Key Activities

• Writing thank you letters, emails, and sending certificates
• Responding to supporter enquiries
• Providing administrative support & helping prepare resources, merchandise & equipment for events
• Answering the phone, transferring calls and taking messages
• Updating supporter database
• Processing mailings (including mail merge) and dealing with returns
• Franking letters/parcels & arranging courier companies for large deliveries
• Assisting the Fundraising and Finance Teams with other activities as required
• Adhering to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures

We're looking for volunteers who have:

• Strong administrative skills
• Strong IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and databases
• Experience communicating in a professional capacity via telephone, email and in person

Purpose of the Role and Key Activities 

• Planting, weeding, and pruning as needed 
• Clearing and maintaining paths 
• Other practical tasks to keep the gardens looking there best 
• Looking after garden equipment  
• Planning what plants or equipment is needed 
• Occasionally overseeing volunteers helping with ‘one-off’ gardening activities or projects. 
• Supporting our Facilities Officer in general duties around our other buildings. 

We are looking for a volunteer who: 

• Is an experienced gardener (professional experience preferred but not essential)
• Has a knowledge of plant and flower care 
• Has a good level of fitness and is able to meet the physically demanding aspects of the role  
• Has a good understanding of relevant health and safety issues 
• Is prepared to work outside in various weather 
• Can manage own emotions and interact professionally and unobtrusively with children and families using the gardens  
• Is comfortable visiting the hospital  
• Is able to oversee ‘one-off’ volunteers assisting with gardening projects/activities 
• Can follow Candlelighters and hospital policies and procedures, including health and safety, confidentiality, professional boundaries and safeguarding. 

This role is subject to a criminal record check. 

This role is not suitable for family members whose child is currently receiving treatment for childhood cancer.  This is to ensure they are given the best possible care and support without any potential conflict of interest. Other volunteering opportunities can be found on our website. 

Support and Benefits 

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Facilities and HR teams 
• The opportunity to meet lots of new, friendly people 
• The opportunity to expose yourself to new experiences 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

How to Apply  

Please email a copy of your CV and a completed application form (found below) to volunteering@candlelighters.org.uk or 0113 322 9283. 

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an informal interview. 

To read the role profile, click here.

To download the application form, click here.

Please get in touch with the HR and Volunteering Team if you have any questions about the role or application by emailing volunteering@candlelighters.org.uk or calling 0113 322 9283.