Centre Support Officer

Centre Support Officer

Posted for Out North East

Posted by Volunteer Centre Newcastle

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Volunteer Centre Newcastle website to express your interest.

OUT North East is a leading LGBTQ+ charity and community organisation in the North East of England focused on promoting equality, inclusion, wellbeing and community connection for LGBTQ+ people, their families, friends and allies through support services, events, advocacy and awareness-raising programmes. Based at the ONE Centre in Gateshead, it offers safe spaces, practical help, social activities and outreach work to reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

In addition to its core services, OUT North East organises the Summer of Pride festival series, which are free Pride celebrations and events delivered across Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside. These are held over the summer period, bringing together diverse communities for family picnics, concerts, creative days, and other inclusive events that celebrate LGBTQ+ life and promote visibility and belonging. The ONE Centre is the region's LGBTQI+ community hub, hosting support groups, training courses, conferences, meetings, exhibitions, community activities, and Pride Radio, welcoming hundreds of visitors every month. Role purpose: The Centre Support Officer plays an important role in ensuring the ONE Centre is welcoming, well-presented and ready for the wide variety of activities that take place throughout the year.

This practical, customer-facing role supports the day-to-day operation of the Centre by preparing rooms, welcoming visitors, assisting with events and conferences, maintaining refreshments, and helping create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. Working closely with staff and volunteers, the Centre Support Officer helps ensure that groups, training sessions, conferences, meetings and community activities run smoothly from start to finish.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical tasks, working with people, and being at the heart of a busy community centre.

• Prepare rooms for meetings, conferences, training sessions, workshops and community groups.
• Use our booking system to horizon scan for upcoming events at the centre.
• Set up and pack away tables, chairs and equipment according to room layouts.
• Help prepare rooms for external hirers and community organisations using the Centre.
• Replenish tea, coffee and refreshments throughout the day.
• Ensure kitchens, refreshments areas and meeting rooms remain clean, tidy and well-stocked.
• Welcome visitors, hirers and attendees to the ONE Centre and provide a friendly first point of contact.
• Direct visitors to the appropriate rooms, groups or members of staff
• Support the delivery of events, conferences and activities taking place throughout the Centre.
• Assist with setting up exhibitions, displays and information materials where appropriate.
• Carry out regular checks to ensure public areas remain clean, welcoming and accessible.
• Report any maintenance, health and safety or safeguarding concerns to staff.
• Support staff with general day-to-day Centre activities as required.
• Assist with opening or closing rooms before and after activities where appropriate.
• Help maintain a positive, inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone using the Centre. 

This is an in-person role based at the ONE Centre.

Time commitment: Flexible. Minimum 8 hours per week preferred.

Days: Flexible, though volunteers will primarily be needed during weekdays, daytime hours, and occasionally evenings or weekends when events are taking place.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER Become a Volunteer for OUT North East and the ONE Centre

What skills do I need?

• Friendly, approachable and welcoming.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable engaging with a wide range of people
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable, punctual and proactive.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable carrying out practical tasks throughout the day.
• Physically able to move and set up tables, chairs and other event equipment safely (manual handling training will be provided where appropriate).
• Calm under pressure and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Previous experience in hospitality, customer service, facilities, events or community venues is welcomed but not essential.