Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator

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.

Salary: £22,090 (£27,612 full-time equivalent)
Hours: 30 hours per week

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

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. If you’re motivated by purpose, energised 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.

• 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 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…