Volunteer Development Officer - South West England

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Volunteer Development Officer in our South West region to deliver on the volunteering strategy for the Woodland Trust and South West region.

The Role: 

• This is a key role in the South West region Communication & Engagement team which works with other Volunteer Development Officers across the Trust to help deliver on the volunteering strategy for the region.
• 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.
• You will run a range of activity to develop effective communication methods including writing articles, delivering events, supporting peer to peer support and shared learning so volunteers are engaged and feel valued.
• You are responsible for being the link between the National Volunteering Team and regional volunteer managers to ensure that managers feel supported and volunteers have a meaningful, safe and enjoyable experience.
• You will lead on regional recruitment of existing and new roles, in line with regional priorities to ensure volunteer roles are appropriate and support the needs of the Woodland Trust.
• This role is based in South West England and will require the successful candidate to travel around the region.
• This is a 3 year fixed term contract, including evening and weekend work.
• This role may require an enhanced DBS check as part of our pre-employment checks.

The Candidate: 

• You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values—Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
• Hands on experience working with volunteers and volunteer managers including recruitment, training and managing volunteers with positive outcomes.
• Experience in working across a range of teams at a regional level to support existing and develop new volunteering opportunities, ensuring the support of volunteering to undertake activities in a positive, fun and safe way.
• You’ll have experience in developing new volunteering opportunities in line with regional and national strategies.
• You’ll have a collaborative approach, with the ability to work with multiple teams, building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• You’ll know how to deliver effective events including promotion, risk assessments for indoor and outdoor environments.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbally being able to liaise with internal and external stakeholders, especially volunteers using a variety of methods to suite the audience.
• This role does require regular travel around the South West region. A full UK driving licence is required.

Benefits & 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
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & 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, so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. 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. 

Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

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.

Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Monday 3rd March 2025.