Volunteering Coordinator

Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.

What is a Volunteering Coordinator?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.
Volunteering Coordinators are a key role within the team, leading on the local recruitment, induction, on-going support and celebration of volunteers. As the first point of contact for volunteering in the branch, they ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported.

What difference will you make?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, Volunteering Coordinators ensure that SSAFA has a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.

What will you be doing?
Although every SSAFA Branch has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator.
• Keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of branch volunteer details and checking in with people about their volunteer experience.
• Supporting volunteer recruitment: Working alongside the Branch Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required, for example, using online volunteer recruitment platforms.
• Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups.
• Welcoming and supporting: In partnership with SSAFA central office teams, supporting the recruitment and induction of new volunteers e.g., carrying out informal interviews and ensuring every volunteer has an identified volunteer manager.
• Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking ways to celebrate volunteering and to say thank you to volunteers for their efforts.
• Being a volunteering champion: Working with the regional Volunteer Development Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the branch and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.

What about training, support and expenses?
• Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
• On-line, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
• Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from Regional volunteering and operations staff.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?
• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A belief in the impact of volunteering.
• Some experience of coordinating people is beneficial.
This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

Are references required? Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).
“I’d say I feel part of the Gloucestershire SSAFA family and I know that people are always on the other end of the phone if I need support. Being part of a branch, means coming together with other likeminded people and that can give you a lot of satisfaction too.” Deborah Maguire, Volunteer, Gloucestershire
Is a criminal record check required? No

We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing references, and completing relevant training for your role.

How do I find out more?
• Visit us online at www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteer to search for available roles and apply. Read more about the training we provide and about the difference you can make as a volunteer.
• Contact our Volunteer Experience (VE) team at VE.Support@ssafa.org.uk, they can answer questions and put you in touch with your local branch
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA is committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers who have a disability.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.