Who we are
Arc is a leading arts and mental health organisation based in Stockport (North West UK), which explores the relationships between creativity, culture and wellbeing. We provide opportunities for people to explore their creativity, connect with each other and learn new skills.
Arc has a 25-year track record of producing transformational arts projects which engage and include marginalised groups, promote wellbeing and recovery from mental ill-health, and reach thousands of audiences across the North West.
What we do
- We help vulnerable adults & young people on a creative journey through recovery to good mental health, wellbeing and independence.
- We offer health partners and commissioners an effective, specialist service which uses the arts to support recovery from mental ill health.
- We offer communities the opportunity to experience, design and co-produce inspirational arts events.
- We offer artists training, space, opportunities and resources to develop their practice in socially engaged settings.
- We offer members of the public with a creative interest the opportunity to learn new creative skills.
- We offer other organisations the opportunity to collaborate with us, and thus reach vulnerable groups whom they otherwise would not be able to engage.
Our mission
Our mission is to offer high quality creative experiences, skills and opportunities which promote individual and communal wellbeing, reaching the most vulnerable within communities, recognising the value of creativity to self-worth, resilience and confidence.
Our values
Connectivity – The arts have an amazing ability to bring people together, enabling us to find strength in ourselves and each other. By connecting through creativity to people and place, we support each other, and develop a genuine sense of belonging. This has a profound impact on our mental health.
Creativity – Creativity can transform lives – we can be inspired to flourish, to express ourselves, to be more confident and articulate. To take control of our future and to celebrate our journey.
A Voice for Mental Health – There is huge power in being given the space to tell your story and to listen to others’. Exploring and sharing narratives help us make sense of our experiences and our world, reinforcing that we are not alone.
Accessibility – Creative projects need to be open, welcoming, easily accessed and responsive to the needs and interests of participants, but also ambitious, striving for the highest artistic outcomes / values.
Effective & efficient resourcing – We can always seek to improve our model, increase our impact and focus the use of our valuable human and financial resources.
Just a few highlights from 2021/2022
- We engaged a total of 171 adults with mental ill-health from Stockport, Oldham and Tameside in creative activities through a mix of virtual and face to face delivery.
- 5 Perinatal Creative Mums projects supported 27 women in Stockport and Oldham.
- 14 participants from the Age Well studio for isolated older people created visual art work for 2 exhibitions and worked with Creative Industries Trafford on an intergenerational animation project.
- We completed the Stockport Culture Champions scheme, in which 150 older people engaged as artists, facilitators, participants, volunteers, advocates, contributors & supporters with partners such as Men In Sheds, Disability Stockport, Age UK.
- 116 vulnerable children and young people took part in our Young People’s Arc (YPA) programme, young people facing issues such as having to care for family members, bullying at school, bereavement, domestic violence, neglect, severe anxiety, autism diagnosis.
- 74 people volunteered with Arc giving 2,215 hours to projects ranging from public art commissions and hanging exhibitions to supporting our wellbeing programmes and leading activities for families in the Centre.
- 120 people took part in networking and skills sessions in our first Arts and Health week.
Our venue
In late 2019 Arc relocated to Hat Works, an iconic building in Stockport town centre, which also houses the Hat Museum. The Arc Centre at Hat Works includes a large art studio, a ceramics studio, offices and a gallery space with a refreshment offer.
Arc now works from this high quality venue, in a central location which over the next 5 years will be transformed by the creation of a multi-million pound transport hub, town-park, and residential neighbourhood. We have also begun to extend our offer into new areas of Greater Manchester (primarily Oldham and Tameside) in response to demand, and have secured funding towards this work as part of the Greater Manchester Culture Portfolio, in recognition of our regional specialist/leadership role.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity to join our small and dedicated team. We are seeking a highly motivated Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator, to develop meaningful roles and opportunities for volunteers which enable sustainable delivery and increase the profile of Arc. The successful candidate will be organised and have great communication skills, and show the ability to successfully recruit, support and inspire our amazing team of volunteers. This is a part-time fixed term post for 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.
Role description and person specification
Job Title | Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator |
Hours & pattern of work | 19 hours part time, to be worked over 3 – 4 days. (full time is 37.5 hours) Core hours are to be worked 9am to 5pm during the week but occasional evening and weekend working may be needed. 1 year fixed term, with possibility of extension subject to funding. TOIL may be taken by arrangement with line manager |
Salary | Starting salary in the range of £19,867 – 22,096. (Arc scale point 6 to 14) pro rata. |
Responsible to | Operations Manager |
Responsible for | Management and supervision of volunteers |
Location | The role will be based at Arc Centre, Hat Works, Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport SK3 0EU but travel to other sites may be required at times.. |
Budgets managed | None but will be expected to follow financial procedures in place. |
Holiday | 25 days + Bank Holidays pro rata, (3 days of allocation to be taken between Christmas and New Year). |
Benefits | NEST Pension – Arc contributes up to 5% salary, matched by employee. |
Probation Period | 3 months. |
Job purpose | Co-ordinate our volunteer programme and liaise with the public and other external agencies on our behalf, working to raise Arc’s profile.
Work with colleagues to identify volunteer opportunities and new roles within the organisation that volunteers can support with and lead on. Engage with internal and external stakeholder, agencies and communities to recruit volunteers from a wide range of different communities, backgrounds and skills. |
Key responsibilities
- Recruit and develop Arc’s volunteer team and support them to help deliver Arc’s projects and activities at the Arc Centre at Hat Works and partners venues.
- Ensure volunteers are appropriately trained and managed and that volunteer systems are fully compliant with good volunteer practices and health and safety
- Work with the Lead Officer and Marketing Officer on the design, management and delivery of Arc’s Public Programme.
- Develop and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders, through the programming of volunteer-led fundraising, profile-raising and networking events.
Key tasks
Volunteer co-ordination and internal stakeholders
- Work with team members to assess volunteering needs for Arc projects, and place volunteers appropriately.
- Recruit, support, and train volunteers, and provide regular information, contact, and support through emailed newsletters, socials and 1 to 1 conversations.
- Working closely with the Operations Manager, develop teams of volunteers who support and staff the public programme, events and exhibitions.
- Track attendance, engagement, progress and impact of volunteering.
- Support Arc participants who wish to undertake meaningful volunteer roles within the organisation.
- Assist in the recruitment of Directors (trustees) to the Board, working with the Chair and Lead Officer.
- Lead in the processing of DBS checks including volunteers, Directors, and staff.
Engagement with external stakeholders
- Contribute to the planning, marketing, and management of the Public Programme.
- Help track impact of the Public Programme through audience and participant feedback.
- Cultivate relationships with local organisations and businesses to enhance awareness and participation –including attending events.
- Work closely with the Marketing Officer in communicating our message to a wide audience – via social media, events, and strategies.
- Update the Arc website when needed and as instructed.
- Handle phone calls, enquiries and requests as required.
General duties and responsibilities
- Contribute to reports for funders which clearly show the impact of Arc’s projects and work, as directed by the Lead Officer.
- Maintain knowledge of good volunteer management practices, supporting in the review and updating of relevant policy as instructed.
- Be a designated key holder, responsible for opening and locking the premises when required.
- Accept regular supervision from your line manager and participate in an annual appraisal.
- Enthusiasm and commitment to supporting Arc’s policies and the principles of advancing equality and inclusion.
- Be committed to Arc’s Environmental Policy,actively seeking ways to minimise environmental impacts and waste.
- Attend relevant training and CPD learning.
- Adhere to Arc’s policies and procedures at all times.
- Undertake other reasonable duties.
If you have any questions about the role please contact jacqui@arc-centre.org
Specification – experience, skills and knowledge
Experience of volunteer management and coordinating volunteering within an organisation. | Essential |
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to communicate effectively and thoughtfully with people form a range communities and backgrounds. | Essential |
Good IT skills, with the ability to use a range of Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. | Essential |
Excellent attention to detail. | Essential |
Ability to work independently and collaboratively. | Essential |
Ability to plan, organise and co-ordinate own work. | Essential |
Ability to remain focused and complete tasks accurately in a fast-paced environment | Essential |
Knowledge of web collaboration tools, for example Microsoft Teams and Zoom | Desirable |
Awareness of Microsoft 365 | Desirable |
Previous experience working in community engagement or arts participation. | Desirable |
How to apply
Please complete the application form, explaining what attracts you to this position, and evidence of your ability to meet the job description and person specification.
You will need:
- to add a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4)
- the names and contact details for 2 professional / employment referees
- to complete the equality and diversity section of the application form. Arc strives to meet the aims and commitments set out in our equality policy. This information enables us to build an accurate picture of the make-up of our applicants to promote equality and diversity, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Download a Word version of the Arc Job Application Form here
Please submit your application to: admin@arc-centre.org
Deadline for applications: 6pm XXXX XXXXXX XXXXX
Interviews will take place during the week commencing xxxx xxxx xxxx.
Due to the volume of applications we receive for jobs at Arc, we will not be able to inform you if you have not been shortlisted for this role.
Arc is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.