Community and Charity Adviser

Make a Difference in the Communities We Serve

At the Heart of England Co-operative Society, community is at the heart of everything we do. As an independent co-operative with a proud history dating back to 1832, we are committed to enriching the lives of our members, customers, colleagues and local communities.

We are now looking for a passionate and driven Community & Charity Adviser to join the team. This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver meaningful community initiatives, build strong local partnerships, and help maximise the positive social impact we make across our trading areas.

About the Role

You will lead the delivery of community and charitable programmes that align with our co-operative values and strategic priorities. Working closely with our Membership, Engagement and Community Committee, you will play a key role in ensuring our investments in communities create genuine, measurable impact.

This varied role will see you:
- Develop and deliver community and charity initiatives that create positive local impact.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with charities, community groups, local authorities and other stakeholders.
- Manage community funding, grants and sponsorship programmes, ensuring fairness, transparency and effective governance.
- Encourage member participation through volunteering opportunities, campaigns and community activities.
- Measure, evaluate and report on the impact of community programmes and funded projects.
- Provide insight, recommendations and professional support to the Membership, Engagement and Community Committee.
- Represent the Society at community events, forums and networking opportunities.
- Champion our co-operative values and act as an ambassador for the Society within local communities.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an individual who combines excellent stakeholder management skills with a genuine passion for community development and social impact.


You will ideally have:
- Experience in community engagement, charity management, social value or -related roles.
- A proven track record of delivering successful community programmes or social -impact initiatives.
- Experience managing grants, budgets or funding programmes.
- Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management abilities.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- The ability to analyse data and evaluate programme outcomes.
- A commitment to ethical business practices and co-operative values.
- A full UK driving licence
- Experience of working with governance committees, charities, voluntary organisations or within a values-led organisation would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

At Heart of England Co-operative Society, people are at the heart of everything we do. In return for your skills and commitment, we offer:

- Colleague Discount 10% plus double discount on 4-weekly pay weekend in our food stores
- Pension scheme 3.3% employer contribution
- 30 days holiday (incl bank holidays) rising with length of service
- FAB furniture discount of 15%
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Enhanced redundancy pay
- Discounts and savings platform – My Staff Shop
- Stream
- EAP with GP Access – referrals, prescription service, GP consultations, phone and in-person counselling
- Refer A Friend Scheme
- Long Service Award
- Support for eye care
- Financial and Wellbeing support from: Co-op Credit Union, Grocery Aid
- Life Insurance 2 x salary
- Health Assured Bereavement Support
- Health Assured Wellbeing Services, including My Healthy Advantage mobile app
- ZGP24 Service providing video and phone consultations, open referrals and -prescription service
- Crisis 24 – Worldwide security and health information service
- Terminal illness support


Our Values

We are proud to be a co-operative business where fairness, inclusion, community and social responsibility guide every decision we make. If you're passionate about creating positive change and want to help strengthen the communities we serve, we'd love to hear from you.


Join us and help make a lasting difference in the heart of our communities.