National Trust
Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator
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Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, personable Community Participation & Volunteering Coordinator to join our growing team and help shape how local people, volunteers, and community groups connect with nature, culture, and history. You’ll focus on building partnerships, supporting volunteers, and creating meaningful opportunities for participation across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. This role is fixed-term with the opportunity to be made permanent.
What it's like to work here
Brownsea Island sits in the heart of Poole Harbour and is part of the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve and only accessed by boat. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, most notably Dorset’s only population of red squirrels. As part of the new 10-year strategy the Portfolio will seek to deliver the Ending Unequal Access strategy for communities across BCP. Particularly focusing on underserved communities using a partnership approach. It’s proximity to the urban area of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole means we are uniquely situated to create meaningful opportunities for participation and deepen public connection with our work.
For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
What You'll Be Doing
As our Community Participation and Volunteering Coordinator, you’ll help shape how people connect with the National Trust across BCP. You’ll champion inclusive, community-focused engagement, working with the Community, Participation and Volunteering Manager to deliver opportunities that welcome people from all backgrounds.
You’ll work alongside volunteers, supporting the volunteer journey and ensuring they have flexible, rewarding volunteering experiences. From developing new ways for people to get involved to strengthening relationships with local groups, you’ll help build meaningful pathways into our work.
Every day will look different, you might be co-creating a project with a community partner, delivering nature engagement activities to young people, or exploring new approaches to participation in BCP. What stays constant is your commitment to collaboration, community partnerships, and ensuring our work genuinely benefits the people of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
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If you’re motivated by purpose, energized by working with others, and excited to help people play their part in caring for special places, this role offers the chance to make a real impact.
Who We're Looking For
- a strong understanding of community engagement and participatory practice
- experience in increasing community participation and developing inclusive opportunities.
- excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- the ability to coach and support others, and to work collaboratively across teams.
- confidence in using data and insight to guide decisions.
- knowledge of relevant legislation including safeguarding, GDPR, equality, and volunteering.
- a proactive, empathetic, and inclusive approach.
Please also read the full role profile and further information document attached to this advert.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest, and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
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National Trust place: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EE
Documents
- Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator - B.pdf
- Community Participation Volunteer Coordinator (002).docx
Requirements
Compliance: Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional information
Closing Date: 18 October 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right-hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people, or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
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