LISTEN          SUPPORT          EMPOWERCharity No: 1119528    Company No: 5999166RECRUITMENT PACKVolunteer CoordinatorThank you for your interest in this exciting role with the Young Lives Foundation. We trust thispack will tell you everything you need to know to decide whether this might be the role for you.This pack includes the following:• Background about the Young Lives Foundation (YLF)• About this role• Terms and conditions• Application processIf you have any questions or queries relating to this role, please contact us on 01622 693459 oremail recruitment@ylf.org.ukAbout YLFVolunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackWe aim to support young people to thrive through highly effective andaccessible programmes where they:are given a voice, heard and empoweredare supported by consistent adults through times of challenge and changehave opportunities and resources to be happy and thriveWe want all young people to live in communities wherethey are heard, are safe and supported;with opportunities to thrive. The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) is an award winning children’s charity in the South East of England with expertise in Advocacy,Mentoring, Befriending and Youth Programmes. We support over2,700 young people and families each year including those in care, on theedge of care, care leavers, young offenders and young people disengagedin education.Volunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackOUR MISSIONOUR VISIONOur values and impact“You have done an amazing job helping us through a really difficult period, you were a perfect role modelwe needed to set us on the right path again.  I wish every young person could have YLF in their life!!”Volunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackAt YLF we believe that all staff should be:OUR VALUESPassionate. We are a charity that genuinely cares about youngpeople and is driven by our passion and high standardsStable and Consistent. We offer long term support and astable presence in our communities and people's livesHonest with Integrity. We are transparent and honest withstrong moral principles and clear about what we do and whyInnovative and Flexible. We are a 'can do' charity. We areagile and adaptable to change, open to new ways of workingwith courage and ambition. We learn, grow and offer valueGrateful. We recognise and value the contributions andsupport of others, always saying thank you for the gifts of time,money and support given to usRespectful. We treat all people equally and fairlyOUR IMPACTOur PeopleVolunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackGrant making bodies, businesses, schools and organisations come on board to support the work of the charity. Inaddition to our partners, we rely on donations from the general public, and also individuals or groups to fundraisefor YLF as a fun and gratifying way to raise vital funds and awareness. There are many ways in which they help, including...Sponsorship / Grants              Fundraising events and activitiesGifts in kind / Legacies         Friends of YLFCorporate partnerships      Charity of the YearCommunityMentoringLegends YouthHubsYOUTHPROGRAMMESSchoolMentoringCorporate MentoringGovernance/CEOHR/Legal/PolicyCORPORATESERVICESFUTURESCARE LEAVERS OFFERIndependent PeopleAdvocacy & RightsBefriendingAppropriate AdultsAccompanying AdultsChildren inCare CouncilADVOCACYPROGRAMMESFundraising/CommsFinanceOur YLF team is made up of 30employees and organised asfollows:Mentoring & TransitionSupportAdvocacy &Hardship FundingSupportDrop-in &ParticipationopportunitiesCare Packs &Campaigns for CareLeaversPeer SupportGroups & AlumniSupportApprenticeships &TrainingThey give over 10,000 hours every year, making a huge impact in our community andproviding positive outcomes for young people. They help us with...Mentoring - Befriending - Events - Youth Groups - Support in CustodyYLF aim to raise over £630,000 a year to enable us to continue delivering our youth programmes.FUNDRAISERS & DONORSOur team of over 200 volunteers are at the very heart of our charity.VOLUNTEERSThe Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for the outcomes, performance and progress of thecharity and management of the staff and volunteer team.YLF is governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.STAFF & GOVERNANCEOur Young PeopleAJ joined our Legends programme with a severe phobia of water due to a traumatic event inhis past. Over a number of months our team worked with AJ to build up his confidenceenough for him to just paddle in shallow water. Soon we progressed to helping him stand upin the swimming pool which he was so proud of.  A few weeks later we held a residential tripto Wales where one of the activities was a gorge walk ending in a waterfall. A number of ouryoung people who were strong swimmers opted out of this however AJ took the challenge onnot once but three times. We were all so proud of him for overcoming his fear of water andfor this phenomenal achievement.Will has been lucky to have such amazing support fromLisa, which she wanted to continue when he turned 18, andmade the transition into becoming a care leaver. Thanks toLisa's support over the years and confidence buildingexcursions together to the cinema, theatre and bowling,alongside support with interview preparations and CVwork, Will has been able to get himself his first paid jobupon leaving school!WILL"I have been a part of YLF since I was put into care. I wasn't able tospeak to anyone or go to school and so started attending the YLFgroups where I could get out of the house and socialise with otherpeople my own age. I also became a member of the MCYPC andhave my very own advocate who is a Legend! YLF soon becamelike one big family and support network to me. I have grown inconfidence and learnt lots of new skills. YLF is my safe place and Idon't know where I would be without them.""My leaving care mentor has helped me settle into independent living. It was a scary thoughtat first, to live alone, but he was patient and kind and taught me how to budget, cook formyself, get things done and prioritise. I have still got a way to go before I feel fully comfortablewith this big change, but with my mentors help I know that I will be there in no time at all. Hemakes me feel confident in myself and knows how to deal with the things I throw at him. Iappreciate this help a lot and don't know what I would do without him."SOPHIENATHANAJVolunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackYour RoleVolunteer Recruitment & InductionPromote volunteer opportunities across local communities and networksManage the application, interview, and selection process for new volunteersCoordinate safeguarding checks and referencesDeliver engaging inductions and training sessionsVolunteer Support, Development & RetentionProvide ongoing supervision and support to volunteers through regular contact, check-ins, and review meetingsIdentify training needs and coordinate relevant development opportunitiesEnsure volunteers feel recognised and valued, including organising thank you events and awards                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ....MAIN RESPONSIBILITIESVolunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackReports to: Youth Programmes Manager Responsible for: YLF’s Mentoring Programmes volunteers/sessionalmentorsThe Role: The Volunteer Coordinator coordinates the recruitment,training, and ongoing support of our volunteer/sessional mentors andat times involves direct front-line mentoring of young people.VOLUNTEER COORDINATORFollowing the success of securing long-term funding, we are growing our team and extending our mentoringprogrammes across Kent.Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and the Volunteer Coordinator plays a vital role in recruiting, training,and supporting them to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.The Volunteer Coordinator will coordinate the recruitment, training, and ongoing support of our volunteer mentorsacross YLF’s Mentoring Programmes, ensuring they feel valued, confident, and equipped to provide safe, consistent, andhigh-quality support to young people. The role will at times also involve delivering front-line mentoring sessions directlywith young people. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop our new provisions from the ground up, working in a supportiveand energetic environment where no two days are ever the same.This is an important post requiring a genuine commitment to improving the lives of young people. The post-holder mustbe a positive role model for the young people; a champion of their needs, interests and aspirations; and also a championof the charity’s values and an effective ambassador for the work and the organisation.JOB PURPOSEProgramme Coordination & DeliveryMatch volunteers appropriately to young people and activitiesSupport volunteers to deliver YLF’s programmes, ensuring safe practice and alignment with organisational valuesMaintain accurate records of volunteer activity, hours, and outcomesDeliver front-line mentoring sessions with young people where requiredPartnerships & Community EngagementBuild relationships with local organisations, colleges, schools and businesses to encourage volunteer participationRepresent YLF at community events, meetings, forums, conferences and fundraising events to raise awareness ofvolunteering opportunities and promote YLF programmesWork collaboratively with young people and the wider community to co-produce mentoring and nurture activitiesthat reflect their needs, strengths, and lived experiencesOtherTo contribute, as required, to the design, content and administration of websites; the production of publications;and the arrangement of eventsTo support the promotion of the service, as required, to service users, professionals and relevant agenciesBe an ambassador for YLF at events, meetings and build supportive networks that align with YLF’s values and be arole model for the organisational cultureTo have flexible availability to meet the needs of the charityTo work within agreed timescales and allocation of hoursTo work to an agreed Action PlanTo work within agreed quality frameworks and quality standardsTo take part in supervision and appraisal and to meet on other occasions, as requiredTo comply with the YLF Code of Conduct, Data Protection, Health and Safety, and ensure the Safeguarding Policyand Procedures are followed at all timesTo attend and present at staff meetings, as requiredTo keep accurate records of any expenditure incurred and to ensure that such expenditure is within agreed limitsand has been duly authorisedTo maintain such other records as may be required for the purposes of monitoring, evaluation and review; and toprepare periodic reportsTo provide cover or additional support for colleagues, as requiredTo uphold the values and adhere to the policies and procedures of YLFTo undertake such other duties as may, from time to time, be reasonably requiredGENERAL REQUIREMENTSVolunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackLocation: YLF HQ, Maidstone, with travel across KentSalary:  Starting from £24,164  (full-time equivalent)   Hours: Negotiable (21 to 35 hours pw/pro-rata)          Contract: Permanent (Some evening/weekend work required)    Probation: A period of 6 months     Holiday: 25 days per year plus Bank HolidaysNotice: During the probationary period, 1 week on either side. Following successful completion of the probationaryperiod, three monthsThe job description and terms and conditions do not form a binding contract and may be changed from time to time to alignwith the needs of the charity. The job description set out above is intended for guidance only and is not exhaustive. This post is subject to YLF’s Safer Recruitment Process, a satisfactory DBS check and a successful probationary period.TERMS & CONDITIONSValues andEthosA strong commitment to safeguarding young peopleAn enthusiasm and commitment to our charity values and behavioursUnderstanding of a child centered, trauma informed approach to work and co-productionQualificationsA good standard of educationRelevant qualification in volunteer management, community development, or similar(Desirable)  Knowledgeand Experience  Experience in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, ideally within a mentoring,youth work, or community development settingExperience of coordinating or delivering mentoring or support programmesKnowledge of mentoring and wellbeing programmes and their impact on service usersCommitment to equality, diversity, and inclusionUnderstanding of safeguarding responsibilities when working with children and young peopleKnowledge of issues affecting young people and communitiesExperience of developing volunteer policies, procedures, or training materialsKnowledge of local voluntary and community sector networksExperience of monitoring and evaluating volunteer impact or reporting outcomesSkillsExcellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skillsA high standard of IT skills, specifically in Microsoft 365/Office and CRM systemsReport writingStrong organisational and administrative skillsAbility to quickly build a rapport with young people and volunteersAbility to engage and build strong working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholdersAbility to work as part of a team and on your own initiativeExcellent self-management, time keeping and organisational skillsThe ability to deal with work pressures, changing priorities and unpredictable demand levelsAbility to motivate, support, and inspire othersPersonalCharacteristicsGood understanding of own feelings and life experiences and how these may affectrelationships and reactions to situationsRecognition of the importance of professional boundaries in terms of relationships,communication and conductA genuine passion and commitment to making a difference to the lives of young peopleCommitment to the delivery of all objectivesApproachable and non-judgmentalA high level of integrity, reliability, to be trustworthy, and to always adhere to YLF policiesEnergy and sense of humour with a willingness to engage in activitiesA natural leader who is enthusiastic and has a positive attitudeCollaborative team player who will get involved in whatever needs to be done to achieve thecharity’s aims and objectivesFlexible, responsive and resilient to changeOtherCommitment to, understanding of, and maintenance of the sensitive nature of our work andvalues in all communications Commitment to personal and professional development and working to quality standardsFull driving license and access to a vehicle for business purposes. Candidates must be willingto travel across Kent as part of their role (Essential)Flexibility to work outside of normal working hours when required, including evenings andweekendsWillingness and ability to attend in person meetings in a front-facing rolePERSON SPECIFICATION Volunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackTOP 10 STANDARDS AS SET BY OUR YOUNG PEOPLEVolunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackTOP 10 !Do you meet our Young People'sTOP 10 standards?Have at least 1 ear for meA Good ListenerConsistent and StableContactableUnderstandingHonestFocusedRealisticGood TimekeeperResourcefulBe there for me, stick by meCan I reach you? Will you make time for me?Put yourself in my shoes, don't feel sorry for meDon't beat around the bush, just tell me!See me for me, I'm not just another numberDon't make me a promise you can't keepIt's just good manners! Be creative, the same approach won't always work!Non-JudgementalIf we are in care does that make us a problem?Your benefitsThe application processClosing Date:  10 December 2025                                 thInterview Date:  TBC             Interviews will consist of an interview exercise with care experienced young people and a formal interview with line managementHow to Apply: Please complete and return an application form that can be completed online or downloaded from:https://ylf.org.uk/recruitment/ You will be asked to provide three references as part of the application form Diversity StatementYLF is explicitly and actively committed to inclusivity, equality, and reflecting the diversity of the communities served.Nobody involved in YLF’s activities will be disadvantaged on the grounds of age, disability, gender, language, race, ethnicorigin, sexual orientation, social class, religion, political views, marital status or health matters. The charity promotes equalopportunities for all, not only seeking to challenge all discrimination and encouraging tolerance but also appreciating thevalue of different cultures and lifestyles. YLF particularly encourage people to apply who are from sections of society that arecurrently underrepresented on the Trustee Board. This includes, but is not limited to, people with a disability, andindividuals from ethnic minorities. We would also particularly welcome applications from care leavers or individuals withcare experience.Thank you – we look forward to hearing from youAPPLY ONLINEVolunteer Coordinator Recruitment PackWorking at YLF involves taking responsibilities seriously and delivering high quality work, in what can be, achallenging environment. However the role you undertake will be purposeful and rewarding. We offer careerdevelopment, promote staff wellbeing, and offer family-friendly employment and flexible working. We support allour staff through a programme of personal development, which includes line management, team meetings andsupervision. There is a comprehensive induction and training programme for all staff with regular developmentreviews, annual appraisals and opportunities to give feedback about your role, the charity and its programmes.We also offer:Access to lifestyle discount schemeAccess to a pension contributory scheme (5 per cent employer contribution; minimum 3 per cent employeecontribution, after 3 months)Employment assistance and wellbeing programmeDeath in service benefitFlexible working arrangements and supportive cultureOUR STAFF OFFER@ylfcharity@ylf.org.ukcompany/ylfcharitythe young lives foundationStay connected:www.ylf.org.ukThe Young Lives Foundation71 College Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6SX01622 693459 enquiries@ylf.org.ukRegistered Charity no: 1119528