34 Home from home coordinator volunteer roles

What does the role involve?

The Dementia Wellbeing Service provides practical and emotional support ​to help older people live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

You will work one-to-one with people in their own home and in the community, providing invaluable practical and emotional support and engaging the person in activities and opportunities that interest them through their wellbeing plan.

What will you get out of it?

• You'll be making a difference to the lives of older people.
• You'll gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact on older people’s lives.
• You'll have an opportunity to build confidence and skills in engaging with people.
• You'll be part of something that is rewarding and enjoyable. 

What is expected of me?

• Volunteers are asked to make regular weekly visits of about to two to three hours on a week day (Monday – Friday), between 9-5pm.
• Interested applicants must complete training in dementia in addition to the other training and induction linked to all our roles. 

To support the successful running of the group by talking with the older members, helping them join in activities and helping with the provision of light refreshments.

About the Role

The aim of social and activity groups is to help improve the quality of life older people who are socially isolated and may only get out to this activity. Volunteers helping in our social groups assist with providing group members with the support they need to join in the activity, including working one to one with an older person to help them enjoy the activity, serve refreshments, and help people with activities. 

Benefits

The aim of social and activity groups is to help improve the quality-of-life older people who are socially isolated and may only get out to this activity. Through supporting this activity, you'll help older people to connect with others, and help to improve their fitness and wellbeing.  You will also gain valuable skills and knowledge that can enhance your personal and professional development.

How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer?

Generally, we ask for a minimum of two hour per week for at least six months.

What kind of support will I receive?

You will receive ongoing support and guidance from a local coordinator who will match you with an older person, monitor your progress, and provide feedback. You will also have access to online resources, training opportunities, and peer support from other volunteers.

Travel expenses will be paid.

About you?

• Good listening skills
• Patience, empathy, and understanding of the needs of older people
• The ability to engage yourself and others in a range of activities
• You will be reliable and punctual
• Flexibility
• A clear sense of personal boundaries
• You'll be able to maintain confidentiality
• You'll have the ability to provide a supportive and non-judgemental service
• You'll be willing to join in with training and development

The role in a nutshell:

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen know that a simple conversation can change everything. This is more than companionship, it’s walking alongside someone as they reconnect with their community & themselves.

What will you be doing?

You’ll support both the person and their goals, including:

Building a meaningful connection
•Spend time getting to know the person and what matters to them
•Offer friendly conversation, encouragement and companionship
•Create a space where they feel comfortable, heard and respected

Supporting positive steps forward
•Help them identify and work towards personal goals
•Encourage confidence in trying new things or reconnecting with others
•Support access to local groups, services or community activities 

Flexible, person-centred support
•Meet in ways that suit the individual — at home, in the community, or out for a walk
•Go at their pace, adapting support to their needs and preferences 

Working as part of a team
•Share updates with your coordinator so support stays consistent
•Reflect on progress and celebrate achievements, however small

How would you be supported in this role?

You won’t be doing this alone

We’ll support you every step of the way, including:
•A full induction and training (including safeguarding and goal setting)
•Ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator
•Opportunities for supervision and guidance
•Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses 

What we're looking for: A friendly face to welcome visitors and animals to our rescue centre in Whitminster, answering their questions, and directing them to the appropriate member of staff. You will also help make sure the Teckels shop is well stocked, clean and tidy, and looks its best.

This role is ideal for someone with excellent customer service and communication skills, able to deal with a wide range of people visiting in person or over the phone. An eye for detail is helpful for processing admin and making bookings.

Our rescue centre can get very busy, so it is important you are comfortable working in a fast paced environment and have the ability to multi task. You may be the first person someone meets at Teckels, so you will need to be polite, helpful, understanding and discreet, able to handle sensitive situations.

When you can help: We are looking for Welcome Volunteers on a Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, and all day Saturday

What we can offer you:

• An induction, ongoing support, and training
• An opportunity to meet new people
• Gain experience, learn new skills, and make a difference
• A reference for studying or employment
• The chance to meet lots of cat and dogs
• A dedicated volunteer coordinator for check ins and support

The role in a nutshell:

At Age UK Bolton, we know that a simple conversation can change everything. This is more than companionship, it’s about walking alongside someone as they reconnect with their community and themselves.

What will you be doing?

You’ll support both the person and their goals, including:

Building a meaningful connection
•Spend time getting to know the person and what matters to them
•Offer friendly conversation, encouragement and companionship
•Create a space where they feel comfortable, heard and respected

Supporting positive steps forward
•Help them identify and work towards personal goals
•Encourage confidence in trying new things or reconnecting with others
•Support access to local groups, services or community activities 

Flexible, person-centred support
•Meet in ways that suit the individual — at home, in the community, or out for a walk
•Go at their pace, adapting support to their needs and preferences 

Working as part of a team
•Share updates with your coordinator so support stays consistent
•Reflect on progress and celebrate achievements, however small

How would you be supported in this role?

You won’t be doing this alone

We’ll support you every step of the way, including:
•A full induction and training (including safeguarding and goal setting)
•Ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator
•Opportunities for supervision and guidance
•Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses 

The role in a nutshell:

Age NI is looking for Enabling Connections Volunteers across the Northern Trust area and Belfast Trust area to provide companionship, encouragement and practical support to older people.

What will you be doing?

As an Enabling Connections Volunteer, you will:

•Be matched with an older person in your local area
•Meet weekly to provide companionship and a listening ear
•Encourage and support them to achieve personal goals
•Help them build confidence and independence
•Explore local activities, groups and opportunities together
•Signpost to local services and support where appropriate
•Keep in touch with the Enabling Connections Coordinator.

Flexible Volunteering
The role is designed to fit around your availability, making it ideal for people with work, family or other commitments.

Where Will I Volunteer?

Support may take place:
•In the older person's home
•In local community settings
•While attending activities or groups together.

All support will be guided by the older person's goals and interests.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you volunteer with Age NI, you'll receive:

•Full induction and ongoing training
•Ongoing support from the Enabling Connections Coordinator
•Regular volunteer meetings and supervision
•Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

The Dementia Services supports people to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally.

What does the role involve? 

·Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.

·Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.

·Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.

• Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
• Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client. 

What will you get out of it?

·An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all

·Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling

·Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more

·Supervision and support

·Reimbursement of expenses

·Opportunities to meet other volunteers

What are the benefits for people living with dementia?

 Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.

Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.

Bringing your artform into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.

We are looking for people who have:

• An interest in sharing or performing their creative, artistic skill whether you are a hobbyist or a professional: 
• Singing

·Playing a musical instrument

·Visual art activity

·Poetry/acting

·Dancing

·Culture-specific art/music/dance/poetry

These are just a handful of examples, but we will consider applications from a variety of artists/musicians/ performers and are open to suggestions.

What other attributes do you need?

• Good verbal and written skills in English 

• Enjoy conversation.
• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history
• Consistency and reliability 
• An ability to empathise and understand the needs and experiences of an individual with dementia and memory loss.
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Patience and sensitivity
• Confidence to deal with emergencies
• Requirement to undertake induction training and follow guidelines and policies of Age UK Camden

Volunteering Hours 

Performances/activities:Usually approx. 20 -30 minutes but 1-1.5hrs are assigned to the visit

 Minimum of 4 - 6 visits a year (you can opt to do more). 

Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.

Please note, early morning and late evenings are generally not suitable times for visits. 

Training and induction are provided for the role and includes: 

• Online Dementia Awareness course 
• Age UK Camden organisational induction 
• Induction to Dementia Befriending and Dementia Wellbeing Services and relationships, how to deliver a performer visit
• Safeguarding Adults online course
• Data Awareness online course

We will give you:

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the coordinator of the service.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses 
• Access to Volunteer Forum events

 If you are interested, we will ask you to: 

• Complete an application form

• Meet with Dementia Services staff member
• Provide details of two Referees
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check (we arrange this with you)
• Induction and training (as laid out above)

We understand that completing the various steps takes time, and we support and keep in touch with you through the process. 

As this role brings our volunteers into regular contact with vulnerable older people, we make sure that all volunteers understand their role and have completed our recruitment procedures to both our and their satisfaction. 

SEL Mind’s Benefits Support Service is making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges in the boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Lambeth and Southwark. We empower people by providing compassionate guidance and practical assistance as they navigate the often-complex process of applying for disability benefits.

We are looking for a thoughtful, motivated and committed volunteer with good listening and communication skills to join our Benefits Support Service. You will have experience of working with people with mental health issues, either through work, volunteering or lived experience, and some knowledge of welfare benefits gained through work, volunteering or personal experience. Comprehensive training will also be provided.

The role will involve:

• Supporting clients on a one-to-one basis, either in person or over the phone, to complete Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Work Capability Assessment (WCA) forms
• Helping clients to articulate how their mental health and any related conditions impact their daily lives
• Helping clients prepare for health assessments and, where required, attending assessments with them to provide emotional support and help ensure their needs and challenges are fully heard
• Maintaining organised and up-to-date casework records and documentation
• Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• Keeping the Benefits Support Volunteer Manager and/or Advice Project Coordinator updated about client interactions and your location, in line with safeguarding and health and safety best practices
• Participating in regular support sessions and meetings as part of a collaborative and supportive volunteer team

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

How to apply:

Please visit our website for instructions on how to apply for this role.

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?

• Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
• Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
• Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
• Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
• Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
• Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
• Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator

Skills required

No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:

• A non-judgemental approach
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

The role in a nutshell:

You will work closely with an older person to help them set personal goals, build their confidence, and take practical steps to reconnect with their local community.

What will you be doing?

You will meet the older person you are matched with for 1 to 2+ hours a week over a period of up to 6 months to support them in working towards their goals. Depending on their individual action plan, you may:

• Visit them at home: Provide a regular, supportive social connection while helping them identify steps to overcome isolation.
• Act as a Community Connector: Accompany them on short walks, meet in a local café, or help them access local social groups, libraries, or physical activities.
• Support Goal Setting: Gently encourage them to build positive, sustainable connections and regain independence after a life challenge (such as a bereavement, illness, or hospital stay).
• Manage Boundaries and Endings: Work with the client to understand the time-limited nature of the support and help them prepare for the end of the 6-month intervention.
• Keep Accurate Records: Keep track of the client's progress, take brief notes after each session, and share weekly updates with your Programme Coordinator.

How would you be supported in this role?

We value our volunteers immensely and want to ensure you feel confident and safe in your role. You can expect:

• Comprehensive Training: A full induction and access to mandatory eLearning modules.
• Ongoing Supervision: Regular check-ins with your dedicated Programme Coordinator, plus access to volunteer meet-ups to share ideas and overcome barriers together.
• Clear Boundaries: A clearly defined voluntary role within the organisation with robust out-of-hours and emergency support procedures.
• Reimbursement: Agreed out-of-pocket expenses (such as local travel) will be fully reimbursed.
• References: We are happy to provide references for you after 6 months of active volunteering.

DofE Program Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Leaders perform a vital role on behalf of the DofE and CAG. They are the adult leaders responsible for the management and training of a DofE group which could be at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. They lead, guide, train and support young people, agree their program choices, sign off their completed sections and approve their eDofE evidence.

Description

We are looking for someone to lead and train our DofE groups to a successful conclusion and take home an award to be proud of.

To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking or walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, route planning, map reading, using a compass, campcraft) and be able to cope with changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential. CAG can provide training opportunities to the right person.

Key Tasks

Young people

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programmes to young people in the DofE group.

• Manage the provision of a safe and enjoyable DofE programme for participants in the DofE group.

• Support participants to decide on their program choices and set their timescales and goals.

• Regularly encourage and review participation in chosen activities by participants.

• Train teams to undertake expeditions.

• Support expedition team(s) with their expedition planning.

• Coordinate with other CAG team members for the successful planning and completion of expeditions.

• Encourage the use of eDofE by participants, regularly approve uploaded evidence and agree the completion of sections.

• Celebrate achievements as often as possible.

CAG - the Licensed Organisation

• Keep in regular contact with the DofE Manager / Coordinator  and CAG Trips Coordinator.

• Respond to requests from CAG in a timely manner.

General

• Regularly communicate with parents about DofE group plans / meetings etc.

• Use eDofE to measure the performance of the DofE group and to keep abreast of participation.

In addition DofE Leaders must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Further training may be undertaken by completing the DofE Leadership Programme.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate young people.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles & CAG ethos.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   You will also have some fun, support a good  cause, gain skills and experience, and support the DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time).

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week and some weekends - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Do you have professional experience in coding and computing? Could you support young people in learning how to code? 

Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills and strategies needed to succeed?

About us: GT Scholars is a social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their aspirations. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.

What makes us different? There are many organisations that offer programmes to improve the life chances of young people. However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low-income homes. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for workshop facilitators that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

Responsibilities: Facilitators are responsible for designing creative and interactive workshops for our young people, and delivering these workshops with our young people. We run some of our workshops online and other workshops are held in London. All workshops are held during the school holidays, in the evening and on weekends.

The workshop facilitator role is flexible and as part of your role, you may be involved in:

• Delivering and leading short workshops or courses, on behalf of GT Scholars (Online or offline)

• Designing engaging, interactive and educational workshops and short courses for young people and ensuring that the content is targeted to suit different abilities and capabilities

• Running your own bespoke workshops, eg. workshops in coding and technology

• Managing short activities and Q&A sessions during our workshops

• Working collaboratively with other event coordinators, volunteers, ambassadors, workshop facilitators and speakers at our events

• Following the agreed timings and content for workshops and courses

Person specification: 

As workshop facilitator, you will need to:

• Have passion, knowledge and experience in coding, computing and technology

• Have strong presentation skills

• Have strong communication skills

• Be personable and able to confidently communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and professions.

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Be punctual and organised

Availability: Workshops will run during the day on school holiday dates, on Saturdays or in the evening (5pm-8pm).

Additional information: We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 2 years old.

Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role. You must be aged 18 or above. Facilitator sessions range from 2 to 6 hours. The rate of pay will vary based on the budget of the funder.

Do you want to help shape services that really work for the people who need them most?

Information about the role

As our Lived Experience Coordination Volunteer, you will help run our lived experience groups, support the everyday admin that keeps our programmes going, and help communicate with participants in a genuine, informed way. This is a flexible, varied role shaped around your strengths and availability.

Location: Hub/community/home based location, London.

Suggested contribution: Approximately 7 - 14 hours per month, flexible and to be agreed together

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on more for details. 

Main activities may include:

• Helping to establish and schedule regular group meetings across our lived experience groups. You are welcome to be involved in whichever group or groups feel right for you.

• Helping with room bookings, invoicing, and session logistics, including shopping for supplies and collecting and disseminating vouchers for participants.

• Keeping the attendance and payment spreadsheet up to date after sessions.

• Helping to write and design reports and newsletters that reflect the groups’ work and impact.

• Identifying and sharing free learning and development opportunities for participants.

• Accompanying the Lived Experience Coordinator to external meetings, such as with the council, when helpful.

This role fights the housing emergency by putting lived experience at the heart of how services are designed and delivered. Your involvement ensures that people most affected by housing insecurity have a real voice in our work, helping us build programmes that are more effective, more inclusive, and more human.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience 

This opportunity is open to anyone, but we particularly welcome applicants who have lived experience of the housing emergency. It would also be great if you are comfortable with basic tools like email or spreadsheets, or open to giving them a go. As well as an interest in event planning, support and coordination. The most important thing is that you are enthusiastic about tackling the housing emergency and want to help make a difference.

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

• Regular reflective conversations and support if any aspect of the role becomes challenging.

• We will work together to identify areas where you would like to take a lead role and areas where you would prefer to support.

Next steps

You can apply online for this role now or if you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

DofE Program Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Leaders perform a vital role on behalf of the DofE and CAG. They are the adult leaders responsible for the management and training of a DofE group which could be at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. They lead, guide, train and support young people, agree their program choices, sign off their completed sections and approve their eDofE evidence.

Description

We are looking for someone to lead and train our DofE groups to a successful conclusion and take home an award to be proud of.

To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking or walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, route planning, map reading, using a compass, campcraft) and be able to cope with changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential. CAG can provide training opportunities to the right person.

Key Tasks

Young people

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programs to young people in the DofE group.

• Manage the provision of a safe and enjoyable DofE programme for participants in the DofE group.

• Support participants to decide on their program choices and set their timescales and goals.

• Regularly encourage and review participation in chosen activities by participants.

• Train teams to undertake expeditions.

• Support expedition team(s) with their expedition planning.

• Coordinate with other CAG team members for the successful planning and completion of expeditions.

• Encourage the use of eDofE by participants, regularly approve uploaded evidence and agree the completion of sections.

• Celebrate achievements as often as possible.

CAG - the Licensed Organisation

• Keep in regular contact with the DofE Program Manager and CAG Trips Coordinator.

• Respond to requests from CAG in a timely manner.

General

• Regularly communicate with parents about DofE group plans / meetings etc.

• Use eDofE to measure the performance of the DofE group and to keep abreast of participation.

In addition DofE Leaders must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Further training may be undertaken by completing the DofE Leadership Programme.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate young people.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles & CAG ethos.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   You will also have some fun, support a good  cause, gain skills and experience, and support the DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time).

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week and some weekends - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.