We want to significantly increase the number of volunteers supporting all of Octavia’s community activities over the next three years. However, this role will primarily focus on our charity shops volunteering programme, with the potential to extend support to other programmes in future.
You will be part of a dedicated team that is responsible for recruiting, developing, recognising and retaining volunteers, as well as supporting shops staff with volunteer management. You will support our volunteers in the charity shops but may be expected to identify further opportunities for volunteering across other projects. You will represent Octavia as a leading organisation for volunteers by ensuring that your actions reinforce the Octavia purpose, values and beliefs. More information on our mission and values can be found on the Octavia Foundation website.
This role will involve working in collaboration with other Volunteer Co-ordinator(s), as well as in partnership with other staff at Octavia who are working with volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to develop external partnerships as part of this role, to assist in recruitment and retention of our volunteers e.g. universities, SEND colleges and local organisations.
Key Responsibilities
* The role is a mix of volunteer recruitment, development, retention and project management e.g. corporate volunteer events
* You will implement elements of our community strategy to achieve ambitious targets for increasing our number of volunteers and providing the best possible volunteer journey
* You will be part of a small staff team to deliver these objectives
* You will promote Octavia as an organisation that supports volunteering
* You will ensure that we follow best practice in volunteering and keep abreast of relevant legislation and policies in relation to volunteers
Volunteer recruitment:
* Deliver our plan to ensure that we recruit sufficient volunteers to meet our targets
* Take corrective action if targets are not being achieved
* Use a wide range of methods to recruit a diverse group of volunteers, liaising with colleagues in Octavia’s communications team to ensure that the brand and all marketing channels are used effectively
* Ensure that the high standard of service to customers which is expected by Octavia is maintained at all times.
* Implement our volunteering policy
* Develop other opportunities for volunteering
* Agree and implement volunteer role descriptions
* Advertise, interview and select volunteers
* Follow up references and conduct DBS checks where required
* Recruit volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds (We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community)
* Work with voluntary and corporate organisations to recruit volunteers and develop existing opportunities to engage with Octavia
* Place volunteers in appropriate settings according to their availability, skills and expertise and in partnership with colleagues delivering services
* Organise and deliver training for volunteers on policies and issues relevant to their role
Volunteer recognition and retention:
* Implement our policy on volunteer recognition and retention
* Assist in the delivery of the annual volunteer awards
* Implement any agreed additional opportunities for recognition and retention
* Assist in the organisation of volunteer recognition and retention events and activities
* Promote the concept of volunteering within Octavia and externally as required
Volunteer management:
* Be the first point of contact for volunteers (including all shops volunteers)
* Ensure that any issues in relation to volunteering are dealt with promptly, in collaboration with colleagues and volunteers and according to our policies
* Maintain accurate record keeping and reporting on targets
* Make regular contact made with volunteers and support offered as required.
* Seek feedback from volunteers and organise volunteer satisfaction surveys
* Ensure that volunteers comply with all Octavia’s policies
* From time to time coaching of volunteers may be required in this role
Requirements
For this position, we have listed the requirements we believe are essential for this role:
Experience
* Previous volunteering experience
* Previous experience of project implementation
* Experience of working to and achieving targets
* Experience of working with volunteers
* Experience using and managing a case management system
Knowledge/ Skills
* A knowledge and understanding of volunteering in charity retail.
* Excellent teamwork skills
* Excellent Customer Service skills
* Excellent communication and relationship building skills with the ability to build rapport with people of differing ages, backgrounds and cultural origins
* Good commercial awareness
* Ability to work and flourish under pressure
* Good level of numeracy
* Able to be creative
* Strong organisational skills
* Able to work under own initiative, solve problems and make decisions
* A knowledge and understanding of the Octavia mission and our objectives
Benefits
We are offering a salary for this role of £33,457 with up to 10% pension contribution.


Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. Everyone is welcome.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.