Community Engagement Volunteers - Westminster, United Kingdom - The Zoological Society

The Zoological Society
The Zoological Society
Verified Company
Westminster, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Tom O´Connor

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter
Description

Overview:

  • Do you feel passionate that everyone should have equal opportunity to enjoy wildlife and natue? _
  • Do you enjoy chatting to and helping people?_
  • Are you interested in wildlife conservation and animals?_
If you can answer yes to these questions, then our Community Engagement Volunteer role at London Zoo is just for you

You don't need to be an animal or conservation expert to undertake this role.

We'd love to hear from people from all backgrounds, but you must enjoy chatting to people and want to support them to enjoy their time at the Zoo.


Role Profile:

Purpose of Role/ Project:

Our Community Engagement Volunteers aid the delivery of London Zoo's accessible activities and events primarily through:

  • Assisting the Supported Volunteer Scheme (SVS) as Volunteer Team Leaders
  • Supporting the team to deliver Accessible Activities and events on site throughout the year. There is also the option to support the team with adhoc officebased and administrative tasks related to the programme.

Time commitment
We would like volunteers to commit to at least half a day a fortnight on average. On occasion we will ask volunteers to attend for a whole day.


Main tasks

volunteer will be

asked to

undertake:

We are looking for volunteers to support the practical face-to-face delivery of London Zoo's accessible activities and events by:

  • Providing assistance to the Supported Volunteer Scheme (SVS) as Team Leaders on weekdays. Tasks include
  • Liaising between the SVS group and departments where the activity is taking place.
  • Preparing for SVS sessions to take place.
  • Leading briefings for SVS sessions.
  • Being available for the duration of the SVS sessions to support volunteers to undertake practical tasks such as gardening, maintenance and helping in the animal enclosure.
  • Supporting the team to deliver accessible activities and events on site

Tasks include:

  • Community Engagement events, accessible activities, and projects on site at London Zoo.
  • Outreach and onsite sessions.
  • Delivering British Sign Language support at events or activities (if appropriate).
There is also the opportunity to support the team with ad-hoc office-based and administrative tasks related to the programme, which would include:

  • Supporting administration of the Community Access Scheme and Community Engagement events.
  • Adding data to spreadsheets.

Qualities, skills, and experience required

  • A passion for working with people.
  • Enthusiasm for improving access for visitors to London Zoo, and some awareness of accessibility initiatives.
  • A confident communicator (to groups and individuals).
  • Good levels of fitness as accessible activities and events can involve lots of physical activities and practical handson tasks.
  • Experience and enjoyment in outdoor tasks.
  • Excellent listening skills.
  • Reliable attendance.
  • Experience of gardening is desirable but not essential.
  • Some British Sign Language ability (Level 2 or higher) is desirable but not essential (ZSL is unable provide training in this area).
  • IT literacy and ability to use Microsoft programmes including Excel, if supporting with admin tasks.
Ability to demonstrate ZSL's values - inspiring, innovative, impactful, collaborative, ethical and inclusive.


Volunteers will gain:


  • The opportunity to be involved in an international conservation charity.
  • Knowledge about London Zoo's natural and cultural heritage.
  • The chance to meet new people and volunteer in a friendly welcoming team.
  • The chance to volunteer in a vibrant and busy zoo, alongside our amazing animals.
  • Training (see below), and an opportunity to learn new skills relevant to the role.
  • Communication skills, and confidence in working with diverse groups of people.
  • A greater awareness of needs of those with Additional Needs and Disability (SEND).
  • Personal health and welfare benefits associated with volunteering.
  • Opportunities to attend Zoo management/ZSL updates.

Relevant training may include:


  • Volunteer induction, including health and safety.
  • Safeguarding Training.
  • Accessibility Awareness Training
  • Ongoing regular training and briefings appropriate to the role.

Support and resources provided:


  • ZSL Volunteer Management Team for general enquiries, support and problemsolving.
  • Named ZSL contact/supervisor to provide support and guidance when undertaking this role.
  • ZSL fleece and polo shirt; communal outdoor coats are available.
  • Volunteer ID pass.
  • Regular communication from Volunteer Management Team.
  • Complimentary refreshments.
  • Access to discounted Staff and Volunteer catering options.
  • Opportunities to attend ZSL volunteer recognition and thank you activities.
  • Discounts on ZSL products, experiences, and activities.
  • Out of pocket expenses for travel and lunch relating to this role will be reimbursed at up to £15.00 a day on the production of valid receipts.
  • Access to computers when needed for project work/adm
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