volunteer at risc
Without volunteers RISC wouldn’t be the success it is today. Over 1,600 people have volunteered since 1996, which was the year RISC moved to its current location. Of course we will never forget the valuable contribution made by volunteers in the early days of RISC either. From students to academics or work experience to overseas interns, people with many different skills and experience, have supported RISC by volunteering
why volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to build confidence, especially if you have been out of work for a while, or maybe you want to learn new skills, either way, volunteering for a well respected organisation like RISC, always looks good on your CV. Stay with us for a minimum of two months and we’ll back you up with a reference. So many of RISC’s volunteers have gone on to secure paid employment
get involved
A variety of opportunities exist within RISC. Whether you are interested in RISC’s fair trade World Shop, the Global Cafe, roof garden & community garden projects, education, office/reception or becoming a trustee, we’re sure you’ll find some area of our work that interests you. If we don’t have a specific vacancy when you enquire, we will do our best to offer you a suitable alternative
Please note – because we attract so many brilliant people wanting to volunteer with RISC, we quite often have more applicants than we do vacant opportunities. We apologise in advance if this happens to you. We will let you know (by email) what is happening with your application and maybe offer you an alternative role or keep you on file for a while to see if we can match you up with any future vacancies
recruitment process
RISC will let you know once your application form has been received. If there is a relevant opportunity, you will then be invited for an informal interview with the relevant recruitment coordinator. The offer of a volunteer role is subject to satisfactory references being received. On your start day, or on an earlier day, you will be taken through your personal induction, which outlines RISC’s ethos, structure, policies & procedures, familiarise you with the building and welcome you to the RISC team
risc volunteer policy
risc will:
- Reimburse out of pocket expenses – initial agreement needed
- Pay other out-of-pocket expenses -initial agreement needed
- Provide lunch if volunteering all day
- Provide refreshments (tea & coffee)
- Provide a supportive working environment
- Offer an initial one-month trial period, which may be extended
- Offer regular one-to-one meetings
- Provide a reference (after a minimum of 2 months volunteering)
- Give at least one week’s notice period if services are no longer required. If it is decided that the volunteer is not suitable to volunteer in a certain area, thought will be given to placing the volunteer in an alternative area of RISC. There may be times when no notice will be given during the trial period if it is deemed the volunteer is not suitable; after the trial period, one week’s notice will be given if RISC no longer needs the volunteer and RISC would appreciate one week’s notice if the volunteer decides to leave
risc will:
- Reimburse out of pocket expenses – initial agreement needed
- Pay other out-of-pocket expenses -initial agreement needed
- Provide lunch if volunteering all day
- Provide refreshments (tea & coffee)
- Provide a supportive working environment
- Offer an initial one-month trial period, which may be extended
- Offer regular one-to-one meetings
- Provide a reference (after a minimum of 2 months volunteering)
- Give at least one week’s notice period if services are no longer required. If it is decided that the volunteer is not suitable to volunteer in a certain area, thought will be given to placing the volunteer in an alternative area of RISC. There may be times when no notice will be given during the trial period if it is deemed the volunteer is not suitable; after the trial period, one week’s notice will be given if RISC no longer needs the volunteer and RISC would appreciate one week’s notice if the volunteer decides to leave
voluntary work will be offered if:
- Your skills match the task available
- Any reasonable adjustments have been agreed or suitable support offered
- After induction and training you are able to work using your own initiative
voluntary work may not be offered if:
- The nature of the task cannot be adjusted
- It is felt the complexities of the job cannot be achieved with the level of support available
- It is thought the volunteer is unable to work unsupervised or is unable to do the tasks required
please note:
- We are currently unable to offer placements or interns of less than two months
- RISC especially welcomes volunteers from minority ethnic communities.
- RISC is an equal opportunities employer and will not knowlingly discriminate against anyone who applies to become a volunteer or a paid member of staff
- Ex-Offenders? Please request a copy of RISC’s Employing Ex-Offenders policy