Youth Engagement Manager

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.

Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering

Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.

Since 1962, we've used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries.

We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice - ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come.

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.

Our promise to volunteers

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.

It's a brilliant time to join us. We're evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.

Role Description

Volunteering Matters Brighter Futures CEC works with pupils (aged 12-18) who are care experienced or on the edge of care across the City of Edinburgh.

The project has two parts, one is to work one to one with the young people referred to the project, supporting them to experience a volunteering placement with local charitable organisations that will build their confidence and allow them to grow and learn new things in a different environment out with school.

The second part is our group work, the Youth Engagement Manager will be responsible for up to 7 small groups within schools across Edinburgh. The Youth Engagement Manager supports the young people engaged in the groups to develop and deliver a Youth Social Action project within their community.

We're looking for a patient and engaging Youth Engagement Manager to join the Brighter Futures team in Edinburgh.

The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values and strategy.

Due to the nature of this role and the needs of the young people we support, including the requirement to provide appropriate support and engagement for young males with complex experiences, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be male under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Key Duties & Responsibilities

• To build relationships with the young people, acting in a non-judgemental way to support them through their Brighter Futures journey.

• Consistently role modelling and displaying Volunteering Matters organisational values

• Deliver and develop the Brighter Futures Schools programme across the City of Edinburgh, meeting ambitious targets and milestones, ensuring all young people engaged achieve positive outcomes

Develop and deliver our Social Action group work project in different schools across Edinburgh.

• Work alongside staff form residential units, parents and carers to help support building a relationship with the young people referred to our one-to-one work

• Build relationships with different high schools across area through both our group work and one to one program.

• To maintain excellent relationships with charity and not-for-profit partners in Edinburgh - ensuring diverse, high quality…