Part Time Community Walk Leader

Position Title: Community Walk Leader
Reports To: Services Coordinator
Location: Home based with frequent in-person events across Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Croydon & Bromley
Hours: Part-time (8 hours a week to be worked flexibly across at least two days per week with some evening and weekend walks.) £13 per hour or £25,350 pro rata
Contract Type: Fixed-term (May 2026 - April 2028) with opportunity for the role to grow. 

Role Overview

This role supports the delivery of CareDogs’ community group walks.  The successful candidate will lead regular community group walks for our partner organisations such as Mencap, Age UK. The role combines on-the-ground delivery with core project coordination tasks, including recording attendance, gathering feedback, and completing route-based risk assessments.

All CareDogs group walks are designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, and we welcome applications from people of all abilities who can help deliver safe, welcoming and community-focused walking sessions.

You will work closely with the Services Coordinator and Volunteer & Client Coordinator, joining a small, passionate and growing team committed to improving wellbeing and reducing isolation through the power of human and canine companionship.

Key Responsibilities

Walk Delivery

• Lead regular community group  walks across South London’s parks and green spaces.
  
  

• Welcome our partner organisations and members, ensuring each session is friendly, inclusive and supportive.
  
  

• Coordinate volunteers during walks, helping the team work confidently and cohesively.
  
  

• Carry and manage session equipment such as hi-vis vests, CareDogs ‘volunteer’ bandanas and first aid items.
  
  

• Lead post-walk “Coffee & Chat” sessions at local park cafes that encourage connection and conversation.
  
  

Safety & Risk Assessment

• Conduct straightforward risk assessments for parks and walking routes.
  
  

• Monitor and report any safety concerns, environmental changes or incidents to the Services Coordinator or Charity Manager.
  
  

• Contribute to maintaining safe, accessible and consistent delivery across all activities.  

Volunteer Support

• Support volunteers attending each walk, providing clear guidance on roles and responsibilities during delivery.
  
  

• Deliver pre-walk briefing to all volunteers on the day.
  
  

• Encourage volunteers to share observations or feedback that help strengthen service delivery.
  
  

Monitoring & Reporting

• Record attendance and participant information accurately after each walk and relay promptly to the Services Coordinator.
  
  

• Gather short feedback and quotes from participants and volunteers to support evaluation.
  
  

• Maintain clear and organised session notes, sharing them promptly with the Services Coordinator for reporting and project monitoring.
  
  

• Support the collection of information required for funder reporting and internal learning.
  
  

Local Outreach

• Distribute CareDogs leaflets and materials within cafés, libraries, GP surgeries, community centres, wellbeing hubs and parks.
  
  

• Positively represent CareDogs when engaging with the public and partner organisations.

• Support Services Coordinator with established partner communications
  
  

Person Specification

Essential

• Confident leading small groups outdoors.
  
  

• Friendly and able to build rapport with a diverse range of people.
  

• Organised, reliable and able to maintain accurate records.
  
  

• Comfortable around dogs and confident working in sessions where dogs are present.
  
  

• Able to work flexibly, with hours ideally split across two days per week.
  
  

• Comfortable working outdoors in a range of weather conditions.
  
  

• Able to work independently when leading walks while remaining connected to the wider team.

• Ability to travel across South London. 
  
  

• Able to use email and digital tools confidently, including Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets) for communication and record-keeping.

Desirable

• Good knowledge of South London’s community spaces, networks and local services.
  
  

• Understanding of the experiences of our clients.
  
  

• Experience delivering community, wellbeing or walking-based activities.
  
  

• Enthusiasm for CareDogs’ mission to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing through human and canine companionship.
  
  
  

Requirements

• DBS check (provided by CareDogs if required).
  
  

• Right to work in the UK.
  
  

• Access to a smartphone for communication and photos.
  
  

• Internet, and access to a laptop.  

We Provide

• Full induction and training for walk delivery, safety and safeguarding.
  
  

• All equipment required for walk delivery.
  
  

• Regular one-to-ones.
  
  

• Ongoing support from the Services Coordinator and wider team. 
  
  

• A supportive environment within a small, passionate and growing team.
  
  

• Reasonable expenses for travel.

Closing date for applications is Friday 15th May 2026 at midday. CareDogs reserves the right to close the vacancy early.

Click here to complete our online application form and upload your CV