Volunteer Development Officer - South East

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Location:

Homebased

Job Category:

Volunteering & Engagement

Salary:

£33,594 Pro Rata

Closing Date:

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Volunteer Development Officer (VDO) who will support the Trust - wide volunteering strategy at a regional level. The role will support compliance including record keeping, induction and training, as well as develop new opportunities based on regional priorities and deliver a range of communication and face to face activities to create a safe and positive volunteering experience.

The Role:

• Act as the link between the National Volunteering Team and regional volunteer managers, ensuring managers feel supported and volunteers have a meaningful, safe and enjoyable experience.
• Oversee regional recruitment for existing and new volunteer roles, aligned with regional priorities and the needs of the Woodland Trust.
• Work with regional, UK-wide staff and external partners to scope, develop and project-manage new volunteering opportunities that align with the Trust’s strategy.
• Deliver a range of activities to support effective communication and engagement, including writing articles, delivering events, and facilitating peer-to-peer support and shared learning.
• Undertake an annual programme of volunteer visits to build mutual understanding, support volunteer needs, and ensure safe, compliant ways of working.
• Plan and deliver funded activity in line with agreed project plans, advocating for volunteers, embedding evaluation, and documenting and sharing learning.
• Lead on maintaining accurate regional volunteer records across Assemble and other Woodland Trust systems, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and GDPR, including audits and regular data checks.
• Support regional projects, fundraising and corporate events, and monitor the quality, quantity and impact of volunteering across the region, including volunteer numbers, hours, roles and experience.
• This is a part time role at 0.5 Full Time Equivalent or 18.75 hours per week.
• This is a home working position with travel as required within the South East region to visit volunteer groups and site managers. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required. You would be expected to live in this area or within reasonable travelling distance.

The Candidate:

• Hands-on experience working with volunteers and volunteer managers, including recruitment, training and ongoing management, supporting positive, fun and safe volunteering experiences.
• Proven ability to work across multiple regional teams to support existing volunteering activity and develop new volunteering opportunities aligned to regional and national strategies.
• Strong communication skills, with experience engaging volunteers using a variety of methods and building rapport with a wide range of audiences, including young people.
• Experience developing and delivering effective volunteering events, including promotion, facilitation and completing risk assessments for both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to manage difficult situations and negotiate sensitively with volunteers to achieve successful, safe outcomes for both volunteers and the Woodland Trust.
• Working knowledge of volunteer management tools and databases similar to the Assemble volunteer management system, with an understanding of GDPR, safeguarding and relevant legislation relating to volunteering.
• Holds an environmental qualification at diploma level or above and/or relevant volunteering course or training.
• A full valid driving license and a willingness to travel across the South East region and wider areas as needed.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check, as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Apply Now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Interviews will be held Via Microsoft Teams on 6th & 9th of June 2026.

You can submit your application online with your CV and employment history to hand.

• Your CV to upload• Your education and employment history• Your national insurance number• Employment references