Volunteer Co-ordinator in Bedford

Help tackle loneliness among older people in care homes. Thousands of older people living in care homes receive few or no visitors. Friends for Life Bedford exists to change that. Through our befriending and group activities, we bring companionship, connection and meaningful relationships to care home residents across Bedfordshire.

About Friends for Life Bedfordshire: We are a Bedford-based charity working to address the social isolation of older residents in Bedfordshire’s care homes. Founded in 2007, we have grown from a small local initiative to a registered charity with c90 volunteers supporting more than 30 care homes across Bedford Borough. In the last year, over 1,100 care home residents received our services.

The Role: You will play a key operational role in ensuring our volunteer-led services run smoothly, safely and effectively. Working closely with the Volunteer Lead, you will help recruit, train, support and retain volunteers, ensuring they feel confident, valued and equipped to deliver both befriending and activity-based services. In addition, you will co-ordinate and manage our programme of group activities, working with care homes and activity volunteers to make sure residents experience high-quality, meaningful sessions every week. This is an ideal role for someone who is organised, people-focused and motivated by social impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Volunteer Recruitment, Induction & Training: Act as the first point of contact for volunteer enquiries. Meet prospective volunteers to explain the charity’s work and assess suitability. Deliver volunteer induction training at “Welcome Day” sessions. Support refresher and additional training needs and maintain up-to-date volunteer resources.
• Volunteer Support & Retention: Provide day-to-day support to volunteers, responding to queries and safeguarding concerns. Help organise volunteer social events to build community and connection. Support follow-up actions from volunteer meetings. Conduct exit interviews for volunteers leaving the service.
• Group Activity Programme Co-ordination: Build and maintain a diverse pool of activity volunteers, from musicians to hobby practitioners. Liaise with care homes to match activity volunteers to resident needs. Schedule group activities and accompany volunteers on first visits. Check in with new volunteers after one month and regularly with longer-standing volunteers. Track activity participation and outcomes, gathering feedback from residents, volunteers and care home staff. Capture stories and case studies (with consent) to showcase the impact.

About You: We are looking for someone who is compassionate, organised and great with people. You will likely bring:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence working independently within a small, supportive team.
• Experience working with volunteers (ideally in a charity, health or social care setting).
• An understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Good IT skills and a commitment to accurate record-keeping.

This role may particularly suit someone who:

• Wants a flexible, meaningful part-time role.
• Enjoys supporting people and building community.
• Thrives in a small organisation where they can take initiative.

What We Offer: £15.45 per hour (£12,051 per year for 15 hours a week). Employer Pension. Flexible and Hybrid working. A supportive and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees. The chance to transform the lives of care home residents every single week.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the position. Selection will be via an interview. Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this prior to interview. Finally, the role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.