OVERVIEW
Poltimore House Trust is a registered charity dedicated to the restoration of an historic mansion just outside Exeter as a resource for the arts, business, communities and wellbeing. A new Board has been recruited over the last two years, bringing a wide range of professional expertise and experience to the Trust.
In addition to the House, the Trust owns 13.6 acres of the historic estate and is committed to developing a strategy for the Grounds which blends heritage restoration, biodiversity, visitor experience and scope for future developments. We are seeking one or more Grounds Co-ordinators with appropriate experience to work with our Lead Trustee on the management and improvement of the Grounds and related facilities. The role involves the creation of plans for key improvement and maintenance projects, briefing and co-ordinating teams of volunteers, providing training where necessary, and ensuring safe working practices.
The Grounds are maintained by a committed team of some 30 regular volunteers, and a campaign is currently underway to increase recruitment in order to make significant improvements to accessibility, biodiversity and the historic landscape. Corporate volunteering has also grown recently and the Trust is seeking further opportunities to develop this valuable area of support further.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a key moment in the restoration of Poltimore’s historic House and Grounds. The post is not remunerated but regular volunteers enjoy free admission to on-site events and discounts at our Café.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The principal responsibility is to help ensure the safe and effective delivery of key improvement and maintenance tasks through the co-ordination of volunteer activity.
This is a ‘hands on’ role and we are seeking people with the skills and experience required to deliver the duties and tasks outlined below.
In more detail:
- To work with the Lead Trustee in identifying, planning and scheduling key improvement and maintenance tasks in the Grounds.
- To prepare a project plan for each key task identifying resources, timescales, and health & safety requirements.
- To co-ordinate a team of volunteers responsible for delivering the plan, ensuring effective communication, appropriate task allocation and safe working.
- To put volunteer training in place where necessary.
- To help ensure that all volunteers feel valued, respected and supported, and that their skills and energies are being put to good use.
- Where appropriate, to ensure regular care and maintenance of machinery and equipment.