BRAMPTON AND BEYOND COMMUNITY TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:	Befriending Coordinator
Hours:	15 hours per week
Salary:	£15 per hour (£11,700 per annum)
Contract Type:	Fixed-term for 12 months with intention to continue subject to funding
Location:	Brampton Community Centre, beneficiary homes, and community venues across the Brampton and Longtown area
Accountable to:	Chief Executive Officer, Brampton and Beyond Community Trust
DBS Check:	Enhanced DBS check required
Other Requirements:	Due to the rural nature of the area and the requirement to travel to beneficiaries' homes and community venues, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential for this role.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Befriending Coordinator will establish and coordinate the Befriending Brampton & Longtown Linking Lives project, a new befriending service designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older and vulnerable adults across the Brampton and Longtown area. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a service from the ground up, working within the framework of Brampton and Beyond Community Trust to create sustainable community connections that improve wellbeing and strengthen local support networks.

The role combines strategic project development with hands-on coordination, requiring the post holder to design operational systems, recruit and train volunteers, assess and match beneficiaries, maintain safeguarding standards, and build partnerships with local organisations. The coordinator will provide professional, compassionate support that enables isolated residents to access meaningful social connection through trained befriending volunteers.

Given the part-time nature of the role (15 hours per week), priorities will be phased over the first year, with initial focus on establishing core systems, volunteer recruitment, and safeguarding processes before scaling service delivery in line with available capacity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Development and Implementation

• Develop and establish the operational framework for the befriending service, including policies, procedures, referral pathways, and recording systems
• Create resources and materials for volunteers, beneficiaries, and partner organisations
• Design and implement volunteer recruitment strategies, including promotional materials, information sessions, and application processes
• Build partnership arrangements with key local organisations as the service develops
• Contribute to the development of the service model, identifying opportunities for growth and sustainability
• Contribute to fundraising applications and reports through provision of data, case studies, and impact evidence (the CEO holds lead responsibility for fundraising)

Volunteer Recruitment, Training and Support

• Recruit, interview, and select suitable volunteers in line with safeguarding requirements and organisational values
• Coordinate Enhanced DBS checks and reference checks for all volunteers
• Design and deliver induction and ongoing training covering befriending principles, safeguarding, boundaries, confidentiality, and communication skills
• Provide regular supervision, support, and reflective practice opportunities for volunteers
• Monitor volunteer wellbeing and capacity, ensuring volunteers feel valued and confident in their roles
• Address any concerns or challenges arising within volunteer relationships promptly and appropriately
• Recognise and celebrate volunteer contributions through appreciation events and feedback

Beneficiary Referral, Assessment and Matching

• Receive and process referrals from GP practices, social prescribers, self-referrals, family members, and community partners
• Conduct initial conversations with potential beneficiaries to understand their circumstances, preferences, and needs
• Complete appropriate risk assessments and safeguarding checks to ensure safe service delivery
• Identify the most suitable form of befriending (home visiting, telephone, meeting in community venues) based on individual circumstances
• Match beneficiaries with appropriate volunteers based on location, interests, availability, and compatibility
• Introduce volunteers and beneficiaries sensitively and supportively, establishing clear expectations
• Monitor befriending relationships through regular contact with both parties, addressing any issues and ensuring positive outcomes

Ongoing Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all referrals, assessments, matches, and ongoing contact in accordance with GDPR and organisational policy (recording systems will be provided and training supported)
• Collect monitoring data and qualitative feedback to evaluate service impact and inform development
• Prepare regular reports for the Chief Executive Officer, trustees, and funders demonstrating outcomes, reach, and value
• Identify learning and areas for improvement, contributing to service quality and effectiveness
• Produce anonymised case studies and impact stories for promotional and funding purposes

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding practice, ensuring all policies and procedures are followed rigorously
• Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and following organisational procedures
• Ensure all volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities and know how to escalate concerns
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in accordance with GDPR, organisational policy, and relevant legislation
• Ensure all activities comply with charity governance, health and safety requirements, and insurance provisions

Partnership Working and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with GP practices, social prescribers, and other key partners as the service develops
• Maintain liaison with Carlisle Rural Integrated Care Community as part of the project, sharing updates on service development and outcomes
• Represent the befriending service at relevant community meetings, forums, and events
• Promote the service to potential beneficiaries, referrers, and volunteers through presentations, networking, and outreach activities
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Brampton and Beyond Community Trust to support wider organisational goals related to community wellbeing

General Responsibilities

• Work flexibly within the 15-hour weekly contract, including occasional evening or weekend work for volunteer training or events
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and training as required
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role as reasonably requested by the Chief Executive Officer
• Adhere to all organisational policies including Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, Data Protection, and Safeguarding

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person specification outlines the essential and desirable criteria against which applications will be assessed. Essential criteria are requirements that applicants must demonstrate. Desirable criteria are additional qualities that would be advantageous but are not essential to perform the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential	Education to at least GCSE level or equivalent (including English and Maths)
Desirable	Qualification in health and social care, community development, or related field Safeguarding training Volunteer management training

EXPERIENCE

Essential

Experience of working with or supporting vulnerable adults, older people, or isolated individuals Experience of recruiting, supporting, or coordinating volunteers Experience of building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Desirable

Experience of establishing or developing community projects or services from inception Experience of working in a rural community setting Experience of partnership working with health, social care, or voluntary sector organisations Experience of conducting risk assessments or safeguarding procedures Experience of delivering training or facilitation to volunteers or groups Experience of maintaining records within formal reporting or case management systems

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Essential

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with older people, volunteers, and professionals Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines Ability to build trust, listen actively, and respond with empathy and professionalism Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in relation to safeguarding and risk Competent IT skills including use of email, Microsoft Office, and ability to learn databases or recording systems (systems will be provided and training supported) Ability to maintain accurate records, handle confidential information appropriately, and work within GDPR requirements Problem-solving skills and the ability to address challenges constructively

Desirable

Ability to design promotional materials, resources, or training content Experience using volunteer management systems or case management databases

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Essential

Understanding of the issues affecting older people and isolated adults, including loneliness, social isolation, and barriers to connection Understanding of safeguarding principles and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries Awareness of confidentiality, data protection, and GDPR requirements Understanding of the role of volunteers and the importance of good volunteer support and supervision

Desirable

Knowledge of the Brampton and Longtown area and local community networks Knowledge of the Linking Lives befriending model or similar community befriending approaches Understanding of social prescribing and the role of befriending in supporting health and wellbeing Awareness of the voluntary and community sector in Cumbria

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

Warm, approachable, and compassionate with a genuine commitment to reducing loneliness and improving community wellbeing Patient, non-judgemental, and respectful of diversity Reliable, trustworthy, and professional Enthusiastic and proactive with a positive, solution-focused approach Able to work collaboratively as part of a small team while also working independently Committed to equality, inclusion, and person-centred practice Resilient and able to manage the emotional demands of the role while maintaining appropriate boundaries

Desirable

Connection to or understanding of rural community life in Cumbria

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Essential

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes (business mileage will be reimbursed) Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check Ability to work flexibly across the 15-hour weekly contract, including occasional evening or weekend hours for volunteer training or events Willingness to travel across the Brampton and Longtown area to visit beneficiaries at home and attend community venues