Volunteer Roles

Wolfram Syndrome UK (WSUK)

WSUK is a small national charity based in West Sussex that supports children, young people and adults affected by Wolfram Syndrome (WS) and their parents/wider families. WS is an ultra-rare genetic disorder which causes a complex range of symptoms, including diabetes mellitus, vision problems, renal problems, deafness, and neurological problems. WSUK provides current, accurate and family-friendly information, raises awareness of WS among health professionals and the public, and helps to fund WS research. 

WSUK Treasurer

The WSUK Board is seeking to recruit a Treasurer to complement and extend the range of skills and experience of its current members. This voluntary role will maintain an overview of WSUK’s activities to ensure its financial viability and that proper financial procedures are maintained. Through active participation in quarterly Board meetings (on-line), this role will help WSUK to achieve its ambitions to continue to develop the activities and services it delivers to the WS community.

Skills and experience

WSUK is seeking a treasurer who is committed and motivated to help lead this small, but growing charity. Some financial experience and skills are needed, along with good independent judgement, an ability to communicate clearly and a team-oriented approach. You will become an important part of a dynamic charity, and you will be able to see how your involvement, skills and experience, directly benefit the people living with this challenging, ultra-rare condition.

The closing date for applications is Friday 13th September 2024..

Treasurer role description

Summary of the role:

The overall role of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

Overall responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Treasurer include:

· Overseeing and approving budgets, accounts and financial statements.

· Ensuring proper records are kept and effective financial procedures and controls are in place.

· Regularly reporting the financial position at Board meetings (e.g. quarterly reports), drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

· Overseeing the production of an annual budget and proposing its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.

· Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.

· Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.

· Liaising with members of the WSUK team about financial matters.

· Liaising at a Board level with external auditors on specific issues in the auditing process.

· Guiding and advising fellow trustees to formally approve the annual report and audited accounts.

· Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.

· Appraising the financial viability of plans and proposals.

Responsible to: This role works closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees

 Experience and skills:

The treasurer should have the following qualities:

· Financial experience. (e.g. as a Financial Director, Financial controller or qualified accountant).

· Financial analytical and evaluation skills.

· Good, independent judgement and strong leadership skills.

· Ability to communicate clearly.

· A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort and be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

· A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

This is a voluntary position although all reasonable expenses are paid (in line with the WSUK expenses policy).

This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Time commitment

· The Board meets around 4 times per year, held virtually in the evening.

· The AGM is typically held as a face-to-face meeting on a Saturday afternoon in / near Worthing, West Sussex.

· Attendance at fundraising events and the Wolfram Syndrome annual conference is optional.

 The Applicant needs to reside in the UK.

Ambient Support is one of the largest generic not for profit care providers in the UK with expertise in many areas of social care. We are looking to recruit a fabulous new Treasurer to act as Finance lead for the trustee board.

What will you be doing?

Key responsibilities: 

• To ensure that the corporate financial affairs of the Charity are conducted efficiently and with due regard to financial probity and accounting requirements. 
• To establish a relationship of trust and support with the Group Executive Management Team (GEMT) and, in particular, the Director of Finance and the Chief Executive. 

• To attend, and progress to chairing the Business Improvement & Financial Performance Committee (BIFP) and to be an ex officio member of other committees as appropriate. 

Conduct of board business: 

The Treasurer has a prime responsibility to pay particular attention to all aspects of the business of the Charity, its Committees relating to financial and business planning, treasury policy and to provide professional advice to them, in consultation with the Director of Finance and/or the Chair of the subsidiary entity as appropriate. 

The Treasurer has a responsibility to be familiar with the Charity’s financial policies and procedures (including delegated authorities) and offer counsel which consistent with them.

The Treasurer has no executive authority delegated to themselves but is expected as custodian of the financial wellbeing of the Charity to:

• Maintain a close interest in the financial performance and health of the Charity and be available to offer impartial and professional advice to the Chair and GEMT.
• At all times have regard to the financial markets and their effects on the treasury management of the Charity’s borrowings and reserves and be available to advise the Director of Finance accordingly.
• Take a close interest in the work of both the internal and external auditors of the Charity and be available for consultation with them.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a senior Finance professional who will bring a blend of strategic financial expertise, leadership, and a keen understanding of complex financial matters. 

• Experienced financial professional: Finance background with experience in managing or being part of a finance team. 
• Fully qualified Accountant: Ideally with prior Trustee experience and demonstrable knowledge of the not-for-profit sector. We would also be happy to consider applications from individuals with substantive experience at a senior level in Finance roles within the not-for-profit sector. 
• Strategic financial thinker: Experience in high-level financial planning, budgeting, and decision-making to drive Ambient’s growth and sustainability. 
• Understanding of charity finance: It is an essential that candidates have experience either of trusteeship or have held a senior Finance role within the sector and have experience of the management of charity accounts and ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards. 
• Clear communicator: Ability to present complex financial information clearly and accessibly to the Board of Trustees. 
• Team Player: Someone with a collegiate approach who values collaboration, teamwork, and shared decision-making.

What difference will you make?

As the new Treasurer of Ambient, you will help maintain the financial health and transparency of our organization. Your efforts will support our high-quality care for older people, individuals with mental health needs, and those with learning disabilities. You'll bring valuable leadership and teamwork to our growing board, fostering collaboration and strategic decision-making. With your guidance, our dedicated staff will continue delivering exceptional services, helping people live full and meaningful lives.

As an Age UK Digital Champion volunteer, you'll receive training to aid older individuals in improving their digital skills and confidence, conducting sessions in various settings.

Your role includes understanding their online barriers, setting goals, tracking progress, and providing feedback for program enhancement.

This is city-wide across Birmingham. 

Specific tasks may include:

· Work with older people in 1:1 and/or group sessions to develop their digital skills and confidence online. 1:1 sessions may be regular and ongoing depending on the needs of the individual.

· Get to know the older people you support and understand the barriers they face to getting online, helping them to overcome them.

· Work with older people you support to understand their goals and set out appropriate plans together to reach them.

· Using resources provided by Age UK, support older people during their sessions to record and celebrate their progress and learning.

· Collect data and information from older people’s sessions and share with the Digital Champion Programme team as applicable, and securely.

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Great listening skills and clear, personable communication, adaptable to various learner levels, and empathetic to individual needs and situations.

· Comfortable with various common devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops .

· Ideally, confident in different OS systems (android, iOS, Windows) although not essential to be familiar with all.

· Proficient in everyday online tasks such as messaging, emailing, browsing, video calling, shopping, and banking.

· Can ensure attention to detail when collecting and handling older people's information, with awareness of personal data handling.

Additional Information

You will be required to engage with any necessary training provided by Age UK to ensure you feel equipped to support older people effectively in this project.

This role will also require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which we will organise for you.  

A bit about this role

We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around Canterbury. The postcode areas we are active in are CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, ME13.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help. 

Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare. 

Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!

What can you expect to be doing?

• Helping organise fundraising events in your local area 
• Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
• Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas 
• Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
• Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Responsible to handle money
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation 

Our fundraising volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around Mitcham. The postcode areas we are active in are SM1, SM2, SM3, SM4, SM5, SM6, SW2, SW4, SW8, SW9, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, SE1, SE5, SE11, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE24, SE25, SE26, CO0, CR4, CR7, KT1, KT2, KT3, KT4, KT17, KT19.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help. 

Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare. 

Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!

What can you expect to be doing?

• Helping organise fundraising events in your local area 
• Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
• Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas 
• Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
• Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Responsible to handle money
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation 

Our fundraising volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Role: Volunteer – reasonable expenses paid
Location: Remote with occasional travel
Contract Type: Average 4 hours per week – 3 years initial term

About the Role

PatientsVoices is a group of volunteers who support, advise and influence our client by providing the patient perspective on its work. They can offer you a range of contribution and development opportunities, and the knowledge that you are making a positive difference to the lives of patients, and the healthcare staff who look after them. 

There are a wide range of activities to suit different skills and levels of commitment if you are appointed as a member. You might be a permanent member on formal committees, or help our client produce information for patients, or be part of visits to hospitals to assess anaesthetic departments and the care they provide to patients.

About You

Would you like to help improve the quality of care patients receive at the time of surgery and anaesthesia? Do you have either personal experience or a parent/carer’s experience of supporting family members or dependents through surgery? Could you give your views to help doctors and other health care professionals understand patient perspectives?

If this is you, please read the information below and consider applying to join PatientsVoices. Please note that this is a volunteer unpaid role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed or covered in advance. They welcome individuals from all backgrounds, communities and sections of society across the UK.

What our client can offer you

• A comprehensive induction, and training as required
• A buddy to help you get settled in the role and understand how the College works
• Regular check-ins to see how you are doing and what we can do to support you
• The opportunity to gain confidence and add valuable experience to your CV
• The opportunity to gain understanding of how the healthcare system works in the UK
• The chance to work with doctors and make a difference to patients’ experience of the NHS
• The opportunity to meet new people and socialise
• A flexible approach to engaging with them, with opportunities tailored to your life circumstances

About our Client

They are the professional body responsible for the anaesthetic specialty throughout the UK. They ensure the quality of patient care by maintaining standards in anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

How to Apply

On clicking apply you will be redirected to our clients careers page where you will be able to read more information about this role and it also includes instructions on how to apply.

Our partner is a specialist organisation run by women for women and children, providing impactful and high quality, accommodation-based help and intervention for women exposed to gender-based abuse and exploitation, and their children.

They are seeking a Treasurer to oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls, and procedures are in place, and are appropriate for the charity.

The postholder will have successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation, and a commitment to the organisation and their charitable objectives.

The Board meets 6 times per year, with the Finance Committee meeting a further 6 times annually, either in-person in Luton or online.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles, please visit the AfID website.

Our partner is an international peacebuilding organisation, inspired by the Christian faith, working in societies affected by violent conflict to promote the power of peaceful relationships and creating space for them to thrive.

They are seeking a Trustee to chair their finance sub-committee, with experience in a senior finance role who is able to help them develop their approach to finance and support them in the move towards cloud-based accounting.

Having a background as a qualified accountant would be beneficial, as would charity sector experience, preferably in international development, as well as sharing the Christian values of the organisation.

Trustees are asked to attend 4 full day Board meetings annually, alternating between online and in-person, with the finance sub-committee meeting an additional 4-5 times per year, usually online for around an hour.

_________________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles, please visit the AfID website.

Our partner promotes and supports people across Buckinghamshire to be more involved in how health and social care services are planned and delivered in their communities, with a view to improving local people’s experiences.

They are seeking a new Treasurer to lead the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the financial integrity of the organisation, and to provide support and guidance on financial matters to the Chief Executive and their team.

The role requires proven experience in financial planning, management and reporting and the ability to plan, prepare and chair effective meetings of the Finance Committee. Successful candidates should have some experience of the voluntary and/or charity sector, and have a passion for promoting better outcomes in health and social care for all.

Board members are asked to commit between eight and twelve hours each month to Board matters, including travelling to different locations within Buckinghamshire for quarterly Board meetings.

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For more Trustee & Treasurer roles, please visit the AfID website.

Aloha Foundation Uganda

Our startup helps to improve literacy and numeracy among primary school going children and in the long run reduce school drop outs thus improving education completion and transition into better employment opportunities

In Northern Uganda, access to quality education remains a significant challenge, especially in underserved primary schools. The 2021 Uwezo report highlights that literacy and numeracy levels among P3-P7 students in Uganda are only 39.5% and 48.85%, respectively, with the Northern region performing the worst in the country. Although the government Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy has increased school access, the quality of education is still poor because it is based on the traditional curriculum that focuses heavily on exams, neglecting basic skills and preventing early identification and resolution of student issues. High enrolment and automatic promotion under the UPE policy further undermine learning quality.

Our intervention, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), aims to improve learning outcomes through regular assessments and tailored support. This approach fosters essential teacher-student engagement, addressing challenges promptly to ensure all learners receive the support needed to reach their educational targets.

How it works: Students are grouped into learning grous based on their competences and tailored teaching is availed to them at their learning levels. To sort students according to their learning levels, various assessments, both formal and informal, are employed. The formal assessments include Baseline, Midline, and Endline assessments. We are currently organizing to run a pilot program that spans 120 hours over three months, split evenly between Numeracy (60 hours) and Literacy (60 hours). Initially, a baseline assessment will gauge the students’ competencies, guiding the formation of initial learning level groups. At the 30-hour mark, a midline assessment will measure progress and prompt potential re-grouping based on improvements. Upon completing the 60 hours for both literacy and numeracy, an endline assessment will assess the pilot’s overall progress with learning outcomes. Between the formal assessments, we anticipate progress and will therefore carryout ongoing qualitative assessments, such as bi-weekly evaluations, driven by teachers’ professional judgment and observations of students’ development. Teachers will receive guidelines to support their decisions on student progression.

Fundraising Coordinator

Role Description

We are looking for a volunteer fundraising coordinator to help with the following:

1. Planning and executing fundraising strategies.
2. Identifying and cultivating potential donors.
3. Organizing fundraising events and campaigns.
4. Writing grant proposals and funding applications.
5. Reporting on fundraising activities and outcomes.

Volunteer 2-3 hours per week for 3-5 months remotely.

Our charity shops play an important part in providing financial income for the Sheffield Animal Shelter to assist with the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals within our Branch area. A friendly, confident approach is desirable as is previous retail knowledge. We are currently looking for volunteers who can commit to hours or days to suit you. Any support you can give is greatly appreciated. This is a great role for those who enjoy meeting new people whilst volunteering to help animals.

About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, ensuring that horses and ponies have a sanctuary for life. Founded on the principles that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and long-standing companions to humans, have intrinsic value and purpose, the charity believes they deserve kindness and care. Since being founded by Rosemary Kind in 1988, the charity has rescued 1,075 horses and ponies. 

With a current annual income of circa £7m, the Sanctuary relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts to sustain its work and has a loyal supporter base of individuals and organisations, as well as a passionate and talented team of 130 employees and 87 volunteers. The charity's objectives include rescuing and providing care for horses and ponies in need, advancing public education on equine welfare, and offering equine-assisted learning and therapeutic activities to enhance the lives of children, young people, and adults with various difficulties.

Rescuing and providing care

The charity's rescue and lifelong care are focused in the Southwest of England, and as part of the National Equine Welfare Council, the Sanctuary collaborates locally and nationally with the RSPCA and other equine welfare charities. The charity's four peaceful sanctuaries in Devon provide expert care for around 150 horses and ponies with specific needs, while a network of knowledgeable "Sanctuary at Home" carers looks after approximately 430 horses and ponies. 

Advancing public education

Support and education to equine-owning communities are provided through the Welfare Outreach and Advice team, offering non-judgemental advice and formal welfare interventions when necessary. The Sanctuary educates people on the physical, psychological, and social needs of horses and ponies based on current veterinary and equine science.

Equine-assisted learning

Human-equine interaction is offered through equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted wellbeing, and equine-assisted activities with rescued horses and ponies. Participants relate to the horses' and ponies' life stories, bringing hope and a renewed sense of meaning and direction to their lives. The organisation is fully inclusive, offering both a person-centred and equine-centred approach.

Role specification

The Board of Trustees is collectively responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers its purpose, and together hold the charity ‘in trust’ for current and future beneficiaries, in particular to:

• Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these
• Be responsible for the performance of the charity and its culture
• Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application
• Ensure that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard

Person specification

Having conducted a skills analysis of the existing Board, the charity is seeking passionate trustees with the following specialist areas of expertise to join the Board: 

• Financial expertise (to also sit as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee)
• HR expertise (to also sit as Chair of the People and Culture Committee)
• Equine expertise

The charity would welcome hearing from you if you: 

• Have skills and proven expertise in one of the above areas, either in the charity, private or government sectors
• Are passionate about horses & ponies and their unique bond with people
• Want to develop your strategic skills and gain valuable experience at board level
• Have good communication skills and would enjoy working as part of a collaborative Trustee team

The charity is committed to developing a diverse board and wish to recruit trustees from a wide range of backgrounds including young people, people from minority and ethnic communities, people with disabilities and people who have lived experience of the difference that horses and ponies or outdoor learning can make to other people’s lives. It believes that different perspectives and the richness of its people's experience will help drive its growth. First time board members are particularly encouraged to apply.

Terms of Appointment

This is a voluntary role with no renumeration. However, reasonable expenses are reimbursed for any travel associated with attending Board meetings and Trustee development sessions. The charity can also arrange to pay travel expenses in advance, including booking and paying for your train travel and any overnight accommodation if required.

Board meetings are held quarterly, typically at the sanctuary's office at Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot, Devon, or occasionally at other sanctuary sites. These meetings often include a Trustees' dinner the evening prior to the Board meeting to facilitate team building and informal discussions. Additionally, Trustees may receive invitations to attend various events at the sanctuary's other locations throughout Devon and Cornwall during the year. Committee meetings are held remotely, with each committee meeting twice per year. All trustees will be expected to sit on one committee. 

About Us:

Children with Voices is a dedicated charity based in Hackney, London. Our mission is to support and empower children and young people through a range of community-focused programmes and initiatives. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced HR Officer to join our team. The HR Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of all HR functions within the charity. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in human resources, excellent organisational skills, and a passion for supporting a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

- Recruitment and Onboarding:

  - Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and selection.

  - Coordinate the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring a smooth transition and positive induction experience.

- Compliance and Record Keeping:

  - Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.

General HR administration including using Monday

  - Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and HR databases.

- Policy Development and Implementation:

Qualifications and Experience:

- Proven experience in an HR Officer role or similar position.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

- Proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite and Monday

- CIPD qualification or equivalent is desirable.

Personal Attributes:

- Passion for working within the charity sector and supporting the welfare of children and young people.

- Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

How to Apply:

If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact and possess the required skills and experience, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

We are looking for volunteers to join our team on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12pm to 4pm to support in the running One25’s Health Hub. Each volunteer would donate 8 hours per month to support the woman in the space, from providing a warm welcome and a hug in a mug to offering emotional support.

Due to the nature of the role this post is open to over 18’s and women only.

One25 is committed to being an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from ethnic minority, LGBTQ and disability groups, and those who have lived experience of multiple disadvantages as these groups are underrepresented within our workforce. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process or once in post.

Timeline:

Open morning: Thursday 29th August: 10am to 12pm

Deadline: Monday 2nd September 10am.

Informal interviews will be on one of the following dates: 5/11/12/19 September

Induction: Thursday 26th September 1pm to 4pm

Starting shifts from October