The Canal and River Trust is excited to share this exciting opportunity to join our team and work with our wide range of volunteers.
Our Weedon towpath taskforce has grown in numbers over the last few months and we are looking for an individual who can help the current task manager facilitate and lead future group sessions on the towpath.
We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals with an interest in the improving the towpath and has some experience safely leading maintenance teams, creating work plans and some knowledge of completing risk assessments. However this not all mandatory as training and support will be provided.
This is a genuine hands on opportunity where you will learn more about our canal network, how to deliver safe and impactful volunteer days, and get great enjoyment from seeing these activities come to life.
If you are interested and would like to learn more about the role, then please get in touch.
Why we want you
Lead Volunteers play an important role in local teams across the Trust and provide a great opportunity for you to have a big impact and facilitate more volunteering on the waterways.
What you will be doing
Welcoming new volunteers into their team, buddying them up with other volunteers as appropriate
Leading a team of volunteers be that on site, at a museum or visitor attraction, at events, on a school visit or other activity area
Organising and supporting volunteer teams and individuals and communicating key messages. E.g. running a rota and/or letting team members know of specific needs within their team
Working with their task manager in planning, inducting, training, logistics, data gathering, Welcome Sessions and celebrations
Listening to their volunteers’ needs and aspirations and working with their task manager to address these as far as possible
Taking part and representing their team within internal networks
In discussion with your manager: Representing the Trust externally for example talking about their team and the Trust in a local community group
In discussion with your manager: Carrying out training assessments of volunteers
In discussion with your manager: Project managing specific projects within the team to complete a timebound activity
Our Lead Volunteers may lead our volunteers or oversee the activities of a partner organisation on our behalf
When you register as a volunteer, we will ask you about any unspent convictions which you need to declare and risk assess these as needs be.
The skills you need
Excellent people skills, including patience, empathy, and the ability to respond to needs & spot potential
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including listening and providing feedback
Enthusiasm & commitment for the waterways and the Trust’s values
Good understanding of health & safety principles
Experience of volunteering, and an understanding of the dynamics of volunteer management
Good IT skills and availability to respond to needs of volunteers and colleagues within the Trust
What's in it for you
Time outdoors
Build new skills and new friendships
