HR & People Support Volunteer - Volunteer in Portsmouth

ESC is a small charity supporting people with endometriosis on the South Coast. As we grow our volunteer team, we need an experienced HR professional to help us build the policies, frameworks, and people practices that underpin a well‑run organisation.

What difference will you make? A charity is only as strong as its people, and ESC's people are its volunteers. As our team grows, the policies and practices that govern how we recruit, support, develop, and look after volunteers become increasingly important. Without sound HR infrastructure, even the most committed volunteer team can struggle. By taking on this role, you will directly shape how ESC looks after its people, building frameworks that reflect best practice, protect volunteers, and allow Carly to lead the People & Volunteers stream with confidence. The work you do will be felt across the entire organisation, by every volunteer who joins ESC and everyone they go on to support. That is a meaningful contribution, and one that will leave a lasting mark on how we operate.

What are we looking for? We are looking for someone with a genuine background in HR, people management, or organisational development. You should have a solid understanding of employment law and people management best practice, and be able to apply those principles practically in the context of a volunteer‑led charity, where the dynamics differ from a traditional employed workforce but the underlying principles very much apply. Discretion and trustworthiness are essential. This role may involve working with sensitive information about volunteers, and we need someone who handles that with care and professionalism. Equally important is the ability to offer clear, practical guidance without being overly legalistic; Carly needs a confident thought partner, not a policy manual. A CIPD qualification or equivalent HR experience is desirable, as is experience in the charity or not‑for‑profit sector, or specific experience developing volunteer policies or workforce frameworks. An understanding of the particular people challenges faced by small charities, where resources are limited and relationships matter enormously, would be a real advantage. Above all, we want someone who is genuinely committed to ESC's values of inclusivity, trust, and community, and who believes that how an organisation treats its people is a direct reflection of its values.

Remote

What will you be doing? Endometriosis South Coast (ESC) is a registered charity supporting people affected by endometriosis and adenomyosis. In 2026 we are transitioning to a team‑led structure, and having solid people policies and practices in place is central to making that work. As HR & People Support Volunteer, you will bring your HR knowledge and expertise to help our People & Volunteers Trustee develop the systems, policies, and frameworks that underpin a well‑run volunteer team. This is a strategic support role rather than an operational one; ESC does not have a large employed workforce, so the focus is on building infrastructure that is proportionate, practical, and fit for a growing charity.

Your responsibilities will span policy development, including the Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct, and Expenses Policy; people strategy support, contributing to workforce planning and volunteer recognition frameworks; and informal HR guidance on people‑related matters that arise within the team, such as conduct concerns or volunteer welfare questions. You will also support the maintenance of ESC's people documentation and help ensure volunteer records are compliant with data protection requirements.