At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver engaging activities for older residents, promoting well-being and social connection.
- Company: Join the Royal Voluntary Service, a charity dedicated to supporting communities.
- Benefits: Earn £13.22 per hour, enjoy 26 days holiday, and access great employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible working opportunities and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or social care, excellent communication, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 24070 - 24070 £ per year.
Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for a Deputy Service Manager to join the Scottish Borders Social Area team. The role is part‑time, permanent and offers a competitive salary of £13.22 per hour (FTE £24,070 per annum).
About the Deputy Service Manager Role
The Scottish Borders team provides, manages and runs social centres throughout the Borders towns and villages for older residents aged 65 and over. Clients are referred by statutory health providers and local partner organisations to benefit from daytime sessions focused on social connection, nutrition, physical activity, mental stimulation and the opportunity to try new things. Staff and volunteers support clients to stay physically and mentally independent.
Location: Across the localities within Scottish Borders.
Hours: 12 hours per week, worked Monday 9:00‑15:00 and Friday 9:00‑15:00.
What You’ll Bring
- The Deputy Service Manager (DSM) plans and delivers weekly client‑facing sessions in agreed towns or villages.
- The DSM works directly with clients, volunteers and the surrounding community, supporting the management, development and delivery of the weekly service.
- Working under the leadership of the Service Manager, the DSM ensures sessions align with Royal Voluntary Service Vision and Core Values, meet contractual agreements and key performance targets, enable volunteering and build strong partnerships with local statutory, voluntary and community partners.
Job Requirements
- Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle with business‑use insurance or the ability to travel across a defined geographical area.
- Working knowledge and understanding of the Health and/or Health and Social Care sector.
- Awareness of safeguarding principles (training and ongoing support is provided).
- Understanding of volunteer management and the needs of a volunteer‑involved organisation.
- Proficiency in standard IT systems, email, Microsoft Teams and the ability to learn role‑specific databases.
Skills
- Excellent communication with the aptitude to lead activities and interact with people at all levels.
- Ability to act on own initiative within agreed parameters.
Experience
- Demonstrable experience working in a person‑centred manner with care, compassion and sensitivity.
- Ability to support, calm, enthuse and assess risk in all occasions.
Job Responsibilities
- Welcome clients; promote well‑being in a person‑centred manner and support the creation of personal support plans.
- Coordinate the service daily, organising and delivering activities, refreshments, a hot nutritious meal, handling payments and managing resources/equipment while ensuring health and safety.
- Recruit, develop, motivate and line‑manage volunteers, supporting their training and wellbeing.
- Ensure compliance with statutory standards, policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Data Protection, Financial Controls, Safeguarding and Incident Reporting.
- Handle enquiries, promote the service and maintain relationships with key local contacts such as Local Authorities, Health Trusts, Suppliers and Voluntary Organisations.
- Monitor and report on service activity, income and expenditure.
- Perform general administrative duties, including data entry for the RVS Management Information Systems and general correspondence.
- Commit to continuous development of skills and behavioural competencies required for the role.
- Undertake other reasonable duties agreed with the Service Manager.
Service Delivery Focused
- Identify and focus on individual client needs and concerns, engaging and responding with a professional, high‑quality service.
- Remain committed to keeping people safe from harm.
Supporting & Managing Others
- Enjoy supporting others and contributing to joint activities.
- Be approachable, collaborative and dependable.
Planning & Organising
- Plan activities and resources in advance, considering stages, requirements and time‑frames.
- Monitor implementation to ensure effective delivery.
Delivering Objectives
- Strive to meet expected objectives and deadlines, delivering tasks thoroughly and methodically.
Resilience
- Bounce back from setbacks, remain undeterred and manage work challenges.
- Accept constructive criticism and stay focused on tasks.
Enabling Volunteers
- Show understanding of how the role supports volunteers’ experience within the charity.
- Collaborate with the Volunteering Team and accept accountability for volunteers’ journeys.
- Implement changes to improve volunteering approaches.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Values difference, promotes inclusive behaviour and encourages participation in charity‑wide inclusion activities.
Job Benefits
- Salary of £13.22 per hour (FTE £24,070 per annum).
- 26 days’ holiday (pro rata) plus paid statutory Bank Holidays (pro rata).
- Up to 2 days paid volunteer leave per year, supported by the employer.
- Ten weeks’ company sick pay after successful completion of probation.
- Great pension scheme with 8% employer contributions.
- 2 x Base Salary Death in Service Benefit, subject to qualification.
- Enhanced Family Leave schemes.
- Access to an exclusive rewards website for discounts and cashback.
- A 24‑hour doctor line and financial support for dental, optical and other therapies.
- Free, confidential employee assistance programme with up to six face‑to‑face counselling sessions.
- Opportunities to discuss flexible working.
- Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.
- Chance to make a positive, lasting impact that changes lives, communities and society.
Application Deadline
The closing date for this role is 11 June 2026, but the vacancy may be closed early if sufficient applications are received.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At Royal Voluntary Service our goal is to welcome everyone and build inclusive and diverse teams, celebrating difference and encouraging everyone to join and be themselves at work.
Deputy Service Manager within the Scottish Borders Area in Galashiels employer: Royal Voluntary Service
Royal Voluntary Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a Deputy Service Manager in the picturesque Scottish Borders, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for career progression while making a meaningful impact on the lives of older residents. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and volunteer engagement, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to community well-being in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Manager within the Scottish Borders Area in Galashiels
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Scottish Borders area, especially those connected to the Royal Voluntary Service. Attend local events or community gatherings to meet potential colleagues and partners.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for helping others! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the organisation, share your experiences working with older residents and how you can contribute to their well-being.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the core values of the Royal Voluntary Service. Think about how your skills in volunteer management and person-centred care align with their mission and be ready to discuss specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Manager within the Scottish Borders Area in Galashiels
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Deputy Service Manager role. We want to see how you can bring value to our team in the Scottish Borders!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with older residents shine through! Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to social connection and community support, as this is key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Voluntary Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Deputy Service Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around client-facing sessions and volunteer management. This will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves working closely with clients and volunteers, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with people in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to lead activities, as these are key to making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Think of specific situations where you’ve had to support someone in a person-centred manner or manage a team effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Royal Voluntary Service values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you promote inclusive behaviour and support diverse communities. Share any relevant experiences that show your commitment to these values, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
