ABOUT TRAIN
TRAIN is a youth work charity based in South Oxfordshire. We support young people aged 10 to 18 in Didcot, Wallingford and the surrounding areas, especially those who are under-served.
Young people in our communities are facing complex challenges. Mental health struggles, pressures at school, family instability and the impact of poverty can leave them feeling isolated or overlooked. Too often, they don't have access to the right support at the right time. TRAIN exists to change that. We offer trusted relationships with adults outside positions of authority, safe spaces where young people can be themselves, and opportunities to grow in confidence, make positive choices and feel part of their community.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a key support role in a small, values-driven charity. While most people know TRAIN for its youth work, the smooth running of our organisation depends on good systems, clear admin and reliable behind-the-scenes support. That's what this role is about.
As Charity Support Officer, you'll take care of the day-to-day admin that keeps us organised, while also supporting projects and events that help TRAIN grow. Some responsibilities are regular — such as finance processing, HR and volunteer onboarding, responding to enquiries and keeping records accurate. Others will vary week to week, from preparing a funder report to liaising with contractors on a website update or helping coordinate the Didcot Youth Festival.
We're looking for someone who is organised, adaptable and comfortable juggling different tasks. You won't be expected to lead major projects or make big decisions, but you will be the first port of call for the small, steady tasks that make a big difference. If you enjoy variety, value attention to detail, and want to play a part in supporting life-changing youth work, this role could be a good fit.
This is a part-time role of 15 hours per week, which can be worked flexibly. The role is based in Didcot or Wallingford with hybrid working. We expect at least some office time each week, but for exceptional candidates, we will consider a fully remote arrangement.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
* Salary: £26,403–£28,142 FTE, pro-rated, depending on experience
* Contract: Permanent, part-time (15 hours per week)
* Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
* Pension: 3% employer contribution
* Flexible working: We're happy to consider various flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, fully remote, term-time only and job shares. We can also be flexible about the exact number of hours and how they are worked during the week.
* Professional development: Tailored learning and training opportunities
* Wellbeing: Access to an employee assistance programme with mental health and wellbeing support
* Culture: Supportive, collaborative team with regular catch-ups and shared learning
JOB DESCRIPTION
Core (day-to-day focus)
* Communications and enquiries – be the first point of contact for general enquiries via email and social media, ensuring timely and professional responses.
* Project coordination and events – Coordinate various ad hoc projects (e.g. website refresh, new systems) and provide support for events such as the Didcot Youth Festival.
* HR and volunteer support – coordinate onboarding for staff and volunteers, including references, DBS checks and inductions.
* Office and building liaison – help keep the Didcot youth centre running smoothly by liaising with the landlord/service manager and handling facilities needs.
* Team support – provide admin support across the CEO, staff and trustees, including scheduling, minute-taking and document preparation.
Important (regular, but secondary to the above)
* Finance administration – support the CEO and our bookkeeper with tasks such as processing invoices, expenses, payments and payroll information.
* Data and monitoring – keep records up to date (attendance, impact data, safeguarding logs) for accurate reporting.
* Comms basics – work with the Fundraising and Communications Coordinator to update the website, draft newsletters and prepare supporter updates.
* Database and records – maintain supporter, volunteer and young people's contact details.
* Policies and procedures – keep master copies organised and flag review dates.
* Health & safety admin – support with risk assessments, building checks and first aid supplies.
Occasional (as needed)
* Fundraising support – assist with funder reports, donor thank-yous and admin for community events.
* Safeguarding admin – support the Designated Safeguarding Lead with record-keeping and DBS renewals (admin only).
* Governance support – assist with trustee papers, annual returns and filings.
* Supplies and logistics – order office supplies, consumables and manage petty cash/card reconciliation.
* IT and systems – liaise with IT suppliers on logins, backups or new staff accounts.
* Insurance/licensing renewals – track renewal dates and ensure processes are followed.
ABOUT YOU
We don't expect you to have experience in every area of this role — we know people pick up skills in different ways. What matters most is that you're organised, reliable and keen to support the team.
Essential qualities
* Organised and detail-focused, able to keep systems and records tidy.
* Good communicator, confident in responding to emails, calls and enquiries in a professional and friendly way.
* Comfortable juggling different tasks and adapting to what's needed week by week.
* IT literate, with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
* Able to work independently but also collaborate well as part of a small team.
* Motivated by making a difference for young people through the support you provide.
* Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check (we will arrange this before you start).
Desirable qualities
* Experience of charity administration, finance or HR processes.
* Familiarity with database/CRM systems or monitoring tools.
* Experience coordinating volunteers or supporting events.
* Knowledge of safeguarding, data protection or health and safety admin.
* Experience preparing simple reports or supporting fundraising admin.
We're open to people from a wide range of backgrounds. This role could suit someone returning to work after a period away from paid employment, or someone looking to transfer into charity work from another sector.
Equal opportunities
TRAIN is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those underrepresented in the youth work sector. We welcome diversity in age, ethnicity, faith, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and lived experience.
Safer recruitment
TRAIN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Recruitment to this post will include references and an enhanced DBS check.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the Charity Support Officer role at TRAIN, please download the full recruitment pack from our website:, and follow the instructions.
We'll ask you to complete a CV and covering letter.
We want to make the process as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to help you apply or attend interview, just let us know.
Recruitment timeline
* Applications open: Thursday 18 September
* Applications close: Thursday 9 October (midnight)
* Shortlisted candidates notified: Friday 10 October
* Interviews: Friday 17 October
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,403.00-£28,142.00 per year
Expected hours: 15 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Work from home
Application question(s):
* Have you downloaded the job pack from our website?
* Have you attached your covering letter together with your CV?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oxfordshire OX117LE