Training, Support & Development Officer (Volunteer Centre Dorset)

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental organization in Dorchester is seeking a Training, Support and Development Officer to engage with and support Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. The role involves providing tailored support, promoting training sessions, and enhancing community resilience. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the VCS landscape and excellent communication skills. This position offers a dynamic working environment with mileage reimbursement and a supportive team.

Benefits

Mileage reimbursement

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Dorset’s VCS and experience working with VCSOs.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Experience in delivering support or training to VCS organisations.
• Knowledge of charity governance, fundraising, or organisational development.

Responsibilities

• Engage and support VCSOs in the Dorset area.
• Provide tailored 1-2-1 support on governance and policies.
• Promote and facilitate training sessions on various topics.
• Record engagement and training activities in the CRM system.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Digital skills

Time management

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Training, Support and Development Officer, Volunteer Centre Dorset - Fixed Term

Purpose of the role

To engage, support and develop Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations (VCSOs) across the Dorset Council area, especially small and grassroots groups and those in higher deprivation areas. You will serve as the local link between communities and infrastructure support, offering tailored support, facilitating access to training, capturing insights, and enabling a responsive, place-based approach to development to grow capacity, enhance sustainability, and strengthen impact.

Further Information

Key responsibilities

Community engagement and outreach

• Proactively develop and maintain relationships with VCSOs, particularly in underserved communities.
• Conduct outreach via 1-2-1s, community hubs, digital channels, and partnerships.
• Map local VCS activity, identify emerging organisations, and assess support needs.
• Promote inclusion across all VCS sectors including youth, faith, social, cultural, and support organisations.

Support and capacity building

• Provide tailored 1-2-1 support on governance, policies (safeguarding, H&S, GDPR), business planning, and operational development.
• Assist with funding diversification, grant applications, impact measurement, and evaluation.
• Connect organisations to toolkits, online resources, peer networks, and external support.
• Support small grassroots organisations to build resilience and sustainability.
• Signpost to additional infrastructure or specialist support as needed.

Training and development

• Promote and facilitate a calendar of training sessions, including 'Lunch & Learn' and workshops on governance, fundraising, safeguarding, and impact evaluation.
• Coordinate specialist sessions with subject matter experts.
• Develop topical training themes such as AI, digital inclusion, green initiatives, and social enterprise.
• Facilitate digital access to resources via webinars, recorded modules, and downloadable content.

Collaboration and partnership working

• Work with stakeholders and partners to ensure coordinated VCS support.
• Foster statutory VCS collaboration and shared practices.
• Represent VCD in local initiatives and planning forums.
• Organise peer learning events and online support platforms.

Community intelligence and feedback

• Record engagement, support, and training activities in our CRM system.
• Collect and analyse feedback to inform future planning.
• Contribute to reports, impact summaries, and case studies for funders and stakeholders.

Person specification

Essential

• Strong understanding of Dorset’s VCS and experience working with VCSOs.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Experience in delivering support or training to VCS organisations.
• Knowledge of charity governance, fundraising, or organisational development.
• Ability to manage time and priorities across a wide area.
• Strong administrative and digital skills, including CRM systems and online tools.
• Flexible working hours, including outside regular hours.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Familiarity with Dorset’s communities and rural/deprived area challenges.
• Experience with statutory partnerships or funded projects.
• Experience in delivering training or workshops.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, and compliance areas.

How to apply

Send your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability and how you meet the person specification to [email protected] by Sunday, 10 August. Interviews are expected the week of 18 August. For more info, contact Abbi Lambert at 01305 269214 or [email protected]

About Us

Volunteer Centre Dorset supports volunteering across Dorset. We offer a rewarding role, contribute to community resilience, and provide opportunities for training, development, and networking. Benefits include mileage reimbursement and a supportive team environment.