Placement Volunteer (Health - Somerset)

The British Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We enable vulnerable people at home and overseas to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help people recover and move on with their lives.

PLEASE NOTE: This role requires you to be based in Somerset as the role involves volunteering from the following office: British Red Cross Taunton, Red Cross House, Livingstone Way, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6BD

The expected start date for the placement is 3 March 2025 and the placement will run for 12 weeks, Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm (although placements are for 2-3 days per week). Exact days to be confirmed but the placement may include some evenings and weekends to work from home or in the community recruiting volunteers.

Please note a criminal records check is required for this role as the role involves working with vulnerable adults.

Placement Volunteers at the British Red Cross are highly valued for the skills and energy they bring. We aim to provide our placement volunteers with an insight into the daily workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. The successful candidate will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement. There may be some ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of activity. Your role as a placement volunteer will help make a great contribution to the work of the British Red Cross. You will take responsibility for achieving specific objectives that are agreed with you within one of the various departments across the UK. You will have a real responsibility and place in the department, bringing some of your skills and experience to the role; you will also have the chance to develop workplace skills. While we don’t offer voluntary internships, we are happy for you to describe yourself as an intern on your CV, if you feel that would be helpful.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you enjoy meeting new people and organising events? Join us as a placement Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator and help us grow our team of dedicated volunteers!

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a Volunteer Recruitment Plan: Spend time crafting effective strategies to attract new volunteers.
• Network to Increase Contacts: Build and maintain relationships with community members and organisations to expand our volunteer base.
• Promote Volunteering Opportunities: Attend local events to spread the word about our volunteer programs and engage with potential volunteers.
• Document Promotion Efforts: Create innovative ways to track and document where and how we promote our volunteer opportunities.
• Engage with Interested Individuals: Talk to people interested in volunteering, answer their questions, and inspire them to join our cause.
• Onboard New Volunteers: Assist in the onboarding process to ensure new volunteers feel welcomed and prepared.

What’s in it for you?

• Develop valuable skills in communication, networking, and project management.
• Make meaningful connections and expand your professional network.
• Gain a sense of accomplishment by contributing to a worthy cause.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of helping others and making a positive impact in your community.

We want you because your passion for community engagement, excellent communication skills, and innovative thinking will help us attract and retain dedicated volunteers. Your ability to connect with people and organise effectively will make a significant impact on our mission.

We would like volunteers who have;

• Communication Skills: Be able to clearly communicate the mission and benefits of volunteering. This includes both verbal and written communication.
• Marketing and Outreach: Understanding of how to use social media, email campaigns, and other marketing tools to reach potential.
• Organisational Skills: Managing time effectively and keeping track of potential volunteers.
• Public Speaking: Being comfortable speaking in front of groups, whether at community events or informational sessions.
• Passion and Enthusiasm: Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and passion for the cause.

Bursary Scheme

The British Red Cross offers a bursary scheme to those placement volunteers from low-income households. Eligibility will be determined through a separate application process open to all short-listed candidates. All British Red Cross volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket reasonable expenses.

For this scheme we are defining low-income households as:

Inside London:

Living with family or partner £25,000 or under. Living independently £22.500 or under

Outside London:

Living with family or partner £18,500 or under. Living independently £16,500 or under

Diversity

We welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, experience and circumstances. We seek to ensure that our organisation and our services are relevant and accessible to all, with equality, diversity and fairness at the core of what we do. We invite applications from individuals regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or political belief and are committed to promoting fair participation and equality of opportunity for all of our applicants.

The British Red Cross is committed to being inclusive, with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences – including disabled and ethnic minority candidates. We value fresh perspectives and insights gained by involving and welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience. This is to contribute to the breadth of experience we need to respond to people in crisis.