Volunteer Support and Development Officer at Volunteer Centre Dorset

Posted on 24 October 2025
Applications close on 09 November 2025

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All Locations:

Dorchester

Salary Details:

£27,803

Vacancy Type:

Fixed Term

Fixed Term End Date:

Fixed term until December 2029

Function:

VCS

Employer:

Third Sector Organisation

Job Working Pattern:

Full time

Closing time of advert

11:59pm

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Volunteer Support and Development Officer at Volunteer Centre Dorset

About the role

Volunteer Support and Development Officer, Volunteer Centre Dorset

Salary: £27,803
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed-term until December 2029
Location: Office-based in Dorchester with travel across Dorset Council Area
Reports to: Operations Manager
Start date: To be agreed, likely 5 January 2026

Purpose of the Role

We are launching an exciting new Supported Volunteering Programme to help anyone who wants to volunteer find a meaningful role. As the project co-ordinator, you’ll work with individuals facing barriers to accessing volunteering – including people with learning or physical disabilities, young people, long-term unemployed, and those experiencing mental health challenges. You will work with individuals to develop a personalised development plan, and with a variety of organisations to create suitable, supported and inclusive volunteering opportunities. You’ll manage the programme day-to-day, recruit and support Volunteer Mentors, and build strong community partnerships to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute and thrive through volunteering. You will oversee the further development of social action groups enabling people to come together, socialise, develop life skills, and have opportunities for days out and additional learning. You will play a major role in championing volunteering, and ensuring sustainable volunteering pathways for all.

Further Information

Key responsibilities

programme leadership: Coordinate the Supported Volunteering Programme across Dorset, ensuring delivery meets project outcomes
volunteer mentor recruitment and support: Recruit, train, and support Volunteer Buddies, ensuring they feel supported and equipped to provide inclusive volunteering support for participants
participant support: Work with participants, carers, family and support workers to develop one-to-one participant support plans tailored to needs, skills, goals, and barriers ensuring their aspirations are met
partnership and advocacy: Support local organisations to adapt roles for accessibility, embed buddies where needed, and advocate for inclusive volunteering
relationships and community engagement: Build and maintain strong partnerships with local organisations, community groups, with referral agencies including health and social care professionals, and education providers. Represent the programme at local networks, events, and meetings, promoting the programme widely
supervision and mentoring: Support and mentor Lived-experience Ambassadors and guide and develop their contribution to the programme
programme development: Facilitate training, social activities, and recognition events to build confidence, community, and sustainability. Provide leadership and day-to-day support for the Project Assistant
monitoring and evaluation: Collect data, feedback, and case studies to evaluate outcomes and support reporting to funders. Monitor progress against agreed outcomes and funding requirements. Utilise our CRM to manage capture data, manage relationships and outcomes
safeguarding and compliance: Ensure all programme activities adhere to safeguarding, health and safety, and equity, diversity, and inclusion policies

Person specification

Essential

experience managing projects, preferably in a community, voluntary, care or support setting
strong relationship-building and communication skills; able to engage diverse stakeholders
strong people skills with proven ability to engage and support people with diverse needs
experience working with people who face barriers to inclusion, eg learning or physical disability
strong understanding of inclusive practice, particularly for individuals facing barriers (disability, mental health, social isolation, youth, poverty, etc.)
ability to manage and motivate staff, volunteers, and peers
excellent advocacy skills and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding
strong organisational, administrative and digital skills, including use of CRM systems
ability to manage time and priorities across a wide geographical area, and work occasional evenings/weekends
full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle

Desirable

understanding of, or experience working within Dorset’s VCS
experience in volunteer management, training, or mentoring
experience in monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
experience working in partnership with voluntary, statutory, or community organisations and delivering funded projects
experience delivering training, workshops, or small group learning sessions
knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, or other key VCS compliance areas

About Us

Volunteer Centre Dorset supports volunteering across Dorset. As a Volunteer Centre, we promote and enable volunteering to take place in Dorset.

What we offer

a varied and rewarding role making a difference to people with additional needs or barriers to inclusion
contribution to impactful work improving lives and community resilience across Dorset
being part of an experienced, passionate, supportive team committed to collaboration and making a tangible impact
a fun, dynamic working environment within a values-led organisation
mileage allowance and relevant travel expenses reimbursed
opportunities for training, personal development, and networking

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application to [email protected] including:

your CV
a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 9 November 2025
Interviews expected: Week commencing 24 November 2025
For further information contact: Office Manager on 01305 269214 or [email protected]

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