Emergency Response Volunteer (Croydon)

When there is a fire, flood or severe weather, we’re among the first to respond. From making a cup of tea to trekking through snow and sleet to deliver the essentials, we work with other organisations to do what’s needed straight away.

We are looking for someone who is able to:

• Commit to being on call for a total of 24 hours per month. Usually, a single on-call shift is 12 hours; either daytime 07:00-19:00 or nighttime 19:00-07:00. However, we can be flexible based on your availability providing the total of 24 hours per month is met. Please note that by signing up to the rota, you agree to be on-call, reachable and ready to deploy on short notice if emergencies occur during your shift. However, signing up does not always mean you will deploy.

• Due to specific training requirements and the unpredictable nature of Emergency Response work, we ask for a minimum commitment of 18 months.

• Lives within the London Borough of Croydon or immediate surrounding areas and able to reach central Croydon CR0 1NX within 30 minutes.

• Have held a driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive manual vehicles in the UK. Be willing to drive a British Red Cross vehicle, which is usually a large van, SUV, or 4x4. Having access to your own vehicle is not a requirement.

• Are available to undertake approximately 19 hours of required e-learning modules and Zoom training sessions in the first few weeks of volunteering plus other ongoing service specific trainings as required.

• Be warm, friendly, calm, empathic, a good listener and can follow processes under pressure. Has good communication and conversational skills.

• Act responsibly, as a team, deploy to be on call and deploy within Greater London at short notice, based on availability.  Understanding the inconsistent nature of emergency response work is necessary. i.e. accepting that there will be occasions when you do not deploy to emergencies for long periods of time as opposed to other times when you seem to be deploying more frequently. 

• Capacity to develop more skills, assume additional roles and take up additional hours on the rota is desirable.

• Previous experience with emergencies and complex situations is desirable.

• British Red Cross offers various Volunteer engagement events per month to all volunteers such as the Peer Support session, Better Informed Session and above all, monthly group nights which are held at the British Red Cross office in Moorgate EC2Y 9AL, that offers various practical operational learning opportunities.

• Please note that by signing up to the rota, you agree to be on-call, reachable and ready to deploy on short notice if emergencies occur during your shift.

• Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Enhanced with Adults barred Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Diversity

Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment and promote and spread the power of kindness. As part of creating an inclusive space we have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up-front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives. We welcome refugees, asylum seekers and others currently in the UK to volunteer with us. We want volunteering to be accessible to everyone.

Health and Safety Statement

We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need.

If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at volunteerrecruitment@redcross.org.uk