Vacancies

BOARD OF TRUSTEES VACANCIES

We are looking for additional people to join our newly appointed Board of Trustees and help shape the future of the Unicorn Centre.

Details are in the Trustee Recruitment Pack here. Closing date for applications is Tuesday 31 March 2026.

 

VOLUNTEER MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT (with optional Lead Volunteer opportunity)

Are you practical, hands‑on, and looking to make a real difference in your community? We are seeking Volunteer Maintenance Assistants to help keep our Centre and grounds safe, tidy, and welcoming for our riders, horses, visitors, and supporters.

As the role description states, the purpose of this role is “to carry out routine maintenance tasks within the Centre and its surrounding grounds, ensuring the site remains functional, safe, and welcoming.” Your contribution helps prevent small issues becoming bigger problems and plays a vital part in the smooth running of the Centre.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Carrying out basic repairs such as tightening fixtures, changing light bulbs, or small painting tasks.
  • Maintaining the grounds — hedge trimming, weeding, clearing pathways, fence and gate repairs, and general outdoor tidying.
  • Helping prepare areas for events and activities, including moving furniture and setting up spaces.
  • Identifying and reporting hazards or damaged equipment promptly.
  • Supporting routine safety checks to ensure walkways and fire exits remain clear.
  • Using basic tools safely and keeping equipment clean and stored correctly.
  • Working collaboratively with staff, trustees, and other volunteers.

As you might expect “It is impossible for this description to cover every task that may arise. A positive, can‑do attitude and willingness to help are essential.”

Optional: Lead Volunteer – Maintenance (for experienced applicants)

If you have relevant experience and the capacity to take on more responsibility, we are also looking for a Lead Volunteer to help coordinate maintenance activities.

This enhanced role may include:

  • Overseeing routine maintenance tasks and helping prioritise work.
  • Supporting and guiding other maintenance volunteers or small volunteer groups.
  • Liaising with staff to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
  • Helping identify when specialist contractors may be required.

This is ideal for someone with strong practical skills who enjoys organising, supporting others, and taking ownership of projects.

Hours

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours. We ask for a minimum commitment of two hours per week, but we’re happy to work around your availability.

What We’re Looking For

  • A practical, hands‑on approach and willingness to get stuck in.
  • Clear, courteous communication and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Reliability, integrity, and professionalism when handling information.
  • An understanding of basic Health & Safety principles.
  • Previous maintenance or DIY experience is helpful but not essential.
  • Must be willing to undertake a DBS check.

Commitment to Our Customer Charter

All volunteers are required to sign up to and consistently demonstrate the behaviours set out in the Unicorn Centre Customer Charter, ensuring every rider, family member, visitor, and colleague experiences a warm, respectful, and supportive environment.

For the Lead Volunteer role, experience in maintenance, building work, construction trades, or team coordination would be beneficial.

Why Volunteer With Us?

  • Make a meaningful difference to a charity that changes lives every day.
  • Be part of a warm, supportive community.
  • Use your practical skills for a great cause — or learn new ones.
  • Enjoy varied, rewarding work in a unique environment surrounded by horses, people, and purpose.

How to Apply

If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.

Please email the Unicorn Centre enquiries inbox with:

  • A brief outline of your experience
  • Your reasons for applying
  • Whether you are interested in the general role or the Lead Volunteer opportunity

Email - enquiries@rdaunicorncentre.co.uk

If you prefer, you can also call the Centre to arrange an informal chat about the role: 01642 576222

Quest Logo
RDA Group Logo
British Horse Society Logo
Dementia Action Teesside Logo

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences where required. By clicking “Accept All” you consent to the use of cookies. We only use "Strictly Necessary Cookies" which are needed for our website to function correctly. More details can be found in our "Privacy Policy"

Privacy Policy