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Volunteer Development Manager for TYKES Young Carers

Proposal code: THC-2026-06-160

Employ a Volunteer Development Manager to recruit, retain, train and support volunteers in 3 areas - TYKES charity shop, community fundraising and delivery of activities and drop-ins for Young Carers

Employ a Volunteer Development Manager tostrengthen TYKES Young Carers by building and managing a sustainable volunteer programme across the charity shop, community fundraising and respite services. The post will increase organisational capacity, diversify income, reduce reliance on paid staff and establish robust volunteer management systems that support the charity's long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Charity Shop

• Work with the Charity Shop Manager to identify volunteer requirements and deliver targeted recruitment campaigns.

• Recruit, interview, induct and place volunteers to support shop operations, stock management, merchandising and customer service.

• Encourage young people and young carers to gain skills and experience through volunteering within the social enterprise.

Community Fundraising

• Recruit and coordinate a team of community fundraising volunteers.

• Build relationships with local businesses, schools, colleges, community groups and employability services to attract volunteers and supporters.

• Develop volunteer-led fundraising initiatives that increase unrestricted income and raise awareness of TYKES.

• Identify volunteers with specialist skills to support fundraising, marketing, events and community engagement.

Respite Services

• Recruit volunteers to support the planning and delivery of respite activities, outings and events for young carers.

• Match volunteers to suitable roles according to their skills, experience and availability.

• Work with staff to ensure sufficient volunteer capacity to support programme delivery.

Volunteer Management

Develop and implement a structured volunteer programme, including recruitment, onboarding, induction and ongoing development.

Responsibilities include:

• Producing volunteer handbooks, role descriptions and guidance materials.

• Delivering inductions and coordinating mandatory training in safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, data protection and child protection.

• Identifying additional learning opportunities to develop volunteers' confidence, skills and effectiveness.

• Supporting volunteers to progress into leadership roles where appropriate.

Volunteer Support and Retention

Provide regular supervision, wellbeing check-ins and guidance to volunteers across the organisation by:

• Addressing concerns and identifying training needs.

• Implementing recognition and appreciation initiatives to improve retention.

• Maintaining accurate volunteer records, training logs and compliance documentation.

• Gathering volunteer feedback to inform continuous improvement.

• Promoting an inclusive, supportive volunteering culture that encourages long-term commitment and community ownership.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitor recruitment, retention and participation levels, recording volunteer hours, contributions and outcomes. Evaluate the impact of volunteering on organisational capacity, fundraising income and respite provision, providing regular reports to senior management and trustees against agreed objectives and targets.

Strategic Impact

The post will establish sustainable volunteer management systems, training pathways and support structures that embed good practice and reduce risks associated with staff or volunteer turnover. Increased volunteer capacity will strengthen charity shop operations, expand community fundraising and support the delivery of respite services for young carers.

With grant funding becoming increasingly competitive, TYKES requires greater volunteer capacity to maintain current services and meet growing demand over the next three years. This role will improve financial sustainability by increasing unrestricted income through charity shop trading and community fundraising while building stronger community engagement and organisational resilience.

Anticipated Outputs

• Recruit 30–40 new volunteers across charity shop, fundraising and respite services.

• Increase volunteering opportunities for young people and young carers.

• Establish a community fundraising team of at least 10 active volunteers.

• Deliver a structured volunteer induction, training and support programme.

• Develop volunteer management policies, procedures and resources.

• Provide regular supervision, support and recognition activities to improve volunteer retention.

• Increase volunteer capacity within the charity shop, enabling improved operational efficiency and potential extension of opening hours.

• Support delivery of regular respite activities and outings through trained volunteers.

• Increase the number of volunteer-led fundraising events and campaigns.

• Grow unrestricted income from charity shop trading and community fundraising.

• Create a sustainable volunteer framework that remains in place beyond the initial funding period.

Start November 2026, end October 2029

• Job Creation
• Social & Support Services
• Youth Spaces & Activities

• Sutherland