The Urban Garden has a thriving volunteer programme with a number of roles on different days of

the week. We are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to recruit for and supervise our volunteer

drop in session as well as helping to manage all our volunteers that help out when the garden centre

is open Thursdays-Sundays. You will be a strong team player with excellent communication skills and

have an ability to motivate a wide range of people in different settings. Practical knowledge and

experience of horticulture is essential.

The Urban Garden is the ‘Smallest Garden Centre with the Biggest Heart’, a small garden centre social enterprise located in Royal Victoria Park. We offer accredited practical horticultural training for people who are long term unemployed and/or are struggling with their mental health. Our volunteer days include a general drop in session for local people on a Wednesday afternoon and opportunities to volunteer when we are open Thursdays-Sundays. The Wednesday session is supervised by the Volunteer Co-ordinator and is a chance for volunteers to get the garden centre ready for the week ahead. We have around 12 people attending on this day and 3 attending Thursday to Sunday.

Job description

Volunteer co-ordinator

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

 Recruit volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds and abilities across Bath and

surrounding areas.

 Directly supervise the volunteer group on the Wednesday afternoon drop in session.

Match new and existing volunteers with jobs that suit their skills, needs and

aspirations as far as possible whilst also helping The Urban Garden to fulfil its aims

and objectives.

 Manage the volunteer experience including induction, supporting, motivating and

building in regular communication and two-way feedback.

 Lead on and support other staff and volunteers in organising volunteer socials,

training and networking events.

 Keep records of regular volunteers where appropriate and in accordance with GDPR

and keep volunteers informed of UG requirements in terms of values, expectations,

health and safety.

 Carry out regular evaluations of volunteers’ experiences through case studies and

using our self-assessment questionnaire.

 Liaise with partner organisations to recruit volunteers and organise joint events

involving UG volunteers.

 Carry out additional tasks as required as part of a small team to assist with the

development and operation of the organisation.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

 Experience of working with and supporting volunteers.

 Strong understanding and practical experience of horticulture.

 Strong planning, time management and organisational skills

 Good IT skills, including using excel, word

 Ability to work independently much of the time, albeit with regular communications

with the Director.

 Strong team player with excellent communication skills and an ability to

communicate with and motivate a wide range of people in different settings.

 Willing and able to carry out physical tasks, including gardening, occasionally in cold

and/or wet weather.

 An ability to work flexibly and to work 10 weekend days a year and to work flexible

hours when necessary.

Desirable

 Experience of working in a Community Interest Company and/or a charity

 Supervising volunteers in a horticultural setting.

 Practical skills, for example DIY, carpentry.

 Experience and/or knowledge of community development practice.

 Recruitment experience

Terms of the Contract

Reports to: The Director

Location: The Urban Garden, Marlborough Buildings, Bath, BA1 2LZ.

Contract: Part-time, 1 year rolling (subject to funding)

Hours: 7.5 hours per week

Salary: £27,000 (pro rata)

Holiday: Holidays of 25 days per year (plus public holidays) pro rata

Pension: NEST pension with employer contribution 3% and employee contribution 5%.

To apply, please email matt@theurbangarden.org.uk with your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the post.

Offers of employment in respect of this position will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory

enhanced disclosure from the DBS, and two references.

Closing date: Wednesday 10th July 5pm.