Interviews to be held on: Friday 15 th August

About Us:

The Advonet Group values and respects the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and knowledge that staff, volunteers and job applicants bring. All our staff undertake mandatory training on both Equality and Diversity and LGBTQ+ Awareness to increase awareness and understanding of discrimination both in and out of the workplace, with a view to reduce the impact this has on our colleagues and the wider community. This creates a workplace where staff feel comfortable to be themselves and empowers them, and our service users, to use their unique experiences to inform their work.

Benefits of working with us:

• Up to 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Access to a cashback health plan and Employee Support scheme
• Free parking near the city centre
• Flexible and remote working
• Welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment

Role Overview:

Empowering people with learning disabilities through one-to-one advocacy

We’re looking for a values-driven and organised Volunteer Coordinator to lead the recruitment, training and support of Citizen Advocates – volunteers who are paired with adults with learning disabilities to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.

You’ll build meaningful connections, deliver training, and coordinate advocacy partnerships across Leeds that make a real difference in people’s lives.

This role is part of the Asking You! team and is based at Advonet’s office in the Unity Business Centre, with flexible working and in-person meetings across Leeds expected at least 8 times a month.

We’re a values-driven organisation, and we are:

Kind. Inclusive. Accountable. Diverse. Empowering.
We’re looking for someone who shares these values and is committed to inclusion in everything they do.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver the activity plans for Asking You!, LIFE, and the LCF Employment Project, ensuring that all work is completed on time and meets agreed outcomes.
• Support the development and delivery of self-advocacy training, peer-led workshops, and accessible resources.
• Plan, organise, and facilitate events, training sessions, People’s Parliament meetings, and mock interview visits.
• Work closely with people with learning disabilities to co-produce project content and approaches.
• Monitor project progress and contribute to reports, evaluations, and funding updates.
• Build strong relationships with partners, employers, and stakeholders to support inclusive employment and engagement.

General Responsibilities

• Work in a way that is inclusive, accessible and strengths-based, empowering people with learning disabilities to lead and shape their own services.
• Represent Advonet at meetings, events and forums as required.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and partner organisations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with Advonet’s policies and procedures.
• Participate in training, supervision and team meetings.
• Promote and uphold Advonet’s core values and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Experience of coordinating or delivering community-based projects or programmes.
• Knowledge of the issues affecting people with learning disabilities.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – verbal and written.
• Confidence in facilitating group sessions, meetings or workshops.
• Commitment to co-production and working in a person-centred, inclusive way.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and digital tools for planning and communication.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Experience of working directly with people with learning disabilities.
• Experience of delivering training or creating accessible resources.
• Experience of working in a charity or third sector environment.

To apply for this role please complete the Advonet Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Survey, which can be found on the links on this page, along with a detailed job description and person specification (CVs will not be accepted).

Reasonable adjustments can be requested if you are successful in gaining an interview.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applicants from those who have a lived experience of autism and have other disabilities or come from diverse communities.

If you would like more information or an informal chat about the post, please call on 0113 2440606 and ask to speak to Alex Toothill.