Volunteer coordinator : Career development

Volunteer coordination has gained increased recognition as a profession within its own right. A two-year volunteer management programme funded by the Labour government in 2009, helped to raise the profile and recognition of volunteer managers and developed and increased available training and support. This increased recognition has been further supported by different sectors recognising the value and relevance of this area of work to their business or industry (particularly through corporate social responsibility). More organisations/companies are placing an emphasis on giving something back to the local community, often in the form of employee volunteering, and thus more opportunities are becoming available across sectors for volunteer coordinators.

Growth has enabled volunteer coordinators to work alongside specialists in other fields, develop new skills and establish programmes to meet the needs of other sectors with different approaches and outlooks towards volunteering. The 2012 Olympic Games has significantly raised the profile of volunteering within the UK and will potentially open up new opportunities for volunteers and volunteer coordinators alike.

Although roles within the voluntary sector generally offer good opportunities for personal development, promotion prospects can be limited, particularly in smaller charities. Bigger organisations tend to have larger volunteering structures and so have more opportunity for promotion. Those working in the voluntary sector often make sideways moves between organisations. Although with more companies buying into corporate social responsibility (CSR) there is now more movement between sectors and opportunities to develop new skills.

Some volunteer coordinators may transfer skills to move to related roles. This will depend on an individual’s particular experience but could, for example, be a service development and/or service management role.

With a couple of years' experience, volunteer coordinators can take on strategic responsibility to become volunteer managers. Moving into management often involves a loss of client contact and operational involvement, which may not appeal to some. Headship and directorship is possible with several years of strategic and managerial responsibility.