Head of Volunteering (South West region)

Department: Community Engagement

Salary: £47,250 per annum

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week).

Contract: Permanent.

Location: The Harry Crook Centre, Raleigh Road, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1AP or 7-9 Marlborough Court, Manaton Close, Matford Business Park Exeter EX2 8PF. Flexibility to work from home with regular travel to your region.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 21st April 2024.

Shortlisting date: Week commencing 22nd April 2024.

Interviews: Week commencing 6th May 2024.

Do you want to make a difference and be part of a vibrant and inclusive organisation that has been helping save lives for more than a century?  As one of the country’s best-loved charities, St John Ambulance played a pivotal role in responding to the pandemic as well as everyday health emergencies, training, supporting communities, and improving young people’s lives. 

Reporting to the Director of Volunteer Experience, and working in day-to-day partnership with a senior regional volunteer leader, you'll develop a compelling vision and strategy to build a thriving community first aid movement across your region.  
  

About You 

In this role, you'll lead and inspire a dedicated volunteering team, leveraging your extensive experience in volunteer management and proven track record of success. You'll bring a deep understanding of best practices, a strong network in the volunteer sector, and experience developing and implementing a winning volunteer strategy.  You'll thrive in a senior-level role managing teams and have excellent leadership skills to empower volunteers and staff in your region. 

Please see the job description for more details about the responsibilities and person specification. 

About The Role 

Our new strategy orientates the whole charity around our vision for community first aid – providing it, teaching it and raising awareness of it. You’ll support volunteers from across St John to be at the centre of this work, coming together locally to serve their communities.  Specifically, you will be responsible for: 

Motivating and activating a team of St John people (both staff and volunteers) to deliver the regional plan including volunteer delivery of training, community education, first aid cover at community events, fundraising, youth activity and awards and recognition.  

Building the regional presence, delivery and culture for all volunteering roles at St John. 

Championing excellent volunteer experience in the region, harnessing central pathways and resources to create a smooth user journey that recruits, trains, retains and rewards volunteers locally. 

Building partnerships across the region which build the first aid movement – with NHS partners, schools, local authorities, youth organisations, funders and more.  

You'll work closely with volunteers and volunteer leaders across the region and line managing a team of 2-3 Community Volunteering Officers (staff) to achieve maximum impact. 

 About Us 

St John Ambulance is committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work with us. We welcome submissions from people from all backgrounds and identities. 

At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive; we have several networks including the Armed Forces Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers and Women’s groups. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and engender a sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship. We believe passionately in equity, diversity and inclusion.  

St John Ambulance has something for everyone. Hear from some of our amazing volunteers here.    

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, providing a supportive culture with opportunities to grow and develop your career, achieve a healthy work-life balance and be recognised for the great work you do. The role benefits from a competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid, flexible working, 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) - increasing to 38 days over 5 years, options to buy and sell holiday, free first/mental aid first aider courses, Blue Light and NHS online shopping discounts, cycle to work scheme, life assurance, flu jab, eye care, mental health and wellbeing tools and volunteering days. 

If you’d like further information, have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please state this in your application and a member of the Recruitment team will get in touch. 

Looking forward to receiving your application!