Volunteer Development Lead

Volunteer Development Lead – HR Department

Job Type:                                Permanent

Location:                                 Katharine House Business Centre, Stafford

Salary:                                     £32,000 per annum

Hours:                                     37.5 hours per week

Application deadline:             Sunday 7th June 2026

Telephone Interview date:    Monday 15th June 2026

Face to face interview date:  Friday 26th June 2026

About us

We are Katharine House Hospice, and we’re dedicated to providing compassionate care to people in our community affected by progressive illnesses.  Everyone here plays an integral role in making this possible.  

We value people – so much so, it’s one of our three key values as a charity.

We believe that our people are the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. We are seeking passionate individuals who share our values of People, Innovation and Excellence. If this sounds like you, then please get in touch.

Purpose and impact

Help Shape the Future of Volunteering in Hospice Care

Are you passionate about people, community, and making a meaningful difference? Do you want the opportunity to build and shape something impactful from the ground up?

At Katharine House Hospice, we’re looking for an inspiring and proactive Volunteer Development Lead to take ownership of our volunteer programme and help us deliver compassionate, person-centred care to those who need it most.

This is a newly created role, offering a unique opportunity to shape and grow our approach to volunteering across the entire organisation. Volunteers are integral to everything we do, and you will ensure their experience is engaging, inclusive, and impactful.

Part of the team

This role reports to the People, Culture & OD Partner and works closely with the Assistant Support Services Manager, Retail Managers and wider organisational leadership team.

Working at both a strategic and operational level, you will lead the development, coordination, and continuous improvement of our volunteer programme—supporting volunteers to make a meaningful and safe contribution across clinical and non-clinical services.

You will play a central role in strengthening community connections, enhancing the volunteer journey, and ensuring our hospice continues to benefit from a skilled, diverse, and motivated volunteer workforce.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about volunteering, community engagement, and making a difference
• A confident relationship-builder who can influence and collaborate at all levels
• Organised and proactive, with the ability to balance strategy and hands-on delivery
• Committed to creating inclusive, positive experiences for volunteers
• Experienced in coordinating programmes, people, or community initiatives (volunteer management experience is desirable but not essential)

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Support, shape and deliver a forward-thinking Volunteer Strategy aligned to our values and organisational priorities
• Identify new opportunities to expand and strengthen volunteering across the hospice
• Continuously improve processes, policies, and systems to enhance volunteer engagement and effectiveness

Recruitment & Development

• Lead end-to-end volunteer recruitment, ensuring inclusive and accessible approaches
• Design and promote opportunities across local communities, networks, and digital platforms
• Work with teams to create meaningful and rewarding volunteer roles
• Partner with Learning & Development to deliver high-quality induction, training, and ongoing development
• Ensure volunteers are equipped, confident, and supported in their roles

Engagement & Experience

• Build a positive, inclusive volunteer culture where people feel valued and connected
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers and managers across the organisation
• Recognise and celebrate the contribution of volunteers through events, communications, and initiatives
• Gather feedback and continuously improve the volunteer experience

Partnerships & Community

• Develop relationships with schools, businesses, community groups, and volunteer networks
• Represent the hospice at events to promote volunteering and raise awareness
• Collaborate with fundraising teams to maximise community engagement opportunities

Governance & Impact

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, health & safety, and safer recruitment practices
• Maintain accurate records and oversee risk management in volunteering activities
• Monitor and report on volunteer engagement, retention, and impact

Personal Qualities

·Enquiring

·Articulate

·Organiser

·Confident

·Approachable and collaborative with good communication skills.

·A team player

·Flexible

·Team working

·Able to reflect on own practice

·Resourceful and creative

·Ability to influence and coach

Why Join Us?

·Make your mark in a brand-new role with real autonomy

·Be part of a values-led organisation delivering vital care and support

·Work across the whole hospice, influencing services and experiences

·Enjoy flexibility, development opportunities, and a supportive culture

·Help build something that truly makes a difference to people’s lives

 What we offer:

Flexible working

Flexibility on hours and days available

Working from home

1 day per week potential to work from home after initial period based on organisational needs

Annual leave

33 days per annum, which includes bank holidays (pro rata for part time), increasing after five and 10 years’ service.

Pension scheme

We match contributions up to 7% to a Aegon scheme.  If you’re currently contributing to the NHS pension scheme you can continue to do so.

Death in service benefit

Reassurance should the worst happen. 2 x salary to your family.

Employee assistance programme

Providing support for your wellbeing.

Training and development opportunities

Continuous learning and professional growth.

Occupational sick pay

Support during times of illness.

Healthcare cash benefit plan

Contributory plan to help cover health-related expenses.

Free on-site parking

Join us and make a difference

If you’re passionate about people and want to contribute to a mission that matters, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us continue to provide exceptional care and support to those who need it most.

If you’d like to know more about this role, without commitment, please contact the HR department on 01785 218257.

The closing date is Sunday 7th June 2026, however we may close this advert earlier, subject to response rates. 

 If you require any reasonable adjustment to participate in this process, please do not hesitate to contact HR on the number above.