Community Volunteer Service Lead

Involve

Our Purpose is to: support and promote voluntary and community action across Mid Devon by developing the capacity, skills and knowledge of groups; connect groups to facilitate and promote joint working; build the influence of the sector and help people to become active in their community. Our goal is to promote volunteering opportunities that have a positive impact on volunteers, voluntary groups and the community, recognising that getting involved in the community makes people feel better about themselves and others and that our local voluntary and community groups can grow and become stronger through the support that volunteers provide.

Our support to volunteers or people who wish to become active within their communities is a vital part of our work and this role is key to providing this.

‘Communities that Can’ Project

‘Communities that Can’ is an exciting new Big Lottery funded project. The project is designed to connect residents, foster local engagement, and support local organisations through real-world interactions. By offering connections through events, groups support, local directories, and volunteer opportunities, we aim to create stronger, more vibrant communities across Mid Devon. We lead neighbourhoods into supportive, interconnected networks where everyone feels at home. You will be responsible for establishing a new volunteer service across Mid Devon and setting up an in-person Volunteer Hub by year two.

Aim of the Role

This is a high-profile and exciting new role to lead and coordinate a community-based volunteer service in Mid Devon, including the development of a new Volunteer Hub. This role focuses on empowering volunteers, building strong partnerships, and ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for residents facing challenges such as isolation and loneliness, cost of living, mental health issues, or long-term conditions.

An exciting opportunity to develop and lead the voluntary services for Mid Devon while harnessing the skills, passion and commitment of volunteers, the role is based across Mid Devon and is part of our Big Lottery Reaching Communities ‘Communities that Can’ project. You will work in close partnership with our CTC Project Manager.

As Involve’s Community Volunteer Service Lead you will oversee the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers for organisations across Mid Devon. Key responsibilities include developing volunteer strategies, providing support, training, and mentorship, guidance on Volunteer recruitment and retention for our organisations, volunteer best practice, and fostering strong relationships with both volunteers and other stakeholders. You will set up and run volunteer events, campaigns and workshops in key towns in Mid Devon together with the CTC project team. You will also develop our Quality Assurance programme.

About You

You will be passionate and knowledgeable about the potential for volunteering within the VCSE sector. You will have significant experience of volunteer management and relationship building. Someone who shares our passion for community involvement and empowerment who can hit the ground running. You will have great initiative and be able to inspire people to want to get involved.

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the volunteer service
• Develop and implement service plans aligned with local health and wellbeing priorities
• Monitor service impact and report outcomes to stakeholders

Volunteer Hub Development

• Lead the setup and launch of a new Volunteer Hub for Mid Devon
• Identify suitable premises, resources, and partnerships to support the Hub
• Create a welcoming, accessible space for volunteers and community members
• Promote the Hub as a central point for volunteering, training, and community connection

Community Partnerships

• Work closely with local communities, organisations, and stakeholders to co-design and co-deliver services
• Collaborate with community partners who can support project management and delivery
• Ensure the service reflects local needs and builds on existing community strengths

Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, and support a diverse team of volunteers
• Provide ongoing supervision, guidance, and development opportunities
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive volunteer culture

Client Support Coordination

• Ensure volunteers are matched appropriately with clients
• Support volunteers in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate support
• Maintain safeguarding standards and respond to concerns ap
• Oversee the Quality Assurance mark programme

Person Specification