Service Volunteer with Support Through Court
OFFERED BY:
Support Through CourtLocation(s): Castle
Address where volunteering takes place: c/o Nottingham Law School Chaucer Building Goldsmith Street Nottingham NG1 5LTHow many places are on offer? Several
Purpose of Role:
Our charity’s incredible service is only possible because of the time, dedication and varied experience of life that volunteers bring to bear when helping our clients.
We would particularly welcome non-students for this role in order to provide continuity of support.
We would particularly welcome non-students for this role in order to provide continuity of support.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
Attending court alone is daunting. Those we support are usually unable to access any formal legal help, yet need to be able to present their own case clearly and without emotion – often facing professional barristers in court. At a time of great stress, this can seem an insurmountable task.
Our volunteers provide both reassurance and guidance, so that our clients have the very best chance of engaging with the courts in a dignified away.
Volunteers support clients by:
explaining how the court works
helping to fill in court forms and organise court papers
helping clients plan what they want to say in court
going into court hearings with them
“The charity's service is simple but effective. I’ve seen first-hand the difference a volunteer makes. Trained volunteers taking the time to listen to and support the client’s individual needs has a real impact on the life of the client” – Lord Thomas, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales
Benefits of volunteering
In return, our volunteers receive:
training and support for working with clients
reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses
experience of the court system
a feeling of satisfaction from helping people in difficult situations
“As a volunteer with the charity, I have seen a number of cases when the client left the office in tears of joy, because they knew there was help available to them.”
If you can spare at least two days per month volunteering in one of our locations, then we would like to hear from you. Please complete an online expression of interest and the relevant service location will send you further details and a comprehensive application form. If successful you will then be required to have an interview with the relevant service.
Please contact your local service manager if:
you need a reasonable adjustment for a disability or significant health problem
are currently, or have recently been, involved in court proceedings
We will ask for and check references, including information on any criminal record and suitability to work with vulnerable people.
Our volunteers provide both reassurance and guidance, so that our clients have the very best chance of engaging with the courts in a dignified away.
Volunteers support clients by:
explaining how the court works
helping to fill in court forms and organise court papers
helping clients plan what they want to say in court
going into court hearings with them
“The charity's service is simple but effective. I’ve seen first-hand the difference a volunteer makes. Trained volunteers taking the time to listen to and support the client’s individual needs has a real impact on the life of the client” – Lord Thomas, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales
Benefits of volunteering
In return, our volunteers receive:
training and support for working with clients
reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses
experience of the court system
a feeling of satisfaction from helping people in difficult situations
“As a volunteer with the charity, I have seen a number of cases when the client left the office in tears of joy, because they knew there was help available to them.”
If you can spare at least two days per month volunteering in one of our locations, then we would like to hear from you. Please complete an online expression of interest and the relevant service location will send you further details and a comprehensive application form. If successful you will then be required to have an interview with the relevant service.
Please contact your local service manager if:
you need a reasonable adjustment for a disability or significant health problem
are currently, or have recently been, involved in court proceedings
We will ask for and check references, including information on any criminal record and suitability to work with vulnerable people.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
We welcome applicants aged 18 or over with relevant skills, experience and time such as:
experience of working with people and good command of spoken and written English is essential
initiative, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills will help with some of the challenges you might face while volunteering
common sense, compassion and reliability
must be available a minimum of two days per month for a minimum of a year
must not be a practicing lawyer/barrister
Legal knowledge is not necessary, although some familiarity with the legal environment is helpful.
Current legal professionals are not eligible.
experience of working with people and good command of spoken and written English is essential
initiative, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills will help with some of the challenges you might face while volunteering
common sense, compassion and reliability
must be available a minimum of two days per month for a minimum of a year
must not be a practicing lawyer/barrister
Legal knowledge is not necessary, although some familiarity with the legal environment is helpful.
Current legal professionals are not eligible.
WHEN REQUIRED:
This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Are there age restrictions for this opportunity? Yes
Age Restrictions:
Over 18
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity? No
Gender restrictions:
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people? Yes
Disability restrictions:
Please talk to us about your access needs
How long before volunteer can expect a response?
We will try to respond to volunteer enquiries within one week
How long to complete training and recruitment?
This will take a couple of sessions
Volunteer Expenses offered? Yes
Induction and Training offered? Yes
Support and Supervision offered? Yes
Has a risk assessment been carried out? Yes
DBS Disclosure required? Yes