Volunteer Co-ordinator (Operational Property)

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Join Our Team: Volunteer Coordinator - Operational Property

We’re excited to welcome a new Volunteer Coordinator within our Estates team.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location  

This role follows 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required.

Relevant Hubs: Leeds, Ellesmere Port, Burnley, Birmingham, Gloucester, Newark, Crickhowel

Role Overview

The Volunteer Coordinator within our Estates Directorate plays a key role in building and sustaining a strong, engaged volunteer community across the Trust. This role is responsible for establishing, nurturing and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers, ensuring they feel valued, supported and equipped to contribute meaningfully.
A core focus of the role is identifying and developing new volunteering opportunities, working closely with teams across the Trust to match volunteer skills to service needs. The Coordinator actively promotes volunteering both internally and externally, raising awareness of the impact volunteers have and championing their contribution as an integral part of who we are and what we do.
The postholder will help shape a culture where volunteers are welcomed, included and empowered, supporting the Trust to maximise the benefits of volunteering for individuals, staff teams and the wider community.

Key Accountabilities:

• Create, implement and monitor the delivery of local volunteering action plans (across the UK) which build the capacity of the Operational Property team, which reflects regional and national priorities.
• Support the Operational Property develop, Grow and establish a new volunteer work force for working on and assisting with property repairs
• Identify new volunteer opportunities and establish new long term, sustainable and mutually beneficial volunteer relationships, through the promotion and publicising of the Trust at all opportunities, to facilitate growth in levels of volunteering.
• Provide advice and support to the National Operational Property Manager on volunteering matters, encouraging participation and creative thinking. Use nationally provided expertise to supplement local advice.
• Lead and advise on the recruitment, selection, induction and training of volunteers directly engaged by the Trust, for Operational Property requirements.
• The role holder is responsible for engaging with and empowering volunteers so that they feel part of and fully represent the Trust and ensuring that volunteer recognition is prominent and appropriate and success is celebrated.
• Ensure that data on volunteering, volunteer details and volunteering opportunities are captured on ThankQ.
• Support the growth of community adoptions by the identification of need, new partners and support delivery through advice and professional support.

About you

You’ll be someone who is passionate about volunteering and skilled at building strong, positive relationships. With experience in community engagement and working with volunteers, you’re confident supporting teams, creating opportunities and helping people feel valued and included.
Organised and proactive, you can manage multiple priorities, motivate others and communicate clearly at all levels. 
You’re comfortable using data and systems, producing good‑quality reports and ensuring accurate volunteer information is maintained.
You bring strong interpersonal skills, a practical approach to problem‑solving and the ability to apply organisational policies effectively. Above all, you’re enthusiastic about empowering volunteers and supporting them to make a meaningful impact.

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree / HND / NVQ Level 5 or equivalent in Volunteer Management or similar preferred but not essential.
• Construction based knowledge and experience
• NEBOSH Certificate in Health and Safety preferred; some knowledge of work safety management essential.
• Proven line & budget management experience required.
• Substantial experience of community engagement & relationship management.
• Proven experience of working with volunteers and growing volunteering levels.
• Demonstrable ability to motivate individuals and teams of both volunteers and staff.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, including the use of social media.
• Good interpersonal skills including diplomacy, listening & problem-solving skills.
• Basic IT skills including the use of word processing and spreadsheets.
• High standards of reporting and presentation skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to understand and implement organisational policies.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk.  We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

We offer an annual salary of £33,677. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.  

Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits 

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Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers. 

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us

Job Details

• Pay Type
• Salary

• Travel Required
• Yes

• Hiring Min Rate
• 33,677 GBP

• Hiring Max Rate
• 33,677 GBP