Job overview Volunteering is vital to UHSussex and not only because of the contribution volunteers make across the seven hospitals of the Trust but also the opportunity volunteering provides to engage and connect people from the wider community within which the Trust works. The Head of Voluntary Services will provide leadership, support, and guidance to the Voluntary Services department. With overall responsibility for day-to-day management of the three volunteering teams, you will work to ensure that our service responds to the need of the Trust whilst providing a rewarding, high-quality, experience for volunteers. Main duties of the job You will lead the Service managers’ in continuing to develop an operating framework for the service that ensures a joint and integrated approach across all three teams (covering all 4 hospital sites) developing, expanding and improving our volunteer opportunities, policies and procedures, quality standards and assurance processes. To support this, you will also work with the Director of Charities and Voluntary to conduct a Futures Study of Voluntary Services at UH Sussex– the findings of which will recommend how best to implement the Trust approved 2025-2030 volunteering strategy. This with specific recommendations on management architecture, safeguarding, alignment with Trust Operating Model, service delivery, quality assurance and financial sustainability. You will also lead on the ongoing work to further the collaboration between Voluntary Services and My Charity UHSussex to promote, encourage and recruit more volunteers to supporting fundraising activities and specific charity initiatives. However, there is more work required to develop this area, and the interim Manager will be asked to develop a charity volunteer offer. This being important as volunteers can play a significant role in raising awareness about the work of NHS charities within their communities. This is an interim role for 7 months. Working for our organisation At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx. Detailed job description and main responsibilities Management
Continue the development and implementation of a Voluntary Services management architecture that ensures the effective day to day management of the three VS teams, covering the four main hospital sites.
Support the development of recruitment, training, deployment, monitoring & evaluation frameworks/pathways that ensure the effective recruitment, promotion and retention of all volunteers across UHSussex.
Oversee the continuing development of the end-to-end volunteer supporter care journey to ensure that every volunteer feels valued, included and informed and are all part of our strategic vision to creat “A Positive Volunter Journey for All”
Oversee the continuing development of both formal and informal ways of recognising and celebrating the contributions of volunteers.
Oversee the organisation of Trust and Voluntary Service-wide events that celebrate volunteers’ commitment, providing activities to keep them engaged, and provide new opportunities to be developed.
Work with the VS Managers to identify, coordinate, design and developtraining needs for volunteers, in collaboration with the Learning, Induction and Education teams.
Ensure effective systems are in place to manage all aspects of volunteering,
making them as streamlined and automated as appropriate; that accurate data is entered into all data collection systems – manual or electronic and are compliant with the Trust’s GDPR policies and procedures.
Implementand advise/train staff to follow a system to ensure that regular reviews and relevant updates of processes, procedures or guidelines are carried out in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
Ensure that the impact of the volunteer work is recorded, monitored evaluated and reported on to the relevant committees, boards and NHSE data collections as required.
Develop partnerships with local communities and devise and work with the Voluntary Service Managers to continue to deliver the VS and Trust strategic goal to improve inclusivity and diversity across the Trust’s volunteer population.
Financial Management
Have oversight and accountability for the Voluntary Services operational budget. This will include forecasting, variance analysis and re-profiling of budget lines where required and appropriate.
Lead on the responsibility for ensuring compliance with any relevant legislative or regulatory requirements for volunteers.
To proactively build and manage the Voluntary Services risk register, supported by the Voluntary Service Managers ensuring all potential risks are included and corrective and mitigating action can be taken where necessary.
Ensure that the Voluntary Service teams work follows the Trust financial and purchasing protocols, in line with the Procurement framework, to ensure high standards and that value for money is consistently achieved.
Communications • Oversee the co-ordination and delivery of a Voluntary Services communications plan for the year to include communications, engagement opportunities and events. • Oversee contributions to Trust communications activity through the placement of articles, news stories and social media content to help raise awareness of volunteering opportunities and the impact that volunteers make to UHSussex. Service Delivery and Improvement
Oversee management and continued development of the Assemble Volunteer Management System and other systems to support the effective delivery of the Voluntary Services programme.
Act as a figurehead building strong professional relationships with other civil society volunteering organisations to develop the standing and gravitas of Voluntary Services within the Trust.
Lead a safe working culture and a preventative approach to mitigate risks within the service.
Lead on all financial aspects of VS including budgeting, monitoring expenditures, reforecasting, cashflow analysis, expenses approval in partnership with the Finance business partner.
Review appropriate legal and other contracts within Voluntary Services as required and appropriate.
Lead on the management ofdecisions on resource allocation, such as when and where to deploy staff resource, when to procure sub-contractors and consultants, to service evolving Voluntary Service workstreams by the most efficient means.
People Management and Development
Line manage the Voluntary Service Managment team.
Knowledge and skills of human resources, and the ability to act sensitively and effectively, when required.
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring the Voluntary Service department continually develops to meet the needs of specific and minority groups.
Lead on the handling and diffusing of all complaints, managing grievance and disciplinary procedures when necessary.
Coach and develop Voluntary Services management staff.
Build and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, representing in accordance with Trust values.
Present complex and sensitive information to a range of internal and external stakeholders taking into consideration the Data Protection Act and Trust policies and procedures, ensuring confidentiality where necessary.
Share knowledge and expertise across the service and Trust.
Comply with Trust-wide staff management policies and procedures.
Ensure staff have annual appraisals and Personal Development Plans as standard.
Learning and Development
Complete all statutory and mandatory training updates as required.
Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of your personal development process.
Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager.
Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation. Person specification Essential and Desirable Essential criteria Degree qualification or equivalent with knowledge acquired through experience or by knowledge development to postgraduate level Masters qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience Extensive experience of working in a non-profit or NHS setting or equivalent
Good communication skills to enable effective communication of highly complex and sensitive to different audiences Ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level within the Trust, including Directors and the Executive team and Non- Executive Directors. Excellent written and verbal communication skills Provide written and verbal briefings to all stakeholders on all volunteering activities. Highly developed IT skills, with the ability to adapt and work with various software and packages as relevant; including CRM systems. Ability to analyse and effectively present complex performance data and identify areas for improvement for a variety of audiences. Ability to problem solve and to develop solutions to issues when presented. Excellent organisational skills and time management skills Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines Responsible for managing and prioritising own workload for both self and others.
Ability to enthuse, motivate and involve staff to meet challenging targets by providing direction, reviewing performance, and motivating others Experience of line management and supporting the development of others Experience in conflict resolution Good knowledge of safeguarding Experience of expanding diversity and improving inclusivity
Delivery focused, self-motivated and proactive
Able to work independently, making decisions based on good judgement within a defined set of parameters Confident, determined, self-reliant and able to stand one’s own ground Positive and self-motivated Ability to take responsibility for large-scale projects affecting the whole VS including budget Ability to encourage and support others to meet deadlines and achieve objectives A corporate team player who is discreet, diplomatic, honest and reliable Committed to working openly and collaboratively with others Desirable criteria Completion of project management skills course, e.g. PRINCE2 Up to date knowledge of non-profit / NHS volunteering policies, best practice and developments Experience of working with volunteers
Knowledge of procurement pathways gained in a large, complex organisation. Expert knowledge of risk management systems including DATIX and EVOTIX. Expert knowledge of Health Roster or similar organisational workforce planner. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential criteria Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role) Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
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