Community Development

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. Barnardo’s

Community Development volunteers help develop networks within the local community, building partnerships with organisations such as schools, clubs, societies and groups. They also assist with organising, hosting and attending variety of events. Do you want to make a real difference to families in your community? Barnardo’s is looking for passionate and reliable Community Development Volunteers to support our Incredible Years Service across Bradford.

About the role

You’ll support our friendly team of five who deliver the Incredible Years Parenting Programme - a 16-week programme supporting parents and carers of children aged 3–4 to build confidence and skills in independence, communication, emotional regulation, and school readiness. As a volunteer, you’ll help us raise awareness of this life-changing programme and connect more families to the support they need.

What you’ll be doing - Supporting staff at community events (e.g. park events, stay & plays, local community sessions) to promote the service. - Speaking with parents/carers and gathering referral details from those interested in the programme. - As your confidence grows, representing the service independently at small events to help us increase referrals. - Contacting parents/carers on our waiting list to confirm interest and book home visits. - Assisting with light administrative tasks such as scanning, saving documents, printing resources, and basic record-keeping.

What you’ll gain - Opportunities to build confidence, communication, and professional skills. - Access to training and development opportunities. - Ongoing supervision and support from an experienced team. - The chance to positively impact children’s futures and family wellbeing.

Time commitment

The days and hours are flexible according to your availability. Apply today and help create brighter futures for children and families across Bradford.

Are you great at developing networks, talking to people, finding out about their organisation and sharing information about ours? Could you link with schools, clubs, societies and groups in the local area?

• Tasks: Developing networks in the local community, with organisations such as schools, clubs, societies and groups. Assisting with organising events. This might include sending out invitations, monitoring replies, making arrangements for the event and attending events on the day. Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures. Participating fully in training and supervision. Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours.

• Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy. Approachable and welcoming. Passion, enthusiasm, compassion, understanding and having an open minded approach. The ability to work independently and use their own initiative, as well as working as part of a team. Having some knowledge with Community Development or working in communities would be useful, but not essential.

• Benefits: Full induction and training. Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role. Regular supervision and support. Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance. Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing. Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.

Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on ***email_hidden*** or call us on 0208 498 7320