‘Join Dementia Research’ Communications Volunteer

This is an outline of what your role with the Society may involve. You will have the opportunity to discuss this in more detail at your meeting with Louise Walker – Research Communications Officer

Where, when and how often?
  • You will be working from home for the majority of time, although you will be required to attend training at our London office (near Fenchurch Street, London).
  • You will be part of a small team of volunteers from different areas.
  • The role hours are very flexible and will depend on your area and availability. However we do ask for a commitment of at least half a day per week, so approximately one talk every two weeks.
  • The amount of time needed will depend on the number of presentations you are able to organise and give. However you may be asked to give presentations 2-3 times a month.
  • The role will require some admin time in order to liaise with service managers and staff to plan these presentations at local events, meetings and groups.
  • This role will require travel to and from events.
  • You will need to attend training in our London office. You will need to undertake a training programme when you start.
  • You will be required to attend regular support meetings but these can be done over the phone.
  • We would appreciate a commitment of at least six months in the first instance, while recognising that personal circumstances may change.

How does the role make a difference?
Around 22,000 people participated in dementia research in 2014/15 in England, which equates to fewer than 4% of the diagnosed population. To encourage more people to take part in dementia research, the National Institute for Health Research has developed a website and database called 'Join Dementia Research' (JDR). Alzheimer's Society is supporting the delivery and development of this service in a number of ways.
There are three ways people affected by dementia can register on the database:
  • Directly through the ‘Join dementia research’ website
  • By submitting a paper registration form
  • Via a telephone helpdesk
We are looking for volunteers to promote this crucial service within Alzheimer’s Society services. This will include representing and promoting the JDR service at events. Volunteers will also be required to give presentations to people affected by dementia and local service staff. With the aim being to raise awareness of the Join Dementia Research service and increasing registration numbers for the database. This will ultimately boost participation in dementia research.
What will I be doing?
  • Liaising with local Alzheimer’s Society services and groups to arrange JDR promotion.
  • Attending local events to represent and promote the JDR service.
  • Attending local service staff meetings, peer support and carers groups to give a pre-designed JDR promotional presentation.
  • Assisting our Research Communications team with any opportunities to promote JDR at events or engagement meetings.
  • Other administrative and project based support where required.
  • Attending on-going training and information sessions relating to dementia research.
  • Respecting confidentiality and ensuring it happens in practice.
  • Operating within Alzheimer’s Society policies and procedures.

Is this role for me?
The role may be ideal for you if:
  • You have an interest or experience in dementia and/or medical research and how it is conducted.
  • You can demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills, including delivery of presentations to a variety of audiences.
  • You are confident and able to use your own initiative.
  • You have access to the internet and have a space to work in from home.
  • You are able to work as part of a team whilst working remotely.
  • You are aware of your own limitations and you are willing to ask for support when required.
  • You have strong IT skills using power point, outlook and internet.
  • You are committed to the Society’s expectations around values and behaviours.

How will I be supported during my volunteering?
  • You will have support from a role manager within the Research Communications team.
  • You will have a designated person within the research communications team to oversee your involvement and ensure that the position provides a fulfilling experience for you.
  • You will receive an induction programme to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to fulfil the role.
  • You will also receive one-to-one and/or group based support, this may be over the phone.
  • Agreed out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel in accordance with Society policy.
  • You will have access to Alzheimer’s Society’s training and educational resources to assist you in your role as an Alzheimer’s Society volunteer.
  • You will also benefit from working alongside various members of the Research Directorate, all of whom will support your activities.

Responsible to/local support:
Louise Walker – Research Communications Officer
What do I have to do before I can start?
  • We will carry out an informal telephone discussion and meet with selected applicants to discuss the role further.
  • We will take up two references.
  • You will undergo initial induction and training, followed by a trial period.

What’s in it for me?
  • You will receive on-going training and development.
  • You’ll be directly involved with the rewarding task of boosting participation in dementia research.
  • Contributing your existing skills, learning new ones and finding others you didn’t know you had.
  • References for future employers.
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities including e-learning and face to face training.
  • Opportunity to become a Dementia Friend.
  • Opportunity to support the work of Alzheimer’s Society.
  • Peer to peer support at Volunteer Engagement Network events.
/ Our Values
Always informed by the needs and experiences of people affected by dementia, we:
• are inclusive, making sure that we reach out to and involve people from every group and community
• challenge ourselves and others to question the status quo, be pioneering, and embrace change
• aspire to excellence in everything we do
• always act with integrity and treat everyone with respect, dignity and fairness
• enable others to make a meaningful contribution and realise their potential.
I’m keen to find out more – what should I do now?
If you would like to apply for this role please send your CV with a covering letter indicating why you are interested in the role and why you are suitable to:
Not quite what you were looking for? See alzheimers.org.uk/volunteers for more options or call 0845 504 9300 (call charges vary).

Page 1 of 3Last updated:December 2013