We are looking for a motivated, passionate individual who cares deeply about making a difference in the community. You will play a central role in strengthening and developing one of The Parish Trust’s main activities: the CARE Project. Each year, the CARE Project supports thousands of people, with access to the service available to approximately 54,000 residents across Caerphilly Borough.
The CARE Project also reduces food waste by redistributing surplus food from large suppliers into food parcels and through our Bag a Bargain scheme. You will oversee the effective running of the project, supporting volunteers and staff, coordinating operations, and ensuring that service users continue to receive timely, dignified, and reliable support.
Important note:
This role has a particular focus on streamlining services, strengthening systems, and embedding clear processes to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the CARE Project. We are therefore especially interested in candidates with project management experience and a proven ability to lead and implement change.
However, this is not a desk-based or purely strategic role. Alongside oversight and development work, the postholder will be expected to remain actively involved in the day-to-day delivery of the project, including working directly within the food hub, supporting volunteers, handling food supplies, and assisting with deliveries when required. The role requires someone who is comfortable moving between planning and practical delivery.
The CARE Project Lead is a key member of The Parish Trust team. This is a demanding and fast-paced position that is pivotal to the ongoing delivery of the CARE Project. It would suit someone who shares the vision and ethos of The Parish Trust, is structured and organised in their approach, and has a strong commitment to community support and social justice. The postholder must be flexible, confident working both independently and collaboratively, and adaptable within a changing environment. This is a daily, face-to-face role with significant engagement across the local community.
What you should know about the job
Contract: Up to 18 hours per week (temporary contract)
Working pattern: To be agreed in consultation with your line manager and reviewed once the successful applicant has settled into the role.
Salary: £37,966 p/a (pro rata based on a 40-hour working week). Overtime may be available when required. The Parish Trust operates a progression programme for professional development.
Location: The Parish Trust, 7 Roundabout Court, Bedwas House Industrial Estate, Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8FS (with some limited home working possible).
Main Duties
Project Oversight and Development
- Streamline existing services and workflows across the CARE Project.
- Develop, document, and implement effective operational processes.
- Identify inefficiencies and introduce practical improvements.
- Support the long-term planning and sustainability of the project.
- Monitor performance and impact, reporting to senior leadership where required.
Volunteer Organisation
- Ensure suitable volunteer numbers across all project streams.
- Oversee volunteer training and compliance with due diligence requirements.
- Ensure volunteers have access to training resources and refresher training.
- Organise volunteer troubleshooting and support sessions.
- Act as a key point of contact for volunteers during shifts, alongside the wider staff team.
- Log volunteer hours and maintain accurate records using volunteer management systems.
Food Hub Operations (hands-on as required)
- Maintain appropriate operational records including cleaning schedules, food logs and temperature records.
- Oversee the Food Hub when open and ensure deliveries are received and processed to a high standard.
- Participate in packing food parcels, sorting, storing and organising stock when required.
- Coordinate food collections from suppliers and distributors, ensuring continuity of supply.
- Ensure support requests are handled efficiently and appropriately.
- Oversee the care, inspection and logging of the charity van and assist with deliveries when needed.
Building and Facilities
- Help ensure the building is kept clean, organised and fit for purpose.
- Ensure opening and closing procedures are followed correctly.
- Support general maintenance, tidiness and site security.
- Monitor the condition of the premises and report issues as necessary.
Collaboration with Other Staff
- Work closely with colleagues to address issues relating to food supply, stock levels and operational pressures.
- Coordinate with staff regarding volunteer matters, rotas and capacity.
- Line manage part-time staff where applicable (funding dependent) or demonstrate willingness to do so.
General
- Maintain records of project impact for funders and reporting purposes.
- Contribute to the development of new initiatives that enhance the service.
- Network with partner organisations and stakeholders to raise awareness of the CARE Project and The Parish Trust.
- Undertake other duties as required to ensure the smooth running of the project, including operational support.
Person Specification
Essential
- Sympathetic to the vision and ethos of The Parish Trust.
- Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and confidentially.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Confident working independently and as part of a team.
- Proficient in IT including the usual operating software packages.
- Willingness to be trained in food hygiene, manual handling and health and safety.
- Proactive approach to work, able to identify needs and act without constant direction.
- Comfortable undertaking practical, manual tasks as part of the role.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience working or volunteering within a charitable or community organisation.
- Project management or service-development experience.
- Experience of leading change or implementing new systems.
- Experience using databases, Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.
- Management or volunteer coordination experience.
- Level 3 certificate in food hygiene, health and safety or manual handling.
