This is a great opportunity for individuals wishing to become more employable in the area of Marketing and Business Development.

AMNICK is a premium social enterprise that seeks to develop the new generation of Public Services using Smart Cities as a vehicle. We create amazing experiences that celebrate the best of technology and knowledge creation. We’re looking for great people who are passionate about redefining our communities and cities through innovation, unconventional thinking and embracing fun.

AMNICK's Business Development & Marketing team is offering opportunities to those seeking work experience in this area. This is being done via the self-help work experience group, who use our platform/processes to gain experience via shared learning from peers and mentors. This opportunity is ideal for those who wish to gain valuable work experience from their own space and in their own time. You will also have a chance to develop your own business ideas, and work with others like yourself to develop new partnerships and collaborations.

As a new member you can support efforts to improve our product experience through user research as well as support the operations of our cross-functional team. As a member of the BD & Marketing WE team, you will have the unique opportunity to interface with Marketing, Product, Research, Analytics, and Creative teams. The ideal candidate likes to think strategically, is intellectually curious, and thrives in an undefined environment. If you are someone who likes to roll up their sleeves and are passionate about change then this is a great role for you.

Self-help Main Work Experience Activities:

• Planning and executing marketing activities including campaigns, social media - creating content, PR & creating a network of media and blogs.

• Working together with designers to create promotional material and merchandise.

• Setting up a reporting process with brand performance metrics, targets and analytics.

• Assisting with B2B contact for partnerships and advertising sales.

• Participating in fun and awesome brainstorm sessions.

The perks:

• Collaborating with an entrepreneurial and ambitious team

• The opportunity to input on a very fast-growing and innovative project side by side with the CEO, co-founders and the rest of the team

•  You choose your own hours and when you wish to do this.

• 3 month e-Work experience (up to you)

• A unique opportunity to improve your CV

This is an UNPAID work experience, done online, from your own space and in your own time. You decide what you want to do, when you are available and how much time you are willing to dedicate for your experience. We do not advocate any rewards or promise of paid work.

This Programme was designed with the aim to help people become more employable. If you want to fast track your career, and prepared to put in effort, then this could be a great way to do it.

This is an online opportunity for potential Magazine Editors/ Journalists/ Researchers and those interested in Media and Communication to explore and gain experience in your area. 

The activities will be done from your own home and in your own time – Online at your convenience. 

Smart Cities Journalists/Researchers - contribute to the Smart Cities magazine. Tasks will include: researching smart cities projects, news, technologies, reviews, interviewing senior people online/in person and much more. 

Magazine Editors - Coordinating magazine activities, Writing content, Proofreading, Researching, Interviewing, Networking. We will support you to agree on key contents, layout, be responsible for researchers, journalists, designers all of whom will be contributing to the magazine. 

You will also have the opportunity to interview senior people, VIPs, government officials from the UK and internationally. 

Media and Communications - Social Media includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogs etc. 

If interested please submit your application, please also attach a copy of your CV, and we will invite you to our online Information Sessions to learn about this opportunity.

Amnick is creating 180 new work placements within our 6 new start-ups.

Eligibility:

•  16-24 years only

•  You are NOT in Education, Employment, or any Training.

•  At least Level 2 ICT skills

•  Access to the internet and a computer device. 

Our roles include:

• Admin

• Management

• Junior Consultant

• Sales and Marketing

• Graphics Design

• Projects

• HR

• Events management

• Research

• Social Media
 

Our startups are in the exciting space of:

- Environment

- Transportation

- Technologies

- Smart Cities

- Innovation

- Cyber Security

Amnick Social Enterprise in partnership with Prevista is delighted to offer an exciting 6 months Traineeship, 4 days per week. This is an education and training programme with amazing work experience opportunities led by professionals. On this programme we help young people to unlock their enormous potential and prepare them for their future careers, by helping them to become work ready. 

On this programme you are getting a valuable work experience of a minimum 100 hours (or more if you need).

You also get Maths, ICT and English tuition, to enhance your Functional skills in English and Maths. Alongside, you will be helped with your CV. You will learn interview skills and will gain an employability qualification at the end.
 

The tuition is free and is designed to give you the support you need while you get your qualifications and find a job. 

We offer the choice to do your work experience in Admin, Marketing, Research, Management, Graphics Design, Project Management, Social Media…..and more!

This programme is delivered online and from your own space.

Eligibility:

•    16-24 years only

•    You are NOT in Education, Employment, or any Training.

•    At least Level 2 ICT skills

•    Access to the internet and a computer device. 

*** COVID-19 UPDATE - please note that Whizz-Kidz are still happily welcoming applications. While our clubs are not currently operating face-to-face, we have moved all our services online, in the form of Zoom calls, and continue to provide support for young wheelchair users across the UK. New volunteers will help support these online services, and will be able to volunteer in person once our face-to-face clubs reopen. Thanks very much! ***

Whizz-Kidz aim to transform the lives of young wheelchair users, aged between 2 and 25. We do this by providing life changing mobility equipment, running exciting youth groups, and arranging opportunities for young wheelchair users to gain experience and develop new skills.

The Role

As a Whizz-Kidz volunteer, you will play a vital role at our clubs by:

• Supporting young people to get involved in activities

• Communicating with Whizz-Kidz staff and other volunteers, to ensure the event runs smoothly

• Acting as a positive role model for young wheelchair users

• Leading or co-leading activities or ice breakers, if you're comfortable doing so

Due to Covid-19, our youth clubs are currently running virtually, via Zoom. Thanks to the amazing work of our Services Team, we are still managing to run many of the same activities as we would when face-to-face - arts and crafts, magic shows, wheelchair yoga and discos are just a handful of examples from 2020! We're aiming to do all we can to continue to support young wheelchair users throughout these difficult times, and would love your support.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people with the following skills:

• Enthusiastic and confident

• Supportive, friendly and sensitive to others

• Ability to communicate with young people of different ages with different abilities: for example, some of our young people may use a communication device, instead of communicating verbally

• A positive attitude towards disability

• Flexible and creative

• Proactive and not afraid to get involved

• Experience of working with young people is an advantage, but not essential

About Whizz-Kidz

Our mission is to transform the lives of disabled children by providing the equipment, support and life skills they need, when they need them – giving them the chance to develop their full potential.

Did you know that there are thousands of disabled children waiting for their childhoods to start, as they struggle to get a wheelchair that meets all their needs? We believe that every young disabled person has the right to a fun and active childhood, and the chance to develop their full potential in life. We provide disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, and life journey services, giving them opportunities to build friendships and have fun, and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a bright future.

Our vision for the future is that all disabled children’s lives are full of fun, friendship and hope for an independent future. Just like any other kid’s.

Further information

• We’re very happy for volunteers to participate as frequently/infrequently as they please, and to volunteer around their career, education and personal life - whatever works for you.

• All volunteers will receive free safeguarding training and a DBS or PVG check, as you will be working with vulnerable children and young people.

• When clubs are back face-to-face, Whizz-Kidz will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, usually up to £30 per event.

We would love to welcome you to our team of volunteers!

*** COVID-19 UPDATE - please note that Whizz-Kidz are still happily welcoming applications. While our clubs are not currently operating face-to-face, we have moved all our services online, in the form of Zoom calls, and continue to provide support for young wheelchair users across the UK. New volunteers will help support these online services, and will be able to volunteer in person once our face-to-face clubs reopen. Thanks very much! ***

Whizz-Kidz aim to transform the lives of young wheelchair users, aged between 2 and 25. We do this by providing life changing mobility equipment, running exciting youth groups, and arranging opportunities for young wheelchair users to gain experience and develop new skills.

The Role

As a Whizz-Kidz volunteer, you will play a vital role at our clubs by:

• Supporting young people to get involved in activities

• Communicating with Whizz-Kidz staff and other volunteers, to ensure the event runs smoothly

• Acting as a positive role model for young wheelchair users

• Leading or co-leading activities or ice breakers, if you're comfortable doing so

Due to Covid-19, our youth clubs are currently running virtually, via Zoom. Thanks to the amazing work of our Services Team, we are still managing to run many of the same activities as we would when face-to-face - arts and crafts, magic shows, wheelchair yoga and discos are just a handful of examples from 2020! We're aiming to do all we can to continue to support young wheelchair users throughout these difficult times, and would love your support.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people with the following skills:

• Enthusiastic and confident

• Supportive, friendly and sensitive to others

• Ability to communicate with young people of different ages with different abilities: for example, some of our young people may use a communication device, instead of communicating verbally

• A positive attitude towards disability

• Flexible and creative

• Proactive and not afraid to get involved

• Experience of working with young people is an advantage, but not essential

About Whizz-Kidz

Our mission is to transform the lives of disabled children by providing the equipment, support and life skills they need, when they need them – giving them the chance to develop their full potential.

Did you know that there are thousands of disabled children waiting for their childhoods to start, as they struggle to get a wheelchair that meets all their needs? We believe that every young disabled person has the right to a fun and active childhood, and the chance to develop their full potential in life. We provide disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, and life journey services, giving them opportunities to build friendships and have fun, and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a bright future.

Our vision for the future is that all disabled children’s lives are full of fun, friendship and hope for an independent future. Just like any other kid’s.

Further information

• We’re very happy for volunteers to participate as frequently/infrequently as they please, and to volunteer around their career, education and personal life - whatever works for you.

• All volunteers will receive free safeguarding training and a DBS or PVG check, as you will be working with vulnerable children and young people.

• When clubs are back face-to-face, Whizz-Kidz will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, usually up to £30 per event.

We would love to welcome you to our team of volunteers!

*** COVID-19 UPDATE - please note that Whizz-Kidz are still happily welcoming applications. While our clubs are not currently operating face-to-face, we have moved all our services online, in the form of Zoom calls, and continue to provide support for young wheelchair users across the UK. New volunteers will help support these online services, and will be able to volunteer in person once our face-to-face clubs reopen. Thanks very much! ***

Whizz-Kidz aim to transform the lives of young wheelchair users, aged between 2 and 25. We do this by providing life changing mobility equipment, running exciting youth groups, and arranging opportunities for young wheelchair users to gain experience and develop new skills.

The Role

As a Whizz-Kidz volunteer, you will play a vital role at our clubs by:

• Supporting young people to get involved in activities

• Communicating with Whizz-Kidz staff and other volunteers, to ensure the event runs smoothly

• Acting as a positive role model for young wheelchair users

• Leading or co-leading activities or ice breakers, if you're comfortable doing so

Due to Covid-19, our youth clubs are currently running virtually, via Zoom. Thanks to the amazing work of our Services Team, we are still managing to run many of the same activities as we would when face-to-face - arts and crafts, magic shows, wheelchair yoga and discos are just a handful of examples from 2020! We're aiming to do all we can to continue to support young wheelchair users throughout these difficult times, and would love your support.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people with the following skills:

• Enthusiastic and confident

• Supportive, friendly and sensitive to others

• Ability to communicate with young people of different ages with different abilities: for example, some of our young people may use a communication device, instead of communicating verbally

• A positive attitude towards disability

• Flexible and creative

• Proactive and not afraid to get involved

• Experience of working with young people is an advantage, but not essential

About Whizz-Kidz

Our mission is to transform the lives of disabled children by providing the equipment, support and life skills they need, when they need them – giving them the chance to develop their full potential.

Did you know that there are thousands of disabled children waiting for their childhoods to start, as they struggle to get a wheelchair that meets all their needs? We believe that every young disabled person has the right to a fun and active childhood, and the chance to develop their full potential in life. We provide disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, and life journey services, giving them opportunities to build friendships and have fun, and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a bright future.

Our vision for the future is that all disabled children’s lives are full of fun, friendship and hope for an independent future. Just like any other kid’s.

Further information

• We’re very happy for volunteers to participate as frequently/infrequently as they please, and to volunteer around their career, education and personal life - whatever works for you.

• All volunteers will receive free safeguarding training and a DBS or PVG check, as you will be working with vulnerable children and young people.

• When clubs are back face-to-face, Whizz-Kidz will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, usually up to £30 per event.

We would love to welcome you to our team of volunteers!

Greenpeace Local Group (Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Richmond & Kingston, Welwyn Garden City or Worthing) - Local Press and Media Co-ordinator

Do you enjoy creative writing? Have you got an eye for a striking photo? Would you like to get involved in campaigning on global issues in your local area? 

Then Greenpeace Group’s Local Press and Media Co-ordinator role in Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Richmond & Kingston, Welwyn Garden City or Worthing, could be right up your street! 

About Greenpeace Local Groups:

Local Groups provide a public face to Greenpeace campaigns across the UK and bring expertise and energy that are vital to Greenpeace’s successes as a campaigning organisation. In addition to campaigning, Group also organise fundraising and outreach events like film screenings and gigs.

About the role:

Local Press and Media Co-ordinators get local press coverage of Group campaigns and activities. This involves sending out press releases, writing letters to the Editor of a paper, taking photos, and building relationships with journalists.

Getting local press coverage means that more people read about our campaigns and know that there’s a local Greenpeace group near them. It also allows us to reach MPs and other decision-makers. Having content written by local people, for local people is so much more relevant and inspiring than anything written by a central press team!

You’ll be part of the Local Group, a Network of Local Media Co-ordinators all across the UK, and supported by a member of staff at Greenpeace.

You’ll usually be asked to do one or two things a month, which will probably take around 4 - 6 hours per month, as well as attending monthly meetings (currently online) and supporting with campaign activities.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer role.

You are…

• Interested in global campaigning, such as on climate change, plastics, deforestation
• Friendly and confident engaging with members of the public
• Happy to get involved with the Local Group and to go along to monthly meetings and take part in campaign activities
• An excellent written communicator
• Able to take a good photo
• You don’t have to be really knowledgeable about the media, or a trained journalist - we provide training and support
• Internet and computer savvy, and have reliable internet access
• Ideally available for at least one year, but we understand that circumstances can change, and we want to make the role work for you
• Local to Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Richmond & Kingston, Welwyn Garden City or Worthing.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer role.

Our local groups provide services and support to make a difference for local people affected by MS. Our Group Coordinators use their local knowledge and leadership skills to organise and oversee their local group's volunteer team.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Caithness group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Caithness area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

TREASURER

Help us build a Future 

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to help others and gain new experiences? This is a fantastic opportunity to join our passionate team as our Treasurer.

Talk Lipoedema was established in 2013 and was registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated organisation (SC045490) in March 2015. Talk Lipoedema operates as an online charity and the majority of our work and board meetings, meetings and interactions take place on virtual platforms. Lipoedema is an emerging disease which mainly affects women. Who are often misdiagnosed with Obesity and or Lymphoedema. We currently work across the whole of the UK supporting women with lipoedema, their families and carers.  Our vision is to make Lipoedema a household word.

We are currently looking for someone to join us as Treasurer to:

• Oversee all financial aspects of the charity and co-ordinate with bookkeeper.
• Ensure our financial affairs are conducted within legal requirements, applicable accounting standards and good practice.
• Work in partnership with the Chair, board members to provide advice and guidance regarding the health of the charity’s financial position.
• Help with funding applications and fund-raising appeals. 

We would particularly welcome candidates from under-represented groups including: women, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, disabled people and young people. Strong empathy with the experiences of people affected by challenging health conditions is an essential requirement. Previous Treasurer experience is desirable but not essential.

Opportunities for training and development and to work in an organisation that is made up of extraordinary people who are passionate, innovative, flexible, dedicated and professional and fun.

We would foresee the time commitment to be one day a month. There is no remuneration; however, all necessary travel and out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Victim Support Scotland Volunteer

* PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is for Ayrshire, but will initially be based in Kilmarnock (KA1 1HW)*

Furthermore, we are currently following official COVID-19 guidelines in our workplaces. The initial induction period will be completed online.

How can you support victims and witnesses of crime?  

Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions in the aftermath of an offence.It is Victim Support Scotland’s role to provide victims and witnesses of crime emotional and practical support in person, online, and in court.Volunteers are supported by VSS staff who manage the service.
 

How would you help? 
 
Our volunteers provide emotional support, practical help, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. We aim to empower people who have been impacted by crime, to move on with their lives.

• Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, webchat, appointments and face-to-face contact, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact 
• Help service users feel more confident by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits
• Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of the trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of the service users.
• Feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members 
• Provide administrative support in completing the service users journey 

What benefits would I get?  

Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland can be challenging and also extremely rewarding. As a volunteer you will: 

• Support people when they most need it 
• Learn new skills and knowledge of the criminal justice sector 
• Gain access to a range of specialist training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role 
• Positively contribute to your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime 
• A chance to give something back 
• Receive support in your volunteering role to deliver services effectively 
• All reasonable expenses (e.g. travel) will be reimbursed

What skills and experience do I need?  

We are looking for committed, reliable and empathetic volunteers who can work with people of all ages, backgrounds and life situations. Although we provide full training and support, knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience of supporting people is beneficial. As a Victim Support Scotland Volunteer you will need:

• Effective communication skills 
• The ability to actively listen to service users and anyone affected by crime
• An interest in learning about the criminal justice system and understand the service user’s journey
• An awareness of confidentiality obligations and the responsibilities that come with upholding these obligations 
• Basic IT Skills (or a willingness to develop IT skills) 
• Effective time management skills (and working under pressure) 
• Undertake all relevant training and refresher training 
• Access to a car or ability to use public transport 

What is the time commitment?  

We know that our volunteers have busy lives, so we agree the time commitment with each individual volunteer. However, we ask for: 

• a minimum commitment of approximately one day per week, however this may vary depending upon the needs of the service.
• a minimum commitment of at least 1 year so that they might get the most out of a volunteering role. 

 How can I apply? 

The people we support come from all communities across Scotland, as do our volunteers. We welcome new volunteers from all backgrounds and languages.
 
To ensure we provide the best possible service to people affected by crime, we take all our volunteer applications through our processes which involves:

• Joining the Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme
• Providing two satisfactory references 
• Complete Essential Knowledge and Skills Learning 
• Signing and abiding by Victim Support Scotland’s:
  • Confidentiality agreement 
  • Commitment to Data Protection
  • Volunteer Agreement 

Community Speaker

Do you want to play a huge part in helping to increase public understanding, breaking down the stigma of dementia and supporting the vital work to overcome it? We’re looking for Community Speakers to get active in their local area as ambassadors.

Location: Can be based anywhere across the UK

Time: As much or as little time as you can! It’s up to you how involved you want to be

The opportunity:

As a Community Speaker you’ll be playing a huge part in helping to increase public understanding, breaking down the stigma of dementia and our vital work to overcome it. You’ll be fully supported by your Regional Fundraising Officer and given full training and all the resources you need

What will I be doing?

• Identifying opportunities for talks in local organisations and community groups

• Attending cheque presentations

• Making thank you speeches

• Posing for photographs

• Helping supporters feel appreciated

The benefits:

In return, as a community Speaker you’ll benefit from:

• Becoming part of a movement to defeat dementia
• The opportunity to develop your leadership, communications, fundraising, PR and organisational skills
• Slides, information and updates on dementia
• Public speaking guidance
• Having your expenses paid within agreed guidelines

About you:

You do not need to have previous volunteering experience, ideally you will bring with you some of the following:

• An interest in Alzheimer’s Research
• Good communication skills
• Great organisational skills
• Honesty and reliability
• A passion and enthusiasm!

If this sounds like you and you’re looking for an opportunity that is fun and rewarding, then apply today!

Collection Tin Coordinator

We are looking for passionate volunteers to help raise vital funds by placing and maintaining collection tins in local shops and businesses

Location: Can be based anywhere across the UK

Time: This role is really flexible and can fit around other commitments. We do expect Collection Tin Coordinators to collect and bank approximately every three months.

The opportunity:

We are looking for passionate volunteers to help raise vital funds by placing and maintaining collection tins in local shops and businesses. This rewarding, flexible and effective volunteering opportunity is a wonderful way to play a huge part in helping to increase public understanding, breaking down the stigma of dementia and supporting the vital work to overcome it within your local community. You’ll be an ambassador for the charity, engaging your local community in your naturally friendly and enthusiastic way.

What will I be doing?

• Distribute collection tins to shops and businesses in your local area.
• Source new or better locations for collection tins and develop strong relationships with venues.
• Ensure the upkeep of the collection tins by keeping in contact with locations providing replacement labels, seals and tins when necessary.
• Empty, count, bank and record donations from the tins (approximately every three months) and provide a receipt of thanks to the shop owner.
• Provide simple, yet accurate, records of banking details and information to the local Regional Fundraising Officer.
• Distribute and encourage venues to display posters and volunteering opportunities.

The benefits:

In return, as a collection tin coordinator you’ll benefit from:

• Becoming part of a movement that believes we can make breakthroughs possible.
• The opportunity to develop your leadership, communication, fundraising, and organisational skills.
• Full support and guidance from your local regional fundraising officer.
• Receive your very own collection starter pack which includes all the fundraising materials you’ll need.
• Having your expenses paid within agreed guidelines.

About you:

You do not need to have previous volunteering experience, ideally you will bring with you some of the following:

• Good knowledge of the local area and a sense of community.
• A positive and proactive attitude.
• Confidence in talking to shop and business owners.
• Honesty and reliability.
• Numeracy and attention to detail.

If this sounds like you and you’re looking for an opportunity that is fun and rewarding, then apply today!

We are looking for three new Board Members to join Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans to work with us to meet our ambitious new strategy of reaching as many people with sight loss as possible across Scotland, no matter what their age or stage of visual impairment.

Our aim is that no-one should face sight loss alone. At Sight Scotland we already offer expert care, education and support but we want to do more by reaching out in new ways across all of Scotland to many more communities and people with sight loss. Sight Scotland Veterans supports around 1,400 veterans, providing innovative and valuable support to keep them independent through our outreach service, rehabilitation and activity centres.

Our Board plays a key role in supporting our strategic direction and ensuring good governance, supporting us as we work to meet our ambitious new strategy, therefore it is essential that you have an interest in better outcomes for people with sight loss. 

We are particularly keen to see applications from those with strategic level experience in one or more of the following areas:

- Community Engagement or Co-production 

- Equality, Diversity and Human Rights

- Additional Support Needs or Visual Impairment Education 

- Knowledge and Understanding of Veterans’ Issues

- Human Resources / Organisational Development

- Fundraising 

- Digital Transformation 

- Property

- Medical Research

Please click on Apply Now for more information and to apply for this rewarding, exciting opportunity to help improve the lives of people living with sight loss across Scotland.

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are sister charities and are the new names for Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded.  Board Members are Trustees of both organisations.

* PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity will initially involve working from home remotely (including training) but may be subject to change in the future, depending on the COVID19 tier restrictions *

Victim Support Scotland Volunteer

How can you support victims and witnesses of crime?
 

Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions in the aftermath of an offence.  It is Victim Support Scotland’s role to provide victims and witnesses of crime emotional and practical support in person, online, and in court.  Volunteers are supported by VSS staff who manage the service.

How would you help? 

Our volunteers provide emotional support, practical help, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. We aim to empower people who have been impacted by crime, to move on with their lives. 

• Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, webchat, appointments and face-to-face contact, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact
• Help service users feel more confident by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits
• Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of the trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of the service users.
• Feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members
• Provide administrative support in completing the service users journey

What benefits would I get?
 

Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland can be challenging and also extremely rewarding. As a volunteer you will:

• Support people when they most need it
• Learn new skills and knowledge of the criminal justice sector
• Gain access to a range of specialist training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role
• Positively contribute to your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime
• A chance to give something back
• Receive support in your volunteering role to deliver services effectively
• All reasonable expenses (e.g. travel) will be reimbursed

What skills and experience do I need?

We are looking for committed, reliable and empathetic volunteers who can work with people of all ages, backgrounds and life situations. Although we provide full training and support, knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience of supporting people is beneficial. As a Victim Support Scotland Volunteer you will need:

• Effective communication skills
• The ability to actively listen to service users and anyone affected by crime
• An interest in learning about the criminal justice system and understand the service user’s journey
• An awareness of confidentiality obligations and the responsibilities that come with upholding these obligations
• Effective time management skills (and working under pressure)
• Access to a car or ability to use public transport

What is the time commitment?
 

We know that our volunteers have busy lives, so we agree the time commitment with each individual volunteer. However, we ask for:
 

• a minimum commitment of approximately one day per week, however this may vary depending upon the needs of the service.
• a minimum commitment of at least 1 year so that they might get the most out of a volunteering role.

How can I apply?
 

The people we support come from all communities across Scotland, as do our volunteers. We welcome new volunteers from all backgrounds and languages. 

To ensure we provide the best possible service to people affected by crime, we ask all volunteers to follow our processes.  This will involve:  
 

• Joining the Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme

• Providing two satisfactory references

• Completing our three day ‘Introduction to Victim Support Scotland’ training module

• Signing and abiding by Victim Support Scotland’s Confidentiality agreement
  • Commitment to Data Protection
  • Volunteer Agreement