Job Description

Volunteer Role Description

Trustee - Volunteer Development

Cotswold Canals Trust

Location:

Based in the

Stroud District, Gloucestershire

, with attendance at Trust Council meetings and key volunteer sites along the Cotswold Canals. Remote participation via video call is supported.

Hours:

Approximately

2-4 hours per month

, including

Trust Council meetings every eight weeks

(around two hours) and

two annual strategy sessions

. Additional time may be needed for reviewing volunteer development plans or attending volunteer events.

Reporting to:

Chair of Trustees

Working with:

Fellow Trustees, Volunteer Support Manager, Team Leaders, General Manager, and wider volunteer teams across the Trust.

-

Role Summary:

As a Trustee with expertise in

Volunteer Development

, you will help shape the Trust's approach to recruiting, supporting, and retaining volunteers. You'll provide strategic guidance to ensure our volunteer programme continues to thrive, empowering individuals and teams to contribute effectively to canal restoration and community engagement.

Your leadership will help strengthen the Trust's volunteer culture and ensure that volunteers remain at the heart of our mission to restore and protect the Cotswold Canals.

-

Duties:

Provide strategic oversight of the Trust's volunteer programme, ensuring it supports organisational goals. Advise on best practice for volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and engagement. Support the development of policies that promote inclusivity, wellbeing, and volunteer recognition. Help ensure volunteers have the right tools, resources, and communication to work safely and effectively. Act as a link between Trustees and volunteer teams, helping to celebrate success and address challenges. Contribute to discussions and decisions at Trustee meetings relating to volunteer growth, development, and support. Champion the contribution of volunteers across all areas of the Trust's work.
-

Desirable Skills and Attributes:

Strong understanding of

volunteer management

,

people development

, or

community engagement

. Empathy, good communication, and relationship-building skills. Strategic mindset with the ability to think long-term about volunteer sustainability. Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and positive volunteer experience. Enthusiasm for heritage, the environment, or community-led projects.
-

Relevant Experience:

Background in

HR, training, volunteer management, or organisational development

. Experience working with or managing volunteers in the charity or community sector. Experience in leadership, governance, or advisory roles (desirable but not essential).
-

Benefits of the Role:

Help shape the future of one of the UK's largest and most inspiring volunteer-led restoration projects. Influence how volunteers are supported and celebrated across the organisation. Join a passionate, collaborative Board and community of over 350 active volunteers. Gain valuable governance experience and personal development opportunities.
-

Induction and Training:

All new Trustees receive a full induction, including:

Overview of the Trust's mission, projects, and volunteer network. Introduction to governance responsibilities and policies. Ongoing support, mentoring, and access to training as needed.
-

T

o express interest or request further information:

Please contact

mail@cotswoldcanals.org

About the Cotswold Canals Trust

The

Cotswold Canals Trust

is a volunteer-led charity with over

6,000 members and 350 active volunteers

, dedicated to restoring 36 miles of the historic Cotswold Canals. We're currently delivering the

UK's largest canal restoration project

, Cotswold Canals Connected, which has recently secured additional funding from the

National Lottery Heritage Fund

.

We're now looking to

broaden our Board of Trustees

and welcome individuals with relevant experience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to helping guide our charity's future.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: 1.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stroud GL5 3JS