Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial pension up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Job summary

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty in Lacock seeks an experienced, community-minded professional to lead community engagement, build relationships and develop partnerships across Lacock and The Courts Garden, creating inclusive opportunities and meaningful participation for visitors and volunteers.

You will work with volunteer managers to grow volunteering pathways, coach teams, and use data to guide decisions, while upholding safeguarding and equality

Qualifications

• Experience in community engagement and developing inclusive opportunities.
• Experience in increasing community participation and partnerships.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to coach and support others, and work across teams.
• Ability to use data/insights to guide decisions.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, and equality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, positive relationships with local communities, organisations and groups.
• Develop partnerships and co-creation projects to deepen engagement for Lacock.
• Collaborate with volunteer managers to grow volunteering pathways.
• Create new participation opportunities reflecting community needs and interests.
• Contribute to visitor experience via people-centered approaches.
• Work across Lacock and The Courts Garden to connect people with our places.

Skills

Community engagement

Volunteer coordination

Partnership development

Relationship building

Data insights

Safeguarding knowledge

GDPR knowledge

Inclusion and diversity

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, engaging, community minded professional. This role will focus on steering this area of our work, building relationships and developing partnership.

As both sites are rural, having your own transport is essential, and we offer a supportive environment with great opportunities to build skills and develop your career.

Salary: £29,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. This role willl be working primarily weekdays with some weekend and bank holidays. General office hours are 9am to 5pm but there is flexibility.

Interview date – Monday 19th October 2026

This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

What it's like to work here

Lacock is a leading heritage attraction welcoming local, national, and international visitors. With ambitious plans for the next ten years, it is an exciting and forward thinking place to work. Alongside our sister property, The Courts Garden, the team creates inspiring experiences, from world class photographic exhibitions and family programmes to beautiful natural spaces, rich cultural activities, and memorable days out. This work is made possible by a dedicated team of around 60 staff and more than 350 volunteers.

• Building strong, positive relationships with local communities, organisations, and groups.
• Developing partnerships and co creation projects that deepen engagement and support our vision for Lacock.
• Working closely with volunteer managers, offering guidance and helping to grow volunteering pathways.
• Creating new opportunities for participation, ensuring they reflect community needs and interests.
• Contributing to the development of our visitor experience through collaborative, people focused approaches.
• Working across both Lacock and The Courts Garden to connect people with our places in meaningful ways.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• a strong understanding of community engagement, participatory practice, and volunteer innovation.
• experience in increasing community participation and developing inclusive opportunities.
• excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• the ability to coach and support others, and to work collaboratively across teams.
• confidence in using data and insight to guide decisions.
• knowledge of relevant legislation including safeguarding, GDPR, and equality.
• a proactive, empathetic, and inclusive approach.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

National Trust place

Lacock Abbey & House, High Street, Chippenham, SN15 2LG

Documents

• Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator - B.pdf
• Role profile context. CPVO Lacock Group.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 11 October 2026

Interview date – Monday 19th October 2026

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.