Volunteer and Employability Lead

Job Description
Volunteer and Employability Lead

Reporting to: Head of Development
Responsible for: Volunteers, Employability Programme participants
Hours: 30 - 37.5 hours per week. This role will require some evening and weekend
working.
Contract: Fixed-term until March 2028 Terms: 33 days including bank holidays pro
rata.  After two years’ service this increases by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 5
days (pro rata).  1 day volunteering leave per year also available (pro rata)
Salary: £26500-£30000 pro rata

FareShare Cymru
FareShare Cymru is an independent charity and part of the national FareShare UK
network of surplus food redistribution charities.

We turn an environmental problem into a social solution. We source quality surplus
food  –  from  food  retailers,  manufacturers,  and  suppliers  –  engaging  volunteers  to
redistribute to local charities and community groups that provide meals to support
their communities and increase the social impact of surplus food.

This is an exciting opportunity to be instrumental in setting the next phase of our
development.

Circumstances
The role is based in our Cardiff warehouses, Capital Business Park, CF3 2PU.

Purpose Of The Role
To  design,  deliver  and  continually  improve  the  volunteering  and  employability
programmes at FareShare Cymru, focusing on recruiting, supporting  and retaining
volunteers; designing and delivering an employability pathway that includes one-to-
one  support,  group  training  and  meaningful  work  experience;  building  strong
relationships  with  referral  partners  and  employers;  and  ensuring  a  high  quality,
inclusive  experience  for  all  volunteers  and  employability
supportive  and
participants. The postholder will help individuals overcome barriers, build skills and
move closer to employment, education or training.
To  deliver  identified  project  outcomes  as  required  by  funders  and  the  Senior
Leadership Team, in line with the FareShare Cymru strategy.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

•  Lead  on  recruitment  and  retention  of  volunteers  and  employability

participants.

•  Support  the  Training  Lead  with  induction  training  for  volunteers  and

employability participants.

•  Maintain  accurate  records  of  volunteer  and  employability  participant

involvement.

•  Develop  and  implement  a  structured  employability  programme,  including
work  experience,  1-2-1  and  group  training  sessions and  employability  skills
support.

•  Support  warehouse-based  learning  opportunities  in  collaboration  with  the

Operations Team.

•  Work closely with the Training Lead to ensure uptake of mandatory training

for volunteer roles.

•  Work  with  the  Training  Lead  and  Culinary  Lead  for  skills  development

opportunities.

•  Continuously  improve  volunteer  and  employability  participant  pathways

based on feedback and organisational need.

•  Foster  a  positive  volunteer  culture,  ensuring  good  communication  and

recognition of achievements e.g. organising volunteer events.

•  Promote  both  programmes  to  referral  agencies,  employers  and  partners  to

meet recruitment and progression targets.

•  Develop pathways for employability participants to progress into work
•  Ensure Investing in Volunteers re-accreditation.
•  Deliver corporate volunteering days and develop this into an income stream
•  Source  funding  and  generate  income  to  develop  and  maintain  the

volunteering and employability programmes
•  Lead on safeguarding for FareShare Cymru.
•  Produce  reports,  updates  and  presentations;  ensure  data  accuracy  and

compliance.

•  Contribute  to  continuous  organisational  development  and  cross  team

collaboration.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

•  Demonstrable experience supervising and supporting volunteers.
•  Demonstrable experience supporting people facing barriers to employment or

progression.

•  Experience of delivering training or group facilitation.
•  Experience  successfully  building  relationships  with  partners,  employers  or

referral agencies.

•  Experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds.
•  Experience of income generation
•  Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding
•  Delivering projects to targets and deadlines.

Desirable

•  Experience as a volunteer.
•  Knowledge of the benefits system.
•  Experience in the Welsh Third Sector.
•  Welsh language skills.

Skills & Abilities

•  Strong communication, listening and relationship building skills.
•  Empathetic, non-judgemental approach to supporting individuals.
•  Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
•  Confident public speaker and facilitator.
IT proficiency (databases, spreadsheets, email, word processing).
•
•  Ability to work proactively both independently and within a team.
•  Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Personal Qualities

•  Motivated, proactive and solution focused.
•  Reliable, responsible and professional.
•  Positive attitude and enthusiasm for supporting people.
•  Flexible approach to working hours and environments.
•  Commitment to FareShare Cymru’s values and the wider Third Sector.