Digital Expert

What will you be doing?

Our new digital volunteer will create and maintain a new website and support our Board of Trustees volunteers and staff with digital processes. 

We are also reviewing our current website: https://lbhsc.org.uk/. We are interested in developing a professional, modern website that is easy for volunteers to maintain and, ideally, supports integration with Swim Club Manager, which we use for membership and communications.

We would also like to have ongoing IT and website support for the club.

What are we looking for?

1. Strong Technical Competence

At the foundation, the volunteer must have solid experience with Microsoft 365 administration. This includes tenant setup, user account configuration, licensing under the Microsoft Nonprofit programme, security settings, SharePoint and OneDrive structure, Microsoft Teams configuration, and Exchange Online management. They should understand identity management, multi-factor authentication (MFA), data protection standards, and basic compliance settings.

Importantly, they must know how to implement best practice from the outset — structuring permissions correctly, avoiding overexposed data, and ensuring scalable architecture. A well-configured tenant saves years of future frustration.

2. Security-First Mindset

Cybersecurity is essential. A digital volunteer must think proactively about safeguarding data, especially where organisations handle sensitive information such as safeguarding records, personal details, or financial data. They should understand role-based access control, secure password and MFA policies, data loss prevention principles, backup and recovery considerations, and phishing risk mitigation.

Their approach should prioritise resilience, not just functionality.

3. Ability to Translate Tech into Plain English

Many volunteers and trustees are not IT specialists. A strong digital expert can explain complex systems in simple, accessible language. They must be patient, clear, and free from jargon. The ability to demystify technology builds confidence and reduces resistance to change.

They should also be able to create short, practical guidance — simple user guides, onboarding documents, and “how-to” instructions tailored to the organisation’s real needs.

4. Organisational Awareness and Empathy

Community organisations often operate with limited time, stretched volunteers, and competing priorities. A good digital volunteer understands this context. They work flexibly, respect time constraints, and avoid overwhelming the team with unnecessary complexity.

Empathy is key. Change can feel intimidating. A supportive tone and collaborative approach help build trust and ensure adoption.

5. Strategic Thinking

Beyond setup, the volunteer should think long term. They should ask: How will the organisation grow? What happens when committee members change? How can continuity be protected? How can systems remain manageable without constant expert support?

A strategic volunteer designs systems that are sustainable and easy to maintain.

6. Project Management Skills

Even a small M365 rollout requires planning. The volunteer should be organised, methodical, and able to define scope (e.g., tenant setup now, email migration later), set milestones, communicate timelines, identify risks, and document configurations.

This ensures smooth implementation and minimal disruption.

7. Problem-Solving and Adaptability

No two organisations are identical. The volunteer must be comfortable troubleshooting, adjusting configurations, and responding calmly to unexpected technical challenges. Adaptability is essential when dealing with legacy systems or varied user abilities.

8. Integrity and Professionalism

Finally, trust is crucial. The volunteer will likely have access to sensitive systems and data. They must demonstrate integrity, discretion, and ethical responsibility. Clear documentation and transparency in their work reinforce accountability.

In summary, an effective digital expert volunteer combines technical excellence with human understanding. They do not simply “install software.” They build secure foundations, empower users, and leave behind a confident, capable organisation ready to manage its own digital future.
 

What difference will you make?

For a community-driven organisation like London Borough of Hounslow Swim Club, a digital volunteer and a newly created, well-maintained website would be transformative. It is not simply about improving technology — it is about strengthening visibility, trust, sustainability and community connection.

A professionally designed and regularly updated website immediately enhances credibility. Parents looking for safe, structured swimming opportunities for their children will feel reassured by clear information, safeguarding policies, session times, contact details and transparent governance. Funders and partners increasingly expect charities to demonstrate professionalism online. A strong digital presence signals that the club is organised, accountable and forward-thinking.

A digital volunteer brings the expertise needed to build that foundation properly. Rather than relying on ad-hoc updates or outdated pages, the club would have a structured, accessible platform that reflects its mission, achievements and values. News stories celebrating swimmers’ progress, gala successes and community milestones help showcase impact. This not only boosts morale internally but demonstrates tangible outcomes to potential supporters.

Importantly, an updated website improves communication. Clear membership information, FAQs, timetables and downloadable forms reduce confusion and administrative burden. Parents can quickly find what they need without relying solely on email exchanges. This frees up committee members and coaches to focus on delivering quality sessions rather than managing repetitive enquiries.

A digital volunteer can also ensure the website integrates effectively with modern tools — secure contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, social media links and potentially online payment systems. This streamlines operations and makes the club more accessible to families who expect digital convenience.

From a fundraising perspective, the impact is significant. Many grant-makers and corporate sponsors review websites before awarding funding. A compelling online presence that communicates community benefit, inclusion, safeguarding standards and structured governance increases confidence. It demonstrates readiness and sustainability — two critical factors in funding decisions.

For volunteers and trustees, having a clear digital hub creates continuity. As committee roles change over time, the website becomes a stable, central source of truth. It documents the club’s history, policies and key information in one accessible place. That continuity protects institutional knowledge and strengthens long-term resilience.

A strong digital presence broadens reach. Families who may not hear about the club through word of mouth can discover it online. Clear messaging about inclusivity, development pathways and community values can attract a wider range of young swimmers. Greater visibility can lead to increased membership, stronger volunteer recruitment and deeper community engagement.

Before you apply

Our Chair Trustee will be in touch to have an informal inteview once CVs are reviewed