Volunteer Hub
Software & Digital Automations Volunteer
Organisation Details
Connect Talent CIO
Sub theme: Culture, Science and Technology
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Description of role: Connect Talent CIO is a forward-thinking grassroots charity empowering individuals, families, and diverse communities across Salford and Greater Manchester through digital inclusion, skills development, and creative community engagement.
As our charity scales its community reach, we are modernising our internal operations and building custom digital solutions. We are looking for an ambitious, tech-savvy University of Manchester student to join us as a Software & Digital Automations Volunteer. In this role, you will get hands-on experience building real-world software tools, designing workflow automations, and streamlining operational systems that directly support charitable impact on the ground.
This role is ideal for students in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Technology, or self-taught programmers eager to build impressive, demonstrable projects for their portfolio and graduate CV.
What You Will Be Doing (Key Responsibilities)
• Workflow Automations: Design and deploy automated workflows (using Python scripts, Make, Zapier, n8n, or API integrations) to connect forms, CRM records, and team notifications.
• Internal Tools & Software Development: Assist in developing lightweight web applications, portals, and tools (such as volunteer logs, attendance trackers, and referral forms) using modern frameworks (JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Python, PHP, or low-code platforms).
• Database & Systems Management: Help structure, clean, and maintain data records across spreadsheets, databases, and charity management systems.
• Digital Inclusivity Tech Support: Support the technical setup and testing of refurbished laptops and digital devices distributed to low-income Salford families.
• Tech Problem Solving: Collaborate directly with leadership and project leads to identify operational bottlenecks and propose smart, efficient digital solutions.
• System Documentation: Write clear, user-friendly documentation and brief how-to guides so non-technical staff and volunteers can easily use the automations.
What We Are Looking For (Skills & Experience)
• A passion for software development, automation, and using technology for positive social impact.
• Working knowledge of at least one programming or scripting language (e.g. Python, JavaScript, PHP) or familiarity with automation platforms (Zapier, Make, Power Automate, Google Apps Script).
• Familiarity with web fundamentals (HTML, CSS, APIs) and database concepts (SQL, JSON, or Airtable/Google Sheets data structures).
• Problem-solving mindset with a self-starter attitude: you enjoy tinkering, troubleshooting, and figuring out how systems connect.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills: ability to explain technical ideas simply.
• Reliable, organised, and committed to data privacy, confidentiality, and safeguarding.
• Note: You do not need to be an expert in every technology! Curiosity, enthusiasm, and a problem-solving drive are what matter most.
Benefits for University of Manchester Students
• Stellify & Volunteering Recognition: Volunteering hours count directly towards the Manchester Leadership Programme, Stellify Award, and your official HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report) transcript.
• Tangible Portfolio & GitHub Projects: Build, deploy, and showcase real, working software and automations that solve genuine operational challenges for an active charity.
• Exceptional Career Reference: Receive a strong, personalised professional reference from Connect Talent leadership highlighting your technical competence, initiative, and teamwork for graduate tech roles and master's applications.
• Flexible Hybrid / Remote Setup: Complete the majority of your development work remotely around your university lecture timetable, with optional hot-desking at our Salford office.
• Expenses Paid: Local public transport travel expenses reimbursed for all in-person meetings and project activities.
• Meaningful Community Impact: Directly see how your code and automations save hours of manual admin and help get vital digital devices into the hands of local Salford residents.
Skills / qualities associated with the role
Information Technology, Software Development, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Project Management, Team Working, Initiative
Are volunteer expenses available?
Yes
Duration of role
Flexible / 3 to 6 months (Ongoing)
Opportunity times
Flexible (Hybrid / Remote with occasional on-site sessions by agreement)
DBS required
No (Basic check arranged if involved with community sessions)
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?
Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?
No
Minimum hours commitment
4 to 5 hours per week
Location
St James's House, Suite E3, 8th Floor, Pendleton Way, Salford, M6 5FW, UK (Hybrid / Remote options available)
Salford
M6 5FW
As our charity scales its community reach, we are modernising our internal operations and building custom digital solutions. We are looking for an ambitious, tech-savvy University of Manchester student to join us as a Software & Digital Automations Volunteer. In this role, you will get hands-on experience building real-world software tools, designing workflow automations, and streamlining operational systems that directly support charitable impact on the ground.
This role is ideal for students in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Technology, or self-taught programmers eager to build impressive, demonstrable projects for their portfolio and graduate CV.
What You Will Be Doing (Key Responsibilities)
• Workflow Automations: Design and deploy automated workflows (using Python scripts, Make, Zapier, n8n, or API integrations) to connect forms, CRM records, and team notifications.
• Internal Tools & Software Development: Assist in developing lightweight web applications, portals, and tools (such as volunteer logs, attendance trackers, and referral forms) using modern frameworks (JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Python, PHP, or low-code platforms).
• Database & Systems Management: Help structure, clean, and maintain data records across spreadsheets, databases, and charity management systems.
• Digital Inclusivity Tech Support: Support the technical setup and testing of refurbished laptops and digital devices distributed to low-income Salford families.
• Tech Problem Solving: Collaborate directly with leadership and project leads to identify operational bottlenecks and propose smart, efficient digital solutions.
• System Documentation: Write clear, user-friendly documentation and brief how-to guides so non-technical staff and volunteers can easily use the automations.
What We Are Looking For (Skills & Experience)
• A passion for software development, automation, and using technology for positive social impact.
• Working knowledge of at least one programming or scripting language (e.g. Python, JavaScript, PHP) or familiarity with automation platforms (Zapier, Make, Power Automate, Google Apps Script).
• Familiarity with web fundamentals (HTML, CSS, APIs) and database concepts (SQL, JSON, or Airtable/Google Sheets data structures).
• Problem-solving mindset with a self-starter attitude: you enjoy tinkering, troubleshooting, and figuring out how systems connect.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills: ability to explain technical ideas simply.
• Reliable, organised, and committed to data privacy, confidentiality, and safeguarding.
• Note: You do not need to be an expert in every technology! Curiosity, enthusiasm, and a problem-solving drive are what matter most.
Benefits for University of Manchester Students
• Stellify & Volunteering Recognition: Volunteering hours count directly towards the Manchester Leadership Programme, Stellify Award, and your official HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report) transcript.
• Tangible Portfolio & GitHub Projects: Build, deploy, and showcase real, working software and automations that solve genuine operational challenges for an active charity.
• Exceptional Career Reference: Receive a strong, personalised professional reference from Connect Talent leadership highlighting your technical competence, initiative, and teamwork for graduate tech roles and master's applications.
• Flexible Hybrid / Remote Setup: Complete the majority of your development work remotely around your university lecture timetable, with optional hot-desking at our Salford office.
• Expenses Paid: Local public transport travel expenses reimbursed for all in-person meetings and project activities.
• Meaningful Community Impact: Directly see how your code and automations save hours of manual admin and help get vital digital devices into the hands of local Salford residents.
Skills / qualities associated with the role
Information Technology, Software Development, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Project Management, Team Working, Initiative
Are volunteer expenses available?
Yes
Duration of role
Flexible / 3 to 6 months (Ongoing)
Opportunity times
Flexible (Hybrid / Remote with occasional on-site sessions by agreement)
DBS required
No (Basic check arranged if involved with community sessions)
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?
Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?
No
Minimum hours commitment
4 to 5 hours per week
Location
St James's House, Suite E3, 8th Floor, Pendleton Way, Salford, M6 5FW, UK (Hybrid / Remote options available)
Salford
M6 5FW
Skills / qualities associated with the role: IT Skills, Marketing and PR, Project Management
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Afternoon
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 5
Location:
St James's House, Suite E3, 8th Floor, Pendleton Way, Salford, M6 5FW, UK
Salford
M6 5FW