At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our volunteer programme and create impactful opportunities for community involvement.
- Company: Crisis, a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and support for your professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovative solutions and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a diverse and inclusive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer programmes and working with socially excluded groups.
The predicted salary is between 39372 - 39372 £ per year.
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.
Location: Crisis Skylight Edinburgh, 271 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £39,372 per annum
About the role
Working at Crisis Skylight Edinburgh, you will lead on the delivery of our volunteer programme. You will be responsible for the recruitment of new volunteers, the support of existing volunteers and volunteer to maintain a positive volunteer experience. You will work across teams to ensure volunteers’ experience of volunteering is positive and play a key role in volunteer retention. You will be collaborative and dynamic in working with the team to identify and develop new volunteering opportunities. You will have the ability and confidence to increase the diversity and variety of our volunteering opportunities to reflect our local community and better serve our members. You will be flexible and innovative in reaching a diverse group of people from across the local community. You will also lead on the delivery of events that involve our members, build networks and increase awareness of Crisis’ work in Scotland. You will have experience of working with people who are socially excluded or with support needs. You will understand the importance of delivering equitable services and can empower our members to share their experience and contribute to continuous service adaptations and improvements. You will be creative and inclusive in establishing service-specific member involvement opportunities so members can influence our service locally. You will work across teams to ensure we deliver our service with people experiencing homelessness, instead of delivering a service to people experiencing homelessness. You will work with the central Crisis team to respond to member involvement opportunities, influencing policy and providing members with the opportunity to share their story with the wider public and media.
About you
- Experience of developing and implementing volunteer programmes.
- Experience of organising successful events.
- Experience of working with socially isolated and excluded groups.
- Awareness of psychologically informed approaches.
- Person-centred, sensitive, and empathetic to the needs of members.
- A track record of successful partnership working.
- Flexible and adaptable to change.
- A strong team player, able to use own initiative and reflect on own practice.
Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply. We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness. Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%.
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly.
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How do I apply?
Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.
Closing date: Monday 13th April 2026 at 23:59
Interview process: Competency based interview
Interview date and location: Thursday 23rd April, in-person at Crisis Skylight Edinburgh
AI in Job Applications
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.
Accessibility
We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.
Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094
Volunteering and Involvement Lead in Edinburgh employer: Crisis
Crisis is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture at our Edinburgh location. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to meaningful change in the community. Our commitment to diversity and collaboration ensures that every team member can thrive and make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteering and Involvement Lead in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Crisis and its mission to end homelessness. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for competency-based interviews. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in leading volunteer programmes and working with diverse groups. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Crisis team.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteering and Involvement Lead in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to align your answers with the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in developing volunteer programmes and working with socially excluded groups. This will show us you’re a great fit for the role!
Show Your Passion:Express your enthusiasm for ending homelessness and how you can contribute to our mission. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the community.
Check Your Work:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a once-over. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so make sure everything is clear and polished. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crisis
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Crisis's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their 10-year strategy to end homelessness and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to develop and implement volunteer programmes. Think about times when you've successfully engaged with socially excluded groups or organised impactful events. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Crisis values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams. Share examples of how you've partnered with others to achieve common goals, especially in contexts involving diverse communities. Highlight your flexibility and adaptability in these situations.
✨Be Person-Centred
Demonstrate your understanding of person-centred approaches by discussing how you've empowered individuals in previous roles. Talk about your sensitivity and empathy towards the needs of members, and how you can contribute to creating a positive volunteer experience at Crisis.
