Volunteering Development Officer

Do you have a passion for supporting volunteers and making a difference?

Kent Scouts is seeking a motivated individual to lead our volunteering development projects across the County. 

You’ll oversee volunteer recruitment, induction, learning programmes and recognition initiatives in an inclusive, values-driven environment.

Working Hours: 20 hours per week (flexible working considered). Weekend and evening work required on occasions.

Salary: £25,400 - £28,000 FTE

Location: Kent (Countywide – hybrid working with travel across Kent), with a requirement to also commute to our County Office in Sandling, Maidstone

Reports to: County Volunteering Development Team Leader, Kent Scouts

Contract: Fixed term, 12 months (with potential for extension subject to funding/performance)

About Us

Kent Scouts is part of the wider The Scout Association movement, delivering the “Skills for Life” strategy through Scouting activity across the County. We are passionate about providing young people with fun, safe, adventurous experiences and empowering volunteers to deliver outstanding programmes.

The Volunteering Development Team plays a pivotal role in ensuring all our volunteers have a positive, supportive and growth‑oriented experience. According to the Scout Association, Volunteering Development Teams aim to:

• Attract and welcome new volunteers, using branded resources and showing diversity of volunteer roles and young members.

• Ensure new volunteers are welcomed smoothly, that reasonable adjustments are supported and processes are inclusive.

• Support existing volunteers to feel well‑supported, promote equity, diversity & inclusion, safer volunteer recruitment, induction, reviews and leaving processes.

• Facilitate learning and development opportunities for volunteers and Young Leaders: organise training, workshops, partner with external organisations, support Trainers, adapt delivery for accessibility.

• Recognise and appreciate volunteers both formally and informally.

We are now looking for a dynamic individual to join us as a County Volunteering Development Project Officer to drive forward our volunteering development agenda across Kent.

Role Purpose

As the Volunteering Development Officer, you will lead and coordinate key project‑workstreams that enhance the recruitment, induction, development and retention of our volunteers across the County. You will work closely with the County Volunteering Development Team Leader, the County Leadership Team and District Teams to support a high‑quality volunteer experience and embed best practice aligned with the Scout Association’s culture of volunteering

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the design and delivery of a volunteer recruitment campaign for Kent: create materials (print/digital), liaise with marketing, present to groups/districts, monitor impact.
• Manage the end‑to‑end welcome & induction journey for new volunteers: coordinate welcome conversations, induction sessions, and ensure data capture and handover to local teams.
• Work with District and County teams to support volunteer reviews and leaving processes, ensuring our pathways reflect the values of equity, inclusion and safer recruitment.
• Plan and deliver a programme of learning and development for volunteers and Young Leaders: schedule workshops/training, support Trainers, make adaptations for accessibility, partner with external providers.
• Develop and implement a recognition strategy: formal awards, informal appreciation, celebrate volunteer achievements across the county.
• Monitor, collect and analyse key metrics (e.g., volunteer numbers, retention rates, training uptake, satisfaction) and report progress to the leadership team.
• Act as a champion for our volunteer culture: promoting the Scout Association’s volunteering principles, sharing best practice across districts, supporting continuous improvement.
• Organise and participate in County based conferences, events and recruitment opportunities focused on Volunteering Development.
• Undertake wider administrative duties for Kent Scouts in the County Office in Sandling, Maidstone on a weekly basis supporting the Administrator and Office & Finance Manager.
• You may be asked to undertake additional tasks by the County Leadership Team.

Essential Skills

• Experience of project coordination or delivery (ideally in a volunteer‑based or not‑for‑profit environment)
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; confident in engaging with volunteers, teams and external partners
  
• Excellent organisational skills: ability to manage multiple work‑streams, meet deadlines and adapt to change
  
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and experience embedding inclusive practice
  
• Ability to think strategically about volunteer journeys and translate into practical activities
  
• Comfortable using data and metrics to monitor progress and inform decisions
  
• Driving licence and willingness to travel across Kent

Desirable Skills

• Experience working in a volunteering development, HR or training role
  
• Familiarity with the Scout movement or similar youth‑focused organisations
  
• Experience of facilitating training or workshops
  
• Knowledge of database systems or CRM in a volunteer context

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our volunteers and young people across Kent
• Flexibility in working arrangements (hybrid / some home‑based + travel)
• Access to training and development opportunities
• The chance to join a supportive, enthusiastic and values‑driven team

To Apply

Please send your CV and a short covering letter (max 2 sides A4) explaining why you are interested in the role and how you meet the person specification to craig.ward@kentscouts.org.uk

Interviews likely to be held across February 2026

This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision.

Kent County Scout Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This role involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You are also expected to undertaking mandatory Scouts learning in safety, safeguarding, inclusion and data protection. Kent County Scout Council is an equal opportunity employer. Every applicant and employee has the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.