Volunteering Opportunities

December 2014

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our organisation and want to maximise the opportunity to engage volunteers in a diverse range of roles. This document gives an overview of the roles which are currently available and how to apply.

Information & Advice Service

Our Information & Advice service delivers a holistic service to older people, providing them with clear and accurate information on all issue that affect them. We aim to promote independence and allow older people to make informed decisions and choices.

Office Receptionist:

This role is based at our office in Exeter and involves answering incoming telephone calls and transferring the callers to the appropriate member of staff. Other tasks may include:

  • Photocopying, filing, laminating and shredding
  • Word processing and inputting data onto our database, Charitylog
  • Preparing mail merge letters
  • Ordering replacement leaflets and literature
  • Replenishing leaflet displays
  • Researching suitable meeting/outreach venues

Information & Advice Caseworker:

Some older people find the task of completing complications forms a little daunting, which often results in them not claiming a much needed financial entitlement such as Attendance or Carers Allowance or Council Tax Benefit. Our Information and Advice Caseworkers use their knowledge and skills to empathetically assist older people to complete application forms and to guide them through various processes.

Our volunteers will:

  • Receive comprehensive training and shadow existing volunteers prior to working alone
  • Use their administrative skills to assist older people to complete application forms
  • Work flexible hours to suit their lifestyles and can choose the geographical area they wish to cover

Community Activities

‘Branching Out’ Gardening Enabler:

This role involves attending a weekly day care opportunity for older people living with dementia. The activity is delivered at 1646 in Torrington. Volunteers are required to work on a one-to-one basis with service users to support them with the gardening activities. Some volunteers may wish to assist with transporting service users to and from the venue; additional checks are required and extra training will be provided.

IT Tutor:

This role involves attending established IT classes in Honiton, Kingsbridge and Seaton, or outreach taster sessions in other locations, to encourage older people to connect with new technology and learn new skills. Volunteers need to have the patience to teach in a calm and clear way. Tuition is offered to complete beginners and to those older people who have basic computing skills but want to develop new skills or use new types of digital technology.

East Devon Outreach Activities Assistant:

This role involves attending pre-arranged outreach activities in Seaton. There are currently three types of weekly activities offered from two venues: a craft session (Knit & Natter),an exercise classes (Body Moves) and a social drop in session providing older people with tea/coffee and a chat. Volunteers are required to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at each activity and encourage clients to make the most of their chosen activity. Volunteers take the responsibility for preparing the venue and serving refreshments.

Fundraiser:

This role involves working with minimal supervision within your community to carry out local fundraising events/activities to promote Age UK Devon and raise funds in order to deliver sustainable services for older people. Volunteers will assist in local and national fundraising events, assist with the planning of activities, and be responsible for the placement of collection tins within their community.

Age UK Products & Services

Trading Arranger:

This role is based at our office in Exeter but may also involve attending outreach clinics. The volunteer will support the Trading Manager with duties such as:

  • Selling of regulated products such as insurance and energy either from incoming calls or face to face, after initial compliant training
  • Dealing with incoming/outgoing post and banking & reconciliation of monies
  • Administration such as data entry, word processing and using Microsoft Office packages
  • Organising events to promote and market the range of Age UK products and services as appropriate

Governance

Trustees:

This strategic role involves being responsible for setting policy and longer-term strategies for Age UK Devon and monitoringon-going performance and progress. Trustees are responsible for applying resources to meet the objectives as set out in the governing documents. They also have to agree or ratify decisions on matters which might create significant risk, financial or otherwise.

Next steps…

  • Request a full volunteering pack including job profiles for the specific roles you are interested in. Do this by telephoning us on 0845 296 7810.
  • Complete and return your volunteer application form and diversity monitoring questionnaire.
  • Attend an interview to discuss the role/s and your suitability.
  • We obtain two references, from referees detailed on your application form.
  • Complete a Disclosure & Barring Service Check (previously known as a Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure) if required for the role.
  • Attend your Induction and any associated training.
  • Shadow staff or well established volunteers.
  • Start volunteering!