Job Title: Community Connector
Reference Number: V559
Location: Must live/ work or have close connections to Chantry/ Belstead Hills/ Stoke Park areas of Ipswich
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract for 1 year
Hours: 15 hours per week
Salary: FTE £23,004.80 (annual salary for 15 h.p.w £9,859)
DBS/PVG: Basic DBS check required
Line Manager: Delivery Leader - England 1
Closing date: Midday on 24th October 2025 – however we do reserve the right to close early if suitable applicants come forward.
Interview Date/s: TBC
Anticipated start date: asap
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications
Volunteering Matters
Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.
What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.
How we do this
We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.
· We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.
· We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
· We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
· We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
· We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.
Job Purpose:
Volunteering Matters, in partnership with Active Suffolk and Sport England, is recruiting for a Community Connector to work in the Chantry / Belstead Hills / Stoke Park area of Ipswich
The aim of the role is to gather insights into local people’s lived experiences, particularly around physical activity, by having meaningful conversations in everyday settings like cafés, outside schools, and at community events. These insights will help shape future initiatives that support community wellbeing and development.
Ideal candidates will have strong local ties—preferably living in the area they work—and be confident, approachable, and proactive. The role involves identifying community needs, building local networks, signposting residents to support, and feeding back discussions to project partners.
Flexibility is key, with some evening and weekend work expected. The role reports to the Delivery Leader at Volunteering Matters and works closely with Active Suffolk’s Development Officer for Ipswich. A DBS check will be required before starting.
For more information about the role please refer to the Job description
Our Values & Way of Working
In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.
Diversity & Inclusion
Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.
Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.
Benefits
Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:
· Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)
· Unlimited Annual Leave
· Employee Pension scheme
· Life Assurance
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Season Ticket Loan
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Enhanced sick and family leave.
· Lifestyle Discount Scheme
We are also open to discussing job share applications.
GDPR Statement
If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months. We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.
Policy on AI-Generated Applications
Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.
To Apply
Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.
Right to Work in the UK
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. Whether you're a candidate looking for more information or with an HR query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.