15 hours per week, this position offers a good amount of flexibility for the right candidate.
Do you believe people flourish when they are listened to, valued, and supported with compassion?
Do you have a heart for community, a gift for connecting with others, and the confidence to help volunteers thrive?
If so, the St Vincent de Paul Society would love to hear from you.
About the SVP
The SVP is a vibrant, volunteer‑led movement rooted in compassion, dignity, and practical action. Across England and Wales, our members walk alongside people facing poverty, isolation, and hardship, offering friendship, hope, and hands‑on support.
Hallam Central Council is home to 21 local SVP groups (known as Conferences) and more than 200 members carrying out vital community work every day. We are now seeking a Membership Support Officer (MSO) to help nurture, strengthen, and grow this network.
The Role: Walking With, Listening Deeply, Supporting Growth
As the Membership Support Officer, you'll be the catalyst helping SVP members flourish in their mission. You'll build relationships, encourage volunteers, develop new groups, and support existing ones as they respond to the needs of their communities.
This role is perfect for someone who is:
-Warm, approachable, and non‑judgemental
-A natural relationship‑builder
-Organised and confident working independently
-Passionate about strengthening volunteer‑led community action
-Motivated by values of dignity, compassion, and hope
What You'll Do
You will have a varied and meaningful workload, including:
Membership Recruitment & Development
* Lead recruitment initiatives to bring new members into the SVP
* Deliver church and community appeals
* Support the formation, growth, and early development of new Conferences
* Create engaging recruitment content across video, audio, social media and local press
* Provide practical support and resources to existing groups
Strategic Support & Engagement
* Work closely with the Central Council President and District Presidents
* Facilitate meetings to strengthen local strategy and communication
* Help identify areas of growth and share best practice
Training, Governance & Succession
* Promote member training programmes
* Support new leaders through induction and officer training
* Assist Conferences with secretarial, financial and safeguarding requirements
Partnership & Collaboration
* Build relationships with local agencies, including foodbanks, refugee support groups, mental health services, prisons, and more
* Connect members with national SVP teams in fundraising, safeguarding, communications and youth work
Reporting & Administration
* Evaluate and report monthly on membership activity
* Attend meetings across the Central Council and National Office as needed
This role offers flexibility within a fixed weekly pattern, agreed in advance to suit your needs. Some evening or weekend activity may occasionally be required.
What You'll Bring
Essential
* Experience in community work, pastoral support, volunteering, education, or similar
* Confidence presenting to groups of all sizes
* Ability to support and encourage volunteers
* Strong communication and listening skills
* Organisational and time‑management skills
* Computer literacy
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
* Willingness to embrace SVP values and undertake formation and safeguarding training
* Understanding of (or willingness to learn) Catholic church structures
Desirable
* Experience working with diverse communities
* Experience delivering presentations in church settings
* Knowledge of safeguarding and DBS processes
* Strong understanding of Microsoft Office
* Familiarity with member‑led organisations
Your Impact
You'll be joining an organisation built on friendship, humility, and hope, helping volunteers grow in confidence, compassion, and community impact.
In Hallam, your first priorities will be:
* Supporting and steadying Conferences currently in need
* Helping develop a long‑term strategy to grow membership, especially in smaller districts
Your work will strengthen the heart of the SVP: people supporting people with dignity and respect.
Why Join Us?
You'll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team committed to making a difference in communities across the UK. We offer flexible working, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects.
Key Dates & Additional Info
* Closing Date: 3rd March 2026
* Interviews: 12th March 2026
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Whilst we ask that staff have sympathy with Christian values, we celebrate and value people of all faiths or none - diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the role, feel free to contact our friendly HR Team on option 5).
Please note: If you haven't heard from us within four weeks of your application, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion. We encourage early applications as we may close the listing early if we receive a high volume of interest.
About the SVP
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) has been a beacon of hope since 1844, part of a vibrant international Christian movement working in 153 countries. We are dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by offering practical, person-to-person support to those in need. Our mission is rooted in dignity, compassion, and respect - serving anyone, regardless of faith, race, gender, or background.
Join us in making a real difference - your skills could help transform lives.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £11,333.40 per year
Expected hours: 15 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Barnsley S70 1QG