Sure Start Speke is committed to the provision of volunteering opportunities for local residents in order to support the aims and objectives of the organisation and the wider area regeneration.

Volunteering opportunities within Sure Start Speke may be service related or client based providing individuals with structured activities that it is hoped will enhance their employability.

We fully respect the needs of volunteers and recognise individual reasons for volunteering are varied and where volunteering opportunities are not available with the organisation we will utilise our extensive networks to match volunteers to appropriate organisations with related aims and objectives.

We recognise that volunteering provides a valuable exchange in particular for the organisation by:

• Allowing us to make the most of local talent
• Encouraging diversity within our organisation
• Ensuring that Sure Start Speke remains representative of our local community
• Providing opportunities for volunteers to enhance their skills in relation to their activities
• Helping to meet our objective for strengthening families and communities

Lynnie Williams our Family Involvement and Inclusion Manager has overall responsibility for overseeing all volunteering opportunities and development.

Lynnie spent many years working locally in the JET centre as a Guidance officer and Manager. She will guarantee that all volunteers receive a comprehensive induction and personal development plan. Through regular supervision and action planning all volunteers will be given access to individual customised training which will maximise their employability.

Additionally when volunteers are confident and ready to return to work she will assist in:

• In work benefit calculations
• Putting together a CV
• Filling out application forms and covering letters
• Interview Techniques

Will I be paid expenses?
All out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed for travel and lunches.

Will I receive help with childcare?
We will endeavour to provide support by offering childcare in a Sure Start Speke provision where a place is available.

What will I be expected to wear?
All our volunteers are treated like any other member of the team, depending on the activity the volunteers undertakes a uniform will be provided at no cost.

Will I be insured?
Yes Sure Start Speke has full public and employer liability insurance.

How do I find out about volunteer vacancies?
We actively promote volunteering opportunities to ensure local people have access and our organisation continues to reflect the local community. All volunteer recruitment is carried out in line with our equal opportunities policy.

What types of volunteering roles are available?

• Running our play and stay sessions
• Delivering art & craft sessions for the children
• Organising and planning trips out
• Working in our cafe
• Organising the annual carnival
• Project Development

Volunteers can expect:

• An initial contact from a designated member of the Sure Start Team to establish the existing skills of the volunteer, agree an appropriate range of activities for the volunteer and establish any area for training and development
• Sure Start Speke to facilitate regular meetings with volunteers.
• Access to appropriate communications regarding the activities of Sure Start Speke e.g. minutes of task groups and Board
• Representation on the Board for Sure Start Speke in order to influence programme development.
• Provision of out of pocket expenses
• Regular support and supervision
• Relevant training to enable them to undertake the role
• Access to networks that will enable them to gain awareness of any relevant employment opportunities

Volunteers will be expected to:

• Complete a volunteer application form
• Provide two referees
• Allow Sure Start Speke to undertake enhanced CRB checks
• Commit to an agreed time schedule for volunteering in order to facilitate programme planning, this should be a minimum of one 3 hour session per week.
• Agree to participate in professional development where relevant to the activities undertaken by the volunteer.
• Agree to adhere to all relevant policies for Sure Start Speke
• Sign a confidentiality statement

All policies detailed within the Sure Start handbook apply equally to volunteers with exception to remuneration for services, although provision is made for volunteer expenses as detailed above.