Join Our Team: Volunteering Leader We're looking for a Volunteer Leader to join our Operations team in Central London.Help shape the future of our waterways by supporting volunteers to keep our canals open, safe and thriving. If you enjoy working outdoors, leading people and making a visible difference in your local community, this could be a rewarding opportunity. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. Working Hours & Location Our teams work an annualised hours pattern, averaging 37 hours per week across a seven-day rota, including weekends and public holidays.You'll also take part in our essential 24-hour operational standby rota, helping provide emergency response cover across our network. Your base location will be Docklands, London E14 9ST, although the role involves regular travel between sites using a range of transport, including public transport where required. On-call responsibilityVolunteer Leaders take part in an on-call rota alongside other Canal & River Trust colleagues:• Approximately 1 week in every 5• Availability from 4:00pm to 8:00am on weekdays, plus the full weekend• A Trust vehicle will be taken home during on-call periods to respond to callouts Role Overview As a Volunteer Leader, you'll play a key role in supporting our Operations team to maintain and improve Central London's waterways and towpaths.This is a hands-on operational role where you'll lead and support groups of volunteers carrying out practical maintenance and improvement work across the canal network. Working closely with our Operations colleagues, you'll help identify priorities, organise volunteer activities and ensure work is completed safely and effectively.Every day is different, offering the opportunity to develop people, solve practical problems and make a lasting impact on the waterways that thousands of people enjoy. Key Accountabilities: As a Volunteer Leader, you will:• Work alongside the Operations team to identify where volunteer support can make the greatest impact• Recruit, train and support volunteers to deliver practical maintenance activities• Ensure volunteers are equipped, trained and able to work safely • Plan, organise and lead volunteer groups across the network • Deliver projects that support our purpose of keeping our waterways and towpaths open, safe & clean.Typical activities include:• Painting and site improvements• Fly-tipping and litter removal• Vegetation clearance• Planned preventative Lock maintenance • Minor repairs and surface repairs• Water control tasks Please note: This is a practical operational maintenance role. While you'll spend most of your time working outdoors, the role focuses on maintaining the canal network rather than ecological or conservation work alone. About you We're looking for an organised, proactive and engaging individual who enjoys working with people and is passionate about making a difference.Working closely with the Area Operations Manager and the wider Operations team, you'll support a growing community of volunteers who help protect, maintain and enhance our waterways for everyone to enjoy. You'll be confident leading volunteer groups, organising activities and handling day-to-day administration. Above all, you'll have a strong commitment to safety and creating a positive volunteer experience. It would be beneficial if you have experience in: Health & Safety processes, including risk assessments and method statements Safeguarding Practical or maintenance work Volunteer coordination or team leadership Skills & Qualifications Experience of working within relevant environment e.g. volunteering, environmental works, customer service operations or maintenance. Experience of leading a small team Great organisation and prioritising skills Effective and engaging communication skills Computer literate – with good knowledge of Microsoft Office package You will need to be self-motivated, able to work flexible hours to meet volunteering and business needs and communicate well with customers, volunteers and staff at all levels. Full UK Manual Driving License - Essential Contact & Application If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. What We Offer We offer an annual salary of £29,670 + £4,000 per annum Inner London Allowance. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1. Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits IND HP
Volunteering Leader in London employer: Canal & River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and teamwork. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our commitment to flexible working arrangements ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the UK's canal network, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help shape the future of our vital infrastructure.
