At a Glance
- Tasks: Support bereaved families and coordinate community activities across Central England.
- Company: Sands, the leading charity for pregnancy and baby loss support.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, opportunity to make a real difference, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive employer committed to equality and community support.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a positive impact in the lives of bereaved families.
- Qualifications: Experience with minoritised communities and volunteer management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sands works to save babies’ lives and ensure that anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss receives the care and support they need. As the UK’s leading charity in this space, our work is shaped every day by the voices of bereaved families and the professionals who support them.
Our volunteers are incredible! They run peer support, community-based activity, build relationships with hospitals, run football teams, cheer at events and much more. Putting them first and enabling the activity they deliver is the primary goal of the Community and Volunteering Team.
Local peer-led bereavement support is a core part of what we do here at Sands. This is primarily delivered by Support Groups and Sands United football teams run by dedicated volunteers right across the UK, most of whom are bereaved themselves. There are 84 Groups and 40 Sands United teams across the UK who provide safe and welcoming spaces to be there for each other.
This is a high-profile and exciting new role which is responsible for ensuring that anyone affected by baby loss or the death of a baby has the chance to access Sands peer led activities in Central England, promoting sport and activities for health, wellbeing and support services and groups, ensuring that all sections of the community are aware of available activities and where they can go to be part of the community.
We are looking for:
- Successful, demonstrable experience of working with minoritised communities.
- A good working understanding of the barriers people experience accessing bereavement support and care in statutory, health and community settings.
- Experience of coordinating volunteering programmes on a regional or national basis.
- Passion and knowledge about the potential for volunteering within the charity sector.
- Excellent communication skills suitable for a range of different audiences and environments.
- Significant experience of volunteer management and relationship building.
- Experience of working with marginalised communities together with an understanding of the barriers to accessing bereavement support that these communities encounter.
Sands is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other category protected by law.
To apply: Please submit your CV, together with a supporting statement that demonstrates how you meet the criteria in the person specification to recruitment@sands.org.uk. CVs and supporting statements should be sent as attachments to an email in either Word or PDF format. The title of the attachments should be your first name, surname and either CV or supporting statement e.g. “NAME CV”.
Closing date for applications: 25th January 2026
Interview date: 9th February 2026
As we have limited staff resources we are unable to provide candidates with feedback about their applications. Interviews will be held online.
Community Development Officer (Central England) in Bexhill-on-Sea employer: SANDS - Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Charity
Sands is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of families affected by pregnancy and baby loss. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, we foster a supportive work culture that values every voice and encourages personal and professional growth. Our Community Development Officer role offers the unique opportunity to engage with local communities, coordinate impactful volunteer programmes, and contribute to vital support services in Central England, all while being part of a passionate team that prioritises the well-being of bereaved families.
Contact Details:
SANDS - Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Charity Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Development Officer (Central England) in Bexhill-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved with bereavement support. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with others who share your passion for community development.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for supporting bereaved families shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to Sands directly through our website and express your interest in working with us. Sometimes, opportunities are created when you show genuine interest!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the challenges faced by minoritised communities in accessing bereavement support. This knowledge will not only impress interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Development Officer (Central England) in Bexhill-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Community Development Officer role. Highlight your experience with minoritised communities and any volunteer management roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Sands!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We love seeing passion for our cause!
Follow Application Instructions:Pay close attention to the application instructions. Remember to send your CV and supporting statement as attachments in Word or PDF format, and name them correctly. This shows us you can follow guidelines, which is super important for the role!
Show Your Personality:While professionalism is key, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also passionate about supporting bereaved families. Let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SANDS - Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand Sands' mission and the specific challenges faced by bereaved families. Familiarise yourself with the services they offer and how your role as a Community Development Officer can make a difference. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience working with minoritised communities and any volunteer management roles you've held. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've overcome barriers in accessing support services, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you would explain complex ideas to different audiences, especially those who may be experiencing grief or loss.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the current challenges Sands faces in Central England or how they measure the success of their community activities. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
