Volunteer Projects Co-ordinator

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Luton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health service provider in the UK is seeking a Volunteer Projects Coordinator to oversee the Blossom Volunteer Service. This role involves recruiting and training volunteers, collaborating with healthcare teams to improve patient and family experiences, and managing volunteer activities. Ideal candidates will possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills and a background in volunteer management. The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising and motivating volunteers.
• Ability to deliver training and community talks.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in data collection and administration.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and train volunteers for the Blossom Service.
• Coordinate volunteer activities with nursing teams.
• Manage service referrals and telephone contact.
• Promote the Blossom brand in the community.
• Develop outcome measures for service evaluation.

Skills

Volunteer supervision

Relationship skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Job description

As a Volunteer Projects Coordinator, you will be responsible for running the Blossom Volunteer Service which supports patients receiving end‑of‑life care and their families at both the Bedford and Luton & Dunstable Hospitals. This includes recruitment, training and coordinating the activity of volunteers, working collaboratively with nursing teams across the hospital to ensure we deliver a high‑quality service that enhances patient, family and staff experience.

This role is ideal for an individual with a passion for volunteering, a good understanding of recruitment and relationship management, exceptional interpersonal, emotional intelligence and communication skills, and a compassionate and sensitive approach to the needs of those in the last few days or hours of life. You will embody the Trust values, including inclusivity and valuing everyone in need of support from the diverse communities our hospitals serve.

You must be flexible and hold a full UK Driving Licence with access to a vehicle to enable attendance at both hospitals and community events. This role is not eligible for visa application support or sponsorship.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. We are a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff and patients, with a programme of high‑quality training and development to help you grow your career.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train and coordinate volunteers for the Blossom Service.
• Work with nursing teams, Palliative Care, Chaplaincy, and other stakeholders to match volunteers with patients’ needs.
• Organise volunteer training sessions and ensure all mandatory requirements are met and regularly updated.
• Provide regular contact and support to volunteers to encourage motivation, loyalty and role understanding (1:1s, team meetings, bi‑annual socials).
• Manage calls to the Blossom Service telephone and service referrals.
• Align the Blossom Service and volunteer involvement with the Trust’s key objectives around end‑of‑life care and best practice.
• Promote the recognition of the Blossom brand across all wards and the community.
• Source and purchase merchandise to support the delivery of the project and create a compassionate environment.
• Work with the volunteer manager and Palliative Care teams to address early conflict, grievances and complaints, and progress where necessary.
• Create a weekly rota for volunteers.
• Develop and track outcome measures for service evaluation and annual review, including stakeholder surveys.
• Maintain accurate data collection using IQVIA and Microsoft Office to deliver reports on service activity and performance.
• Submit internal reports to the Voluntary Services Manager for the Board, Charitable Funds Committee and Palliative Care.
• Collaborate with the communications team to promote the project via social media, website and internal/external publications.
• Coordinate and manage external functions and fundraising events, and support internal fundraising from ward/department areas.
• Provide post‑visit support to volunteers, managing sensitive information with kindness and compassion.
• Identify and enable project development across sites and within the community, staying abreast of national developments.
• Explore funding streams in conjunction with the Charity, Voluntary Services Team and Palliative Care Team, manage project donations and liaise with Financial Services as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience supervising and motivating volunteers, and supporting their wellbeing.
• Ability to deliver volunteer training, community talks and presentations.
• High level of relationship skills: empathy, caring, acceptance, mutual affirmation and ability to give constructive feedback.
• Experience supporting fundraising and donations.
• Good IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience creating impactful content for social media, web‑based platforms and publications.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise one's workload and work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Lateral thinking and problem‑solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing and emerging needs.
• Experience in data collection, administration and recording procedures, using a bespoke database and producing reports.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering the first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all attached documents to ensure you understand all requirements of the role.

This role is not currently closed and is accepting applications.