Project Assistant

Contract Type: Contract / Temporary

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Part time

Application deadline: Tuesday, October 7, :59

Based: Newcastle

Salary: £23,000 Per Annum

Salary Type: Fixed Salary

Location: Tyne and Wear

Role description: Officer

Volunteering Matters
Who We Are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

What We Do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

How We Do This
We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don't always get the chance to take part.
• We listen to and amplify voices that aren't always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better

Role Purpose
We're looking for a flexible and self-motivated
Project Assistant
to join our team in Newcastle, supporting the delivery of our Home from Hospital and Community Support project. This post is 14 hours per week, over 4 days, with a salary of £23,000 (Full Time Equivalent). This is a Fixed Term Contract initially until 31 March 2026 with an extension possible dependent on funding.

Preventing admissions, and re-admissions, to hospital is crucial for the NHS. Re-admissions alone cost the NHS over £2 billion per year, and no-one wants to be in hospital when they can be recovering safely and comfortably at home. The Home from Hospital project
was developed to help enable people to thrive back at home, and in the community, while at the same time supporting the NHS.
We recruit, train, support and coordinate volunteers, who provide a "little bit of help" to people who may be socially isolated, have health issues, or don't have many people around them.
Our volunteers provide social, emotional or practical support, completing short-term tasks for up to 6 weeks. This includes tasks such as helping with grocery shopping, collecting and delivering medical prescriptions, in person or telephone check in's, driving someone to an appointment, helping with paperwork, ensuring the home is safe and secure, and lots more

As Our Project Assistant, You Will

• Work closely with Volunteering Matters colleagues in a flexible and agile way, taking instruction and responding quickly to ensure beneficiaries and volunteers have the best possible experience
• Face to face and telephone contact with older people taking part in the project, completing practical, social, or wellbeing tasks to meet their individual needs
• Administrative tasks including providing updates to colleagues on project activities, processing paperwork, and other computer-based tasks to help ensure the smooth delivery of the programme
• Support with the promotion of the project across Newcastle in order to attract new volunteers and generate referrals – this may include drafting content, public speaking and giving presentations

This role is part of a fast-paced and responsive workplace environment. In order to meet the needs of the programme, we are looking for a candidate who can offer significant flexibility when it comes to working hours – ideally over 4 days per week.

Our Values & Way of Working
In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.

Diversity & Inclusion
Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.

Benefits
Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:

• Flexible Working by Default
• Unlimited (paid) Annual Leave
• Employee Pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced sick and family leave.
• Lifestyle Discount Scheme
• We are also open to discussing job share applications.

GDPR Statement
If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months. We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications
Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant's own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.

To Apply
Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

Please note that all applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to progress applications that don't meet this requirement. If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. Whether you're a candidate looking for more information or with an HR query, please don't hesitate to get in touch via our website.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications
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