Admin Support Volunteer - Fundraising Team

About Plantlife:

Plantlife is the global charity working to enhance, protect, restore and celebrate the wild plants and fungi that are essential to all life on earth. With two in five plant species at risk of extinction, biodiversity loss is now the fastest it’s ever been and Plantlife’s work has never been more vital. Plantlife champions and accelerates conservation action, working at the heart of a global network of individuals and organisations, to influence and inspire landowners and land managers, public and private bodies, governments and local communities. As time begins to run out, Plantlife’s position as the global voice for wild plants and fungi will help to bring lasting and positive change to our natural world – for everyone’s sake.

Plantlife speaks up for wild plants and fungi globally, bringing awareness to and promoting the critical role they play in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, providing fundamental resources and supporting life on earth. With two in five plant species at risk of extinction, and still so much to learn about both plants and fungi, Plantlife’s work has never been more vital.

About the role

We are looking for a volunteer who could lend varied administrative support to our Supporter Care/Membership Team, who are the first point of contact for all our members and supporters. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in a friendly and passionate fundraising and administrative environment and contribute to our work in a meaningful way.

In this role you will help the team to ensure our members and supporters receive the highest standards of care and an excellent supporter experience, helping us to maintain a warm, and positive relationship with our dedicated supporters. This exciting and dynamic volunteering opportunity could involve things like answering supporter queries and letter stuffing, to updating supporter records, filing and researching.

You’ll also occasionally support our Trusts and Grants team with administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate records and assisting with occasional mailouts. All tasks will be supported, and full training will be provided.

Note - In line with GDPR best practice, volunteers who we offer the opportunity to, will be asked to provide details of two suitable referees. Please ensure you have known referees for more than 6 months and they are not a partner, close relative, or Plantlife employee. Former or current work colleagues, friends, and neighbours that have known you for more than 6 months are some examples that would be fine.

Location: This role is based at Plantlife Head Office in Salisbury, Wiltshire, so we are looking for a volunteer who is based in or around the Salisbury area. Ideally, we would prefer someone who lives in close proximity to our office.

What's in it for you?

You will be a valuable part of our Fundraising Team and will have the support of a dedicated volunteer manager. Volunteer Manager: Natasha Edwards, Supporter Relationship Manager

As a volunteer in this role you will:

• Use your organisational skills and attention to detail within a busy office environment.
• You will meet new people and spend time with a friendly and professional team of Plantlife staff who will support you in your role.
• Develop knowledge of the Plantlife supporter journey.
• You will be able to develop your knowledge of conservation of wild plants, lichens and fungi.
• As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to take part in training and development opportunities as well as our programme of free member and volunteer events.
• You will have access to Plantlife learning hub which has a wide range of training modules.

Key activities

Assisting the team with various administrative tasks which could include.

• Liaising with your volunteer manager regularly by phone, email and face to face, to update them on your progress and discuss tasks.
• Completing a Plantlife online induction prior to starting your volunteering.
• Keeping a note of your volunteer hours and reporting them to your volunteer manager monthly.
• Attending training and development as necessary relevant to your volunteer task / role.
• Adherence to the Plantlife volunteer agreement, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Skills / experience / interests required for the role:

• Experience in following processes accurately, with good attention to detail.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel and comfortable learning new systems (training provided).
• Good communication skills.
• An awareness of the importance of data confidentiality.
• Previous CRM experience would be an advantage.
• A flexible and positive attitude.
• Interest in and natural enthusiasm for conservation, wild plants, and fungi, and an affinity with the aims of Plantlife.

Time commitment 

We are looking for someone who can volunteer one day per week with us in our Salisbury office, aiming to give 5 hours or more (Wednesday or Thursday). The role is ongoing for as long as you wish to volunteer with us.

Expenses

Travel will be minimal for this role, however expenses will be reimbursed for travel opportunities that may arise beyond the scope of this role based on public transport cost or mileage at Plantlife standard rates for volunteers. Expenses must be agreed in advance with your volunteer manager.