HCPT is a UK-based Catholic charity that provides life-changing pilgrimage experiences to Lourdes for children and adults with disabilities, complex medical needs, and social challenges of all faiths, and none. Every Easter and Summer, HCPT brings together thousands of volunteers, medical professionals, and chaplains to support pilgrims in a joyful, inclusive, and faith-filled environment. Our work is rooted in Christian values, community, and the belief that every person is uniquely gifted and loved.

The Volunteer Co-ordinators will play a key role in supporting the growth, development and sustainability of volunteering across HCPT. As part of the central Volunteering Centre – a one-stop-shop and single point of contact for volunteers – the postholder will help deliver an outstanding volunteer experience from recruitment through to retention.

Working closely with the Head of Mission, Outreach and Volunteering, the Volunteer Co-ordinator will champion cross-organisational working, breaking down silos and fostering collaboration to ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to volunteer engagement across all regions and groups.

The role will work in partnership with HCPT’s volunteer network to co-produce improved systems, processes and experiences, contributing to sustained growth, strong succession planning, and a vibrant, mission-focused volunteer community.

Volunteer Development and Support

• Act as a named contact for a portfolio of HCPT Regions and Groups, providing consistent support and guidance.

• Build strong, trusted relationships with Group Leaders and volunteers, supporting them to grow and sustain local participation.

• Assist in identifying and developing future volunteer leaders, supporting succession planning across the organisation.

• Promote a culture of service, belonging and mission within the volunteer community.

Recruitment, Onboarding and Volunteer Journey

• Support the delivery of a co-ordinated national recruitment approach, helping to attract new volunteers, including young people.

• Facilitate smooth onboarding and registration processes within the Volunteering Centre model, ensuring timely and efficient responses to enquiries.

• Help deliver a positive and engaging end-to-end volunteer journey, from initial interest through to active participation and ongoing involvement.

Cross-Organisational Collaboration

• Champion joined-up working across departments, ensuring volunteering is effectively embedded across HCPT activity.

• Work with colleagues to break down silos, improving communication and alignment.

• Contribute to the design and delivery of customer (volunteer) experience improvements, ensuring consistency and excellence across all touchpoints.

• Support organisational projects that drive mission growth and volunteer engagement.

Co-Production and Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with HCPT’s volunteer network to co-design and refine volunteering processes and experiences.

• Gather feedback and insights to inform improvements in volunteer engagement, systems and communication.

• Identify trends, challenges and opportunities across regions, feeding back into strategic development.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Support the implementation of safer recruitment practices, ensuring all volunteers are processed and registered in line with safeguarding requirements.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures.

• Promote a culture of safety, responsibility and care in all aspects of volunteering.

Mission Growth and Engagement

• Contribute to initiatives that support the growth of HCPT’s mission across the UK.

• Encourage participation in pilgrimage and wider HCPT activities.

• Support outreach efforts, helping to engage new communities and strengthen existing ones.

• Work collaboratively to ensure volunteering is a core driver of organisational growth and impact.

Champion HCPT’s values internally and externally.

Essential

• Experience working with or supporting volunteers, community groups or networks.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including proficient understanding and use of social media applications relevant to our audience, including, but not limited to: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok.

• Experience of building relationships and working collaboratively across teams.

• Experience of delivering or supporting customer/user-focused services or programmes.

• Knowledge of safeguarding and Safer Recruitment practices or willingness to learn.

• The ability to travel to Lourdes for two weeks each Easter to deliver the largest annual event for the charity.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• An understanding of HCPT’s spirituality, mission and values.

Desirable

• Experience working in Catholic diocesan structures or with faith-based organisations.

• Experience working in cross-cultural environments.

N.B. Please note the duties listed are not exhaustive, and the charity may require different or additional duties to be undertaken depending on changing business needs.

• A meaningful leadership role in a mission-driven charity

• Flexible working arrangements and generous annual leave

• Up to 5% employer pension contributions, based on employee contributions

• Group life cover and healthcare benefits

• Opportunities for spiritual and professional development

• The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and adults with additional needs

Please send your CV and a covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role to Tricia Macfarlane tricia.macfarlane@hcpt.org.uk , HCPT’s Chief Executive, by 12pm on 31st July 2026.