Volunteer Co-ordinator and Fundraising and Relationship Manager about events.
• Sharing ideas about fundraising activities.

Are you able to demonstrate the following abilities and knowledge?

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• You need to be a great people person, friendly and approachable.
• Excellent telephone manner and written communication skills.
• An ability to work as part of a team.
• Creative and forward thinking.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to use on own initiative and as part of a small team.
• Passion and enthusiasm.

This is a rewarding and enjoyable role. You will be working with the charities Fundraising and Relationship Manager. This role will also provide you with the opportunity to gain experience in doing volunteering work with people of all ages and to learn new skills, as well as develop existing ones.

What we offer in return

• Introduce you to how the organisation works and your role in it and to provide appropriate training and support for your agreed role
• Provide regular meetings with a staff contact so that you can tell us how you are getting on and get feedback from us.
• Respect your skills and experience and try to match them with the right role for you wherever possible.
• Do our best to meet your individual wishes.
• Reimburse you for agreed and reasonable expenses incurred in accordance with the expenses policy.
• Make necessary arrangements to ensure your health, safety and welfare.
• Offer equal opportunities to everyone who wants to volunteer.
• Provide access to trained members of staff to support, guide and advise you.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Our values are honesty, fairness, inclusivity, flexibility, ethically based, and celebrating difference. We encourage applications from all areas of the community. We believe that our organisation should reflect and represent the full richness of human diversity in terms of background, identity, ability and circumstance. As groups of people currently under- represented as Adoption Matters volunteers, we are particularly keen to receive your application if you are Black, Asian or minority ethnic, have a disability or have personal experience of the care system and/or adoption. We will be measuring our success in redressing this.

We are open to discussion of any adjustments or any flexible arrangements you may need to achieve your full potential at any stage of the process, and if you are successful in gaining a volunteer position with us, during volunteering. We promise the only thing we assess within your application is how you have demonstrated your suitability for the job, and nothing else.

What’s next? It’s easy! Follow the instructions below to apply! We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to apply

Complete the application form, the volunteer agreement, and the equality and diversity monitoring form before returning it via email along with a copy of your CV to recruitment@adoptionmatters.org.

• Volunteer Coordinator Application Form
• Volunteer Coordinator Agreement
• Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form

Early application is encouraged as we review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Closing date: TBC

Interview date: TBC

Interview venue: TBC

If you require any more information on this role please contact our HR team on Tel: 01244 390 938.

Adoption Matters is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people therefore please note our recruitment procedure includes DBS checks and other relevant employment checks, including the right to work in the UK.

Please note that we only contact candidates selected for interview and we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.