Craft & Community Supervisor (part-time)

Job Description

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role but is not intended to be
exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to
the role, as reasonably requested, and will be expected to use initiative, flexibility, and
sound judgement in carrying out their work.

Job Title: Craft & Community Supervisor (part-time)

Reports to: Operations Manager

Salary: £30,018 p/a (FTE)

Location: Rubra 2, Mulberry Business Park, Fishponds Road, RG41 2GY. Travel within the
Berkshire area may be required for workshops, events, and volunteering projects.

The normal hours of work are 22.5 hours per week. The following conditions apply to the
hours:

1.  Working hours are 9:30am to 5pm.
2.  Working days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday each week.

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS AND FLEXIBILITY:

Due to the nature of a crisis charity, the role requires flexibility. The post holder will
occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends, for which time off in lieu will be
provided in accordance with organisational policy.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Craft and Community Supervisor is responsible for leading and supporting The
Cowshed’s craft team, including craft co-ordinators and volunteers, in producing handmade
items that directly support the charity’s work. The post holder must have strong practical
skills and knowledge in sewing and crafts, enabling them to guide, support, and inspire the
team.

The role ensures the smooth running of craft groups, sewing courses, and community
projects, including those delivered through the Holiday Activities and Food programme, as
well as craft-related events. The post holder will oversee the production and distribution of
crafted items, develop and deliver sustainable and inclusive workshops, and support income
generation through craft markets and the sale of handmade items.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, the post holder will help ensure that craft
outputs meet the needs of the Referrals team and the wider community, while creating a
welcoming and engaging environment for volunteers and participants. They will also
contribute to monitoring impact, supporting fundraising activity, and promoting
environmental responsibility through the reuse and repurposing of donated materials.
The role is key to maintaining high standards of health and safety, safeguarding, and
operational efficiency, ensuring all activities are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with

The Cowshed’s values. As the role involves working with vulnerable adults and children, the
post holder will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to
appointment.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEER SUPERVISION:

•

Supervise and support craft co-ordinator(s), empowering them to motivate
volunteers and produce items for referral packs, fundraising, and community
support.

•  Provide hands-on guidance, training, and expertise in sewing and crafts to

ensure high-quality outputs.

•  Work with co-ordinator(s) to plan production schedules for items throughout

the year.

•  Ensure volunteers are signed in weekly, maintaining accurate records of

attendance, availability, and engagement.

•  Keep volunteers informed and engaged through regular communications via

email, social media, and the monthly volunteer newsletter.
Support volunteer induction, training, and debrief processes as needed.

•

CRAFT PRODUCTION & SUSTAINABILITY:

•  Oversee the use and organisation of donated materials, repurposing fabrics and
craft materials to minimise waste and promote environmental responsibility.

•  Ensure the craft space is set up efficiently and tidied after each session,

providing a welcoming environment.

•  Develop new sewing and craft projects, inspiring volunteers and fostering

creativity while meeting the charity’s operational needs.

•  Monitor stock levels of craft materials and equipment, identifying shortages and

supporting donation requests or purchasing where needed.

•  Develop and coordinate ideas for craft items to sell, supporting income

generation through planning, production, and sales.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & WORKSHOPS:

•  Plan, organise, and deliver engaging sewing and craft workshops for adults and
children, including sessions as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
programme, fostering creativity, confidence, and practical skills.

•  Gather feedback from workshop participants and volunteers to evaluate impact

and continuously improve sessions and activities.

•  Coordinate craft-related events and markets, including managing volunteer

support and stock.

•  Assist with corporate volunteering days, particularly those focused on crafting

and sustainability.

•  Ensure all equipment is maintained, safe, and compliant with relevant Health

and Safety regulations.

OPERATIONS, COMPLIANCE AND ADMINISTRATION:

•  Monitor adherence to health and safety procedures, coordinate first aid
training, maintain first aid supplies, and oversee emergency protocols.

2

•  Maintain accurate records of craft activities, volunteer engagement, and

resources, providing statistics and reports for trustees, funders, and leadership
teams.

•  Ensure safeguarding practices are followed at all times when working with

children and vulnerable adults, in line with organisational policies.

•  Ensure workshops and craft activities are inclusive and accessible, adapting

delivery to meet a range of needs and abilities.

•  Manage bookings, coordinate sewing course contractors, and resolve scheduling

conflicts with other organisational events.

•  Oversee HR aspects of the craft group, including contracts for co-ordinators and

contractors.

PARTNERSHIPS & OUTREACH:

•  Engage with schools, churches, and other organisations to coordinate

volunteering opportunities and manage volunteer groups.

•  Respond to enquiries from the public and partner organisations regarding craft

activities and the craft centre.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Strong commitment to high standards of service and volunteer support.

•
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build positive

working relationships.

Flexible, proactive, and able to use initiative.
Strong planning, organisational, and administrative skills.

•  Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
•  Confident in handling sensitive situations and resolving issues constructively.
•
•
•  Effective time management, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
•  Competent and confident in the use of IT systems.
•  Practical knowledge and skill in sewing and crafts.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

•  Competent in IT and numeracy.
•  Professional, confident, and calm under pressure.
•  Positive, motivated, and resilient, with a “can-do” attitude.
•  Kind, compassionate, and non-judgemental.
•
•
•  Enhanced DBS check required due to work with vulnerable adults and children.

Strong practical knowledge and skill in sewing and crafts.
Full UK driving licence.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This role includes occasional manual handling associated with events and workshops (e.g.
setting up equipment and display materials). Reasonable adjustments will be considered in
line with the Equality Act 2010.

EQUALITY, DIVERSION & INCLUSION:

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment. We encourage
applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, and we actively promote
equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

3