Volunteer Co-Ordinator - Community and Partnerships in London

We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Volunteer Co-ordinator to join us as a key member of the Communities and Partnerships service here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a permanent basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the development, coordination and continuous improvement of volunteering across our library and community services. The role will help ensure volunteering is effectively embedded within service delivery, supporting service sustainability, community participation and positive outcomes for residents.

As Volunteer Co-ordinator, you will oversee and support a borough-wide volunteer workforce, including volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, engagement, retention and recognition. You will work closely with library teams, community partners and internal services to develop volunteering opportunities that meet emerging service needs and strengthen community capacity. You will act as the lead point of contact for volunteering within Communities and Partnerships, providing advice, guidance and support to staff across multiple sites. You will also play a key role in ensuring volunteering activity is safe, inclusive, well managed and compliant with relevant legislation, policies and best practice, including safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and risk management.

This role will involve supporting the effective operation and sustainability of Community Volunteer Libraries, contributing to the Home Library Service, and developing strong partnerships with voluntary sector organisations, community groups and colleagues across the council. The successful candidate will be highly organised, confident working across multiple sites and able to build positive relationships with volunteers, colleagues, partners and members of the public. You will be committed to inclusive volunteering and to reducing barriers so that opportunities are accessible and welcoming to diverse and underrepresented communities.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service, plus Bank Holidays
• Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme
• An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
• A range of local and lifestyle discounts
• Use of a free onsite gym, located at Shute End office
• Salary sacrifice car and cycle to work schemes
• And much more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and coordinate the end-to-end volunteer service, including promotion, recruitment, onboarding, training, development, engagement and retention.
• Act as the lead point of contact for volunteering across Communities and Partnerships, providing advice, guidance and support to staff across multiple sites.
• Develop and promote new volunteering opportunities in collaboration with library and community teams to meet service needs and improve outcomes for residents.
• Support the effective operation and sustainability of Community Volunteer Libraries, including promotion, rota coordination and issue resolution.
• Maintain and analyse volunteer data, including recruitment, retention, engagement and activity levels, to inform service improvements.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures, health and safety, data protection and risk management requirements are embedded within volunteer recruitment and management practices.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with local voluntary sector organisations, community groups and internal services to strengthen collaboration and maximise impact.

Candidate Requirements:

• Attained or working towards a recognised vocational or professional qualification, or equivalent practical work experience.
• Experience of coordinating or managing volunteers within a structured programme or service.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and influence stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of volunteer management principles and good practice, with a commitment to inclusive, accessible and welcoming services.
• Willing and able to travel independently and regularly between libraries, community venues and partner locations across Wokingham Borough to support volunteers and deliver services.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Alternatively, for an informal discussion please contact Stephanie Woods, Libraries and Community Area Lead.

Closing date: Monday, 24 August 2026, 11pm

Interview date: TBC

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.