Home-Start Kirklees is a local charitable organisation that has been supporting families with young children across Kirklees for over 26 years. We work alongside families with children from birth until they start school, providing emotional and practical support at a time when many parents are facing challenges such as isolation, poor mental health, financial pressures, low confidence, or a lack of support networks.

We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life, and that every parent should have someone to turn to when family life becomes difficult. That's why our trained volunteers and experienced staff work side-by-side with families, helping them build confidence, develop resilience, and create positive, nurturing home environments where children can thrive.

Our support is tailored to each family's individual circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We listen to families, focus on their strengths, and provide the support they tell us they need in a way that is compassionate, non-judgemental and confidential.

At the heart of our work are our incredible volunteers. Through weekly home visits and community-based support, our volunteers offer friendship, encouragement and practical help to families who may be struggling. By being a consistent and trusted source of support, volunteers help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, strengthen parenting confidence and empower families to move forward with greater independence and hope for the future.

Are you looking to build hands-on experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, project management or charity leadership? This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside our Business Development Manager and gain practical experience of how a busy local charity operates and grows.

As a Business Development Volunteer, you will support a variety of projects that help Home-Start Kirklees secure funding, recruit volunteers, promote our services and strengthen support for local families. In this role you won't be supporting families directly, you'll be supporting in the Home-Start Kirklees office.

This role is particularly suited to students, recent graduates, or individuals looking to build experience within the charity, voluntary, public or community sectors.

What will I be doing?

No two months are the same. Depending on your interests, skills and career goals, you may support with:

Fundraising & Bid Writing

• Researching trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Supporting funding applications and fundraising projects
• Gathering information, statistics and case studies
• Helping demonstrate the impact of Home-Start's services

Marketing & Communications

• Contributing to marketing plans through social media, newsletters and website
• Developing promotional materials
• Supporting volunteer recruitment campaigns
• Researching local events and partnership opportunities

Business Development

• Conducting research into local needs and opportunities
• Helping develop new projects and services
• Supporting impact reporting and monitoring activities
• Researching potential partnerships and stakeholders

Governance, Policy & Administration

• Supporting policy reviews and updates
• Assisting with administrative projects
• Researching best practice within the charity sector
• Supporting quality assurance and compliance activities
• Contributing to organisational development projects

What Will You Gain?

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience that will strengthen your CV and support future career aspirations. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in:

• Fundraising and grant writing
• Marketing and communications
• Project planning and management
• Research and analysis
• Stakeholder engagement
• Policy development
• Report writing
• Charity governance and leadership

You will also gain valuable insight into the day-to-day operation of a successful local charity and the wider voluntary sector.

Could This Role Be Right for You?

We are particularly interested in hearing from:

• University students
• Recent graduates
• Individuals considering a career in the charity sector
• Those studying or interested in business, marketing, communications, public services, social sciences, community development or related subjects

We're looking for people who:

• Are enthusiastic and motivated
• Have good written and verbal communication skills
• Are organised and reliable
• Enjoy researching and problem solving
• Are confident using Microsoft Office and online systems
• Want to make a meaningful contribution to their local community

Full Training and Support is provided and you will receive:

• A full induction to Home-Start Kirklees
• Ongoing support and mentoring from our Business Development Manager
• Opportunities to work on real projects and initiatives
• Flexibility around studies, work and other commitments
• The chance to be part of a friendly and supportive team
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses

Home-Start volunteers must be aged 18+ and are subject to references and a DBS check.

If you're looking to gain meaningful experience, develop your professional skills and make a real difference to local families, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch for a friendly, informal chat about becoming a Business Development & Fundraising Volunteer with Home-Start Kirklees.

• Application form required
• References required
• DBS (criminal record check that the organisation will organise)

• 18+

Must be 18 years old +