Who Are We?
SEN SHED is a Sussex-based charity supporting children and young adults aged 11–22 with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neuro-diverse conditions.
Through supported woodturning and creative workshop activities, SEN SHED helps participants develop confidence, practical skills, social connections, and improved wellbeing in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
As the charity grows, additional creative and practical activities may be introduced in response to the interests and aspirations of the young people we support.
Why Volunteer with SEN SHED?
- Help create
memorable experiences that support children and young adults with Special
Educational Needs.
- Play a key role in
raising awareness of an innovative and growing local charity.
- Help build
meaningful connections between SEN SHED, local communities, businesses,
schools, and supporters.
- Use and develop your
organisational, communication, and event management skills.
- Work alongside a
passionate and dedicated team committed to creating positive opportunities
for SEN children and young adults.
- See the direct
impact of your efforts through successful events, increased awareness,
stronger community partnerships, and additional funding for workshops and
activities.
The Role
The Volunteer Events and Community Engagement Manager plays a key role in helping SEN SHED raise awareness, build community engagement, attract supporters, and generate fundraising opportunities.
Working closely with the Chair, Trustees, volunteers, and supporters, the Events and Community Engagement Manager will help plan, organise, and coordinate events that showcase the work of SEN SHED and support the charity's ongoing development.
This role focuses on organisation, coordination, relationship-building, and volunteer sup-port rather than personally delivering every aspect of an event.
Key Responsibilities
Event Planning and Coordination:
- Help plan and organise fundraising events, exhibitions, demonstrations, work-shops, open days, and community engagement activities.
- Develop event plans, schedules, and task lists.
- Coordinate event logistics and preparations.
- Ensure events are delivered safely, professionally, and effectively.
Community Engagement:
- Build relationships
with local organisations, schools, businesses, community groups, and
supporters.
- Identify
opportunities for SEN SHED to participate in local events and community
activities.
- Help promote
awareness of the charity and its mission.
- Encourage community
involvement and volunteer participation.
Venue and Supplier Liaison
- Identify suitable
venues and event opportunities.
- Liaise with event
organisers, venue providers, suppliers, and partners.
- Arrange bookings,
equipment, displays, and other event requirements.
- Help ensure events
remain within agreed budgets.
Volunteer Coordinator
- Assist in recruiting
and organising volunteers for events.
- Allocate roles and
responsibilities.
- Help ensure
volunteers are properly briefed and supported.
- Promote a positive
and enjoyable volunteering experience.
Promotion and Awareness
- Work alongside those
responsible for marketing and communications.
- Help promote events
through local networks, community groups, social media, and partner
organisations.
- Identify
opportunities to increase awareness of SEN SHED and its activities.
- Support the
development of community partnerships and long-term relationships.
Fundraising Support
- Help maximise
fundraising opportunities at events.
- Assist in
coordinating raffles, demonstrations, sponsorship opportunities, displays,
and fundraising activities where appropriate.
- Work closely with
the Lead Fundraiser to support fundraising objectives.
Event Evaluation
- Gather feedback from
volunteers, attendees, and supporters.
- Review event
outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Help maintain
records of attendance, income generated, and lessons learned.
Appointment
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst carrying out the role may be
reimbursed in accordance with the charity's policies.
There may be opportunities to take on
additional responsibilities within the charity as SEN SHED continues to grow.
What skills do I need?
Essential:
- Good organisational
and planning skills.
- Strong communication
and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to
coordinate activities and work with a variety of people.
- Problem-solving
ability and attention to detail.
- Enthusiasm for the
mission and values of SEN SHED.
Desirable:
- Experience
organising events, exhibitions, community activities, or fundraising
events.
- Experience
coordinating volunteers.
- Experience working
with charities, community organisations, or voluntary groups.
- Knowledge of event
planning, health and safety, or risk assessment processes.
- Experience in
marketing, promotion, public engagement, or relationship-building.
Previous event management or community engagement experience is welcome
but not essential. Applications are encouraged from individuals with experience
in project coordination, administration, hospitality, community engagement,
customer service, event support, marketing, or similar roles who are willing to
support the charity's mission.
Personal Qualities:
- Passionate about
supporting children and young adults with Special Educational Needs.
- Organised,
dependable, and proactive.
- Friendly,
approachable, and professional.
- Confident in
building relationships with a wide range of people.
- Flexible and able to
adapt to changing circumstances.
- Honest, reliable,
and committed to the values of SEN SHED.