GIG BUDDY AND FOOTBALL BUDDY COORDINATOR

Hours: 18 hours per week, with a flexible working pattern to be agreed with the
successful candidate.
Annual Leave: 22 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata).
Pension: Employer pension contribution available following a three-month qualifying
period.
Pre-employment checks: Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and
completion of a six-month probationary period.

Role Purpose

The Gig Buddy Coordinator will support the delivery, coordination, and day-to-day
running of the Gig Buddy and Football Buddy Gloucestershire Programmes, ensuring
high-quality, person-centred experiences for adults with learning disabilities and
volunteers.

While the role is currently focused on coordinating Gig Buddies for live music events,
and Football Buddies for match days, the focus of the role may evolve over time. This
will be guided by the interests, choices and aspirations of people with learning
disabilities, and may include supporting access to a wider range of social, cultural or
community activities (such as arts, choirs or other events).

This role has been created to:

• Recruit, train, match, and support volunteers based on a shared love of music, in some cases, a particular genre and a shared love of football.
• Support participants to access inclusive social, cultural, and community opportunities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with participants, volunteers, and partners
• Contribute to the growth, quality, and impact of the Buddying services
• Support the Gig Buddies Manager in meeting project outcomes and funder requirements
• The post is funded for three years through the National Lottery and plays a vital role in the delivery and sustainability of our Buddying services.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery & Coordination

• The day-to-day delivery of the Gig Buddy Programme in line with organisational values and policies.
• Support the onboarding of new participants, ensuring a person-centred, welcoming, and accessible process.
• Arrange and manage buddy matches, ensuring connections are safe, meaningful, and based on shared interests.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records relating to participants, volunteers, matches, and activities.

Volunteer Recruitment, Support & Retention

• Support the recruitment of volunteers, including promotion, initial enquiries, and screening processes.
• Coordinate volunteer training, inductions, and refresher sessions in line with safer recruitment practices.
• Provide ongoing one-to-one support and supervision to volunteers, ensuring they feel confident and valued.
• Respond to volunteer queries, concerns, and changes in availability in a timely and supportive manner.

Participant Support & Inclusion

• Meet new participants in person and support them using a person-centred and strengths-based approach.
• Provide regular check-ins with participants to ensure they feel safe, included, and supported.
• Promote independence, choice, and confidence for people with learning disabilities to engage in community life.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents, or changes in participant needs, escalating where required.

Safeguarding, Risk & Quality Assurance

• Ensure safeguarding policies, risk assessments, and consent processes are always followed.
• Support the identification and management of risks relating to buddy matches and activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection in line with organisational and legal requirements.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement through reflective practice and feedback.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Collect qualitative and quantitative data including feedback, attendance records, and case studies.
• Support the delivery of participant and volunteer feedback processes, including creative and relational approaches.
• Contribute to reports for funders, trustees, and internal monitoring purposes.
• Ensure the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities inform service development.

Events, Outreach & Engagement

• Support the planning and delivery of bi-monthly social events and other group activities.
• Assist with outreach activities to promote the Gig Buddy Programme and recruit participants and volunteers.
• Contribute content to newsletters, social media, and other communications as required.
• Represent the organisation at community events, venues, and partner meetings when appropriate.

Person Specification
Essential:

• Experience working in a community, volunteer-led, or inclusion-focused role
• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities or similar groups
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Understanding of safeguarding, boundaries, and confidentiality
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and person-centred practice

Desirable:

Experience coordinating volunteers or community projects

• Knowledge of accessible events, arts, sports, or community engagement
• Experience collecting feedback or contributing to monitoring and evaluation

Additional Important Considerations

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

A full driving licence is essential.

You will be based at our Stonehouse offices, with travel across the county to meet
volunteers and participants. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

This role requires some evening work and occasional weekend work, up to a maximum
of six Saturdays per year. These Saturdays can be arranged by you and are not dictated
by the role.

Please click on Apply Now and email your CV and covering letter.