Volunteer Driving Service Coordinator in Newtownabbey

Volunteer Driving Service Coordinator Reports to:Director of Therapeutic Services and Clinical Governance Hours:35 hours per week Location:Belfast-based with travel across NI as required Campaign Service/Cause:Community Services Remuneration:£32,643 - £34,666 Overall Purpose of Post The Volunteer Driving Service Co-Ordinator is responsible for the leadership, strategic oversight and management of Cancer Focus Northern Irelands Volunteer Driving Service (VDS). This role involves the operational line management, development and support of both staff and volunteers, whilst also ensuring the experience of patients is captured in order to influence service provision. The post holder will also be committed to the ongoing continuous improvement and development of the VDS through the scaling up and regionalisation of this essential service in line with Cancer Focus NIs strategic plan. Key Responsibilities Service Management To be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the Volunteer Driving Service To foster and maintain friendly, professional and supportive working relationships with our volunteers and stakeholders To provide a friendly and professional experience for patient bookings and enquiries To work with Cancer Focus NIs Volunteer Driving Officers to manage driver availability and specifications, as well as the patients needs via our data management platform (Advice Pro) To keep accurate records of service provision, uptake and progression towards agreed performance targets To ensure Standard Operating Procedures are in place, reviewed and updated to reflect current service provision To liaise with the Communications department to increase the visibility of the service through social media outlets and capturing relevant case studies To manage aspects of the VDS budget and ensure compliance with expenditure To provide regular reports to line management. Service Development To scale and develop the VDS in line with the organisation's strategic plan To establish strategic links and key points of contact within clinical settings across operational Trust localities To establish and maintain referral pathways into the service for patients via identified health professionals To market the VDS with relevant professional groups and target audiences To lead on the recruitment of volunteers within the target Health Trust localities to ensure there is an adequate pool of volunteers to maintain smooth service provision. Staff Management Provide leadership to the Volunteer Driving Service team and work with staff to identify, create and agree achievable targets, aims and objectives To work with the Volunteer Driving Officers to ensure the service continues to operate at a high capacity and standard To plan and implement training when needed, incorporating appropriate resources To induct new staff in line with Cancer Focus NIs policies and procedures To provide ongoing leadership, effective support and guidance to the VDS team through one to ones, team meetings and yearly appraisals. Volunteer Management To work with Cancer Focus NIs VDS Officers to ensure the needs of our current volunteer base is met To provide leadership to VDS volunteers and work with them to create and implement a holistic volunteer development strategy To plan and implement training when needed, incorporating appropriate resources To develop and implement a regional volunteer recruitment programme to meet the demands of the VDS To induct new volunteers in line with Cancer Focus NIs policies and procedures. To provide ongoing effective support and guidance to VDS volunteers. To continually update and monitor volunteer records within Advice Pro. Service Evaluation and Quality Assurance To quality assure and maintain service standards and make recommendations to improve the quality of service provision To ensure robust risk assessments and health and safety specifications are in place inclusive of evidence of necessary driver and vehicle requirements To ensure volunteers are adequately supported and the service complies with good practice in terms of AccessNI checks, training and volunteer development To ensure Adult Safeguarding procedures are in place and reporting structures established To ensure good governance is firmly in place, monitored and an active role is undertaken in the ongoing development of departmental governance structures To review current evaluation tools to accurately assess the patients experience and develop processes to measure progress against service outcomes To ensure that the patients voice is adequately heard and reflected in service provision through recommendations to enhance service user engagement and satisfaction To support collection of case studies to ensure service users views help to inform future service provision and influence wider strategic objectives. Securing Funding and Service Sustainability To support with the strategic development of the VDS, including increasing service provision and geographic expansion To market the VDS work with relevant professional groups, funding organisations and target audiences To assist with the sustainability of the VDS, including assisting with funding applications, assisting with tenders, liaising with procurers of services and assisting fundraising with approaches to corporate partners. General To input into the wider work of the Volunteer programme To attend and input into Services team meetings and cross departmental meetings where appropriate This work will occasionally require some evening / weekend work To travel to regional bases in Belfast / Enniskillen and liaise with the wider Volunteer Driving Service team as required To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required. This Job Description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the charity at any time after discussion with the post holder. PersonSpecification The below specification shows the essential skills, abilities, knowledge and/or qualifications required to be able to carry out the duties of this post. Therefore, please address in a covering letter, each criterion listed in the specification, drawing upon all of your experience, whether at work of on a voluntary basis. Essential Criteria Experience Two years demonstrable experience of managing volunteers or staff teams Qualifications Educated to degree level Skills Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire trust and enthusiasm Strong leadership skills Ability to manage a complex workload with competing priorities Ability to work independently and show initiative IT literate including Microsoft packages, email and internet Ability to maintain accurate records across a range of administrative processes, with strong attention to detail Ability to handle confidential information appropriately Personal Qualities Empathetic & approachable Flexible & adaptable Enthusiasm, drive and commitment to continuous improvement. Desirable Criteria Experience Experience of working in the voluntary sector Experience of project management Skills Experience of using data management systems such as Advice Pro. General A full, current driving licence and have access to the use of a car or some other appropriate form of transport to carry out the duties of the post. Additional Information Terms and Conditions of Employment Successful applicants must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. (This will be evidenced in the first instance by being in possession of a British or Irish passport or a valid UK Work Permit). The activities of this role meet the AccessNI definition of regulated activity relating to working with adults as outlined in the Access NI Code of Practice. Cancer Focus NI will obtain an Access NI Enhanced Adult Barred List check for the successful candidate. Applicants who have a criminal record will be treated fairly and not discriminated automatically because of a conviction or other information revealed. Applicants with criminal records will be reviewed in line with Cancer Focus Northern Irelands policy on the recruitment of Ex-offenders. Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has a written policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure information. Satisfactory reference checks. 6 months probationary period. Evidence of relevant academic and professional qualifications. Evidence of appropriate vehicle documentation (i.e. driving licence and insurance cover) must be provided where the role necessitates travel on company business in own vehicle. Benefits Flexible working policy 25 days Annual Leave, plus 12 statutory days (pro rata for those working less than 35 hrs per week) 2 additional days of annual leave after 5 years service and a further 3 days after 10 years service Enhanced Maternity / Adoption Pay Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay Scheme Contributory Pension Scheme Cycle to Work Scheme Mileage Allowance at the prevailing HMRC rate Life Assurance Healthcare Plan Disability Cancer Focus NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications are dealt with in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act. A person is disabled if they have, or have had, a physical or mental impairment which has, or has had, a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities. If you consider yourself to have a disability relevant to the position for which you are applying, please contact us so that we can process your application fairly, make any specific arrangements for your interview, and make any necessary reasonable adjustments or adaptations, or provide any aids to assist you in completing the duties of the post if appointed. Equal Opportunities Cancer Focus NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. Application Process The closing date/time for submission of CV and cover letter is 5pm, 21st October 2026. Interviews: 4th November 2026. We are often unable to offer alternative interview dates. If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and cover letter before this date/time to: or, mailed to: Human Resources, Cancer Focus NI, 6th Floor Montgomery House, 29-33 Montgomery Street, Belfast BT1 4NX We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time. Guidance Notes on Applying for our role Please ensure your CV is up-to-date and accurate. Cancer Focus NI will not make assumptions from the title of your post(s) or the nature of any employing organisation(s) as to your skills and experience gained. If you do not provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet any eligibility criteria, your application may be rejected. ONLY the details provided by you in your CV and cover letter will be used for determining your eligibility for the post/shortlisting purposes. Skills: Service Coordination Line Management Service Deveopment Reporting Volunteer Recruitment Volunteer Management Staff Development Benefits: Flexible Working Policy Contributory Pension Scheme Life Assurance 25 days annual leave, plus 12 statutory days Healthcare Plan Cycle Scheme TPBN1_NI