Overview
Volunteering is vital to UHSussex and the Trust, supporting engagement with the wider community across the four hospital sites. The Head of Voluntary Services will provide leadership, support, and guidance to the Voluntary Services department, with responsibility for day-to-day management of the three volunteering teams and ensuring a rewarding, high-quality volunteer experience.
Responsibilities
* Lead the Service managers in developing an operating framework that delivers a joint and integrated approach across all three teams and four hospital sites; develop, expand, and improve volunteer opportunities, policies, procedures, quality standards, and assurance processes.
* Conduct a Futures Study of Voluntary Services at UH Sussex in collaboration with the Director of Charities and Voluntary, with recommendations to implement the 2025-2030 volunteering strategy, including management architecture, safeguarding, alignment with the Trust Operating Model, service delivery, quality assurance, and financial sustainability.
* Advance collaboration between Voluntary Services and My Charity UHSussex to recruit more volunteers for fundraising activities and charity initiatives; develop a charity volunteer offer to raise awareness of NHS charities in local communities.
* Manage and maximize the impact of volunteering through governance, data collection, and compliance with GDPR policies and procedures; ensure timely reviews and updates of processes, procedures, or guidelines as required.
* Develop partnerships with local communities and work with Voluntary Service Managers to improve inclusivity and diversity across the volunteer population.
Financial Management
* Oversee the Voluntary Services operational budget, including forecasting, variance analysis, and re-profiling as needed.
* Ensure compliance with legislative or regulatory requirements for volunteers; proactively manage the Voluntary Services risk register with the Managers.
* Ensure adherence to Trust financial and purchasing protocols and achieve value for money.
Communications
* Coordinate and deliver an annual Voluntary Services communications plan, including engagement opportunities and events.
* Contribute to Trust communications to raise awareness of volunteering opportunities and the impact of volunteers.
Service Delivery and Improvement
* Oversee management and development of the Assemble Volunteer Management System and other systems to support delivery of the Voluntary Services programme.
* Build professional relationships with civil society volunteering organisations to enhance the standing of Voluntary Services within the Trust.
* Promote a safe working culture and a preventative approach to mitigate risks; lead on all financial aspects of VS in partnership with the Finance Business Partner.
* Review contracts and lead decisions on resource allocation to service evolving Voluntary Service workstreams efficiently.
People Management and Development
* Line manage the Voluntary Services management team; develop staff capabilities and ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion across the department.
* Handle complaints, manage grievances and disciplinary procedures as required; coach and develop Voluntary Services management staff.
* Build stakeholder relationships and communicate complex information while protecting data privacy; share knowledge across the service and the Trust.
* Ensure annual staff appraisals and Personal Development Plans as standard.
Learning and Development
* Complete statutory and mandatory training updates; undertake development as agreed with the line manager; meet agreed personal and professional development standards.
* Identify learning needs and participate in the Trust appraisal process to support patient care and service changes.
Other Information
This is an interim role for 7 months. The job description and person specification may be reviewed as needed to meet the changing needs of the department and organisation.
Candidate Information Pack: The pack should be consulted for further details. Recruitment materials reflect the Trust’s commitment to EEO and inclusive practice.
Location: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing Hospital, Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2DH. Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year, depending on experience. Band 8a. Contract: Fixed term, 7 months. Working pattern: Full-time. Date posted: 09 September 2025. Reference number: 279-7383671-SEP25.
Please note: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered.
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