4 IT volunteer volunteer roles

Purpose of the Role:

Support the delivery of engaging and practical IT sessions at the Baytree Centre, helping adult participants gain confidence in using laptops, smartphones, and other digital tools for everyday tasks. By offering guidance, encouragement, and a welcoming environment, the role empowers participants to enhance their digital skills and navigate technology with ease.

Main Responsibilities:

- Provide one-to-one support to participants, helping them with basic laptop and smartphone functions.

- Ensure all materials and resources are available and organised for each session.

- Create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable learning and asking questions.

- Encourage participants to engage with each other, sharing tips and experiences.

- Collect feedback from participants to help improve future sessions.

- Adhere to Baytree Centre policies and procedures.

Commitment:

- Assist in weekly IT sessions, usually held Monday to Thursday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm (exact times subject to the timetable).

- Minimum commitment of 2 terms for continuity and effectiveness.

Benefits:

- Gain experience in delivering digital skills support and training.

- Develop skills in teaching, facilitation, and cross-cultural communication.

- Contribute to participants’ confidence and independence in using technology.

- Be part of a supportive and welcoming volunteer community

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older.

We are looking to help Carers with IT support needs and require a Volunteer to offer 1:1 sessions to help them with their basic difficulties on their phone, tablet or laptop. In the first instance, we require someone for a morning or afternoon once a month to visit our different Cafes around the London Borough of Hillingdon and offer a Drop-In service. This will be reviewed after 4 months.

This role will suit someone who:

• Has excellent verbal communication skills

• Has a good understanding of using a laptop, tablet, Microsoft Office, the internet 

• Enjoys explaining technical and  IT-related task to people face to face

• Ideally has experience of supporting people in a learning environment

• Pays attention to detail

• Is empathetic to the needs and motivations of Carers

• Understand the importance of confidentiality

Main duties will include:

• Meeting a Carer and listening to their IT problem

• Understanding how overcoming this problem can assist them in everyday life

• Instructing them, in simple terms, on how to access the information they need or the task they wish to complete 

Training and Support

• All volunteers are expected to undertake induction training at Carers Trust Hillingdon, both online and in person

• You will report to the Carer Development Officer and will receive regular supervision and support.

• Should you wish and if places permit, you will be invited to attend Wellbeing Workshops and Seminars

• You will be required to use your own car or take public transport to each venue so expenses will be recompensed

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website. 

Outline of the IT Supporter role
It is amazing how much difference you could make to your local group by providing IT support, either remotely or in person. Even the smallest things like setting up email accounts, using video calling software and creating social media accounts can be a real challenge for some volunteers, so your expertise will make the world of difference to supporting your local group to help adults learn to read in your community.

The skills you will need
● Knowledge and previous experience of fundraising is desirable, though not essential.
● A willingness to seek out potential sources of funding.
● Experience of writing funding bids is desirable, though not essential.
● Good negotiating and influencing skills.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of three hours a month to commit to the role