Responsible to: Deputy CEO
Hours: hours per week. Any additional hours worked outside the agreed pattern will be managed by agreement through flexible working arrangements or time off in lieu.
Contract: Fixed Term until March 2029
DBS Required: YES - Enhanced
Purpose of Role
Demonstrating our values of welcome, compassion and collaboration, the Volunteer Coordinator will build and maintain an excellent volunteer mentoring programme as part of Streets To Stability – a city-wide initiative supporting street-attached adults across Exeter. The role ensures safe, consistent, trauma-informed mentoring aligned to safeguarding pathways. The post holder will lead on volunteer recruitment, safer recruitment processes, onboarding, training, supervision, retention and recognition, ensuring volunteers are well-equipped to serve vulnerable adults safely and effectively.
Demonstrating our values of welcome, compassion and collaboration, we are seeking individuals who are able to communicate clearly, respectfully and effectively with a diverse range of people, adapting their approach to suit different needs and contexts. The role requires building positive, professional relationships at all levels and contributing to an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone engaging with CoLab.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide direction and leadership to volunteers, promoting the values, ethos and mission of CoLab so that these are reflected in all aspects of the work.
2. Lead inclusive volunteer recruitment campaigns, following safer recruitment processes including DBS checks, references and vetting
3. Develop and maintain volunteer role descriptions, person specifications and risk assessments.
4. Design and deliver thorough induction and onboarding processes, drawing on available resources and partner organisations.
5. Provide regular supervision, support and training for volunteers, identifying and addressing development needs.
6. Ensure all volunteers feel valued and supported, creating opportunities for peer support and celebrating achievements.
7. Develop and oversee partnership arrangements with local businesses and community groups, ensuring appropriate safeguards and training are in place.
8. Manage volunteer disciplinary and grievance procedures where necessary.
9. Maintain accurate and appropriate records to meet statutory, monitoring and reporting requirements as required by the Leadership Team, the Board and funding bodies.
10. Ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation and all relevant CoLab policies, procedures and regulatory requirements, and that volunteers understand and adhere to these.
11. Perform any other duties required by the Leadership Team within the scope of the role.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of duties. You may be required to undertake additional duties consistent with the nature and level of the role and the broader objectives of CoLab.
Key Successes and Behavioural Factors
Demonstrating our values of compassion, welcome, collaboration and ambition, the post holder will be committed to empowering vulnerable adults to make positive choices and work towards stability in their lives. They will bring a trauma-informed approach, a strong commitment to safeguarding, and a genuine belief in the power of consistent, relational support. They will be proactive, well-organised, and passionate about the impact that motivated, well-supported volunteers can have in the lives of those they walk alongside.
Person Specification
With an approach that aligns to our values of compassion, welcome, collaboration, ambition and social justice, the post holder will be able to demonstrate the following:
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
12. Experience coordinating volunteers or managing people.
13. Strong understanding of safeguarding and risk management.
14. Experience developing and implementing procedures.
15. Ability to manage digital systems and databases.
16. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of people.
Desirable
17. Relevant qualifications or experience in volunteer management or community development
18. Experience in housing, mental health or community support services.
19. Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
Personal Qualities and Values
Essential
20. A genuine commitment to CoLab’s values of compassion, welcome, collaboration, ambition and social justice.
21. A trauma-informed approach with sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable adults.
22. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
23. A collaborative team player who thrives in a partnership-based environment.
24. Resilience and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
Desirable
25. Experience working within a faith or values-led organisation.
26. Lived experience or personal understanding of the issues faced by street-attached or vulnerable adults. Safer Recruitment & Compliance
27. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
28. Appointment may be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level for the role.
29. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Fixed-term Employment Protection
Fixed-term employees will be treated no less favourably than comparable permanent employees, in accordance with the Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 and applicable employment law.
How to Apply
CoLab is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
To apply, please visit our website:
Deadline: Sunday 26th April 2026 at midnight.