COULD YOU BECOME A SAAVS VOLUNTEER?

SAAVS VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Personal Qualities

You should be able to demonstrate:

• personal integrity;
• patience and tenacity when delays occur;
• sensitivity to others’ needs;
• a respect for the confidentiality of our work;
• the ability to use good judgement, and
• assertiveness, as you would be acting in another person’s best interests

Experience

Through caring responsibility, parenting or work, it is desirable, but not essential, that you will have experience relating to:

• children, and
• vulnerable adults – for example, people with a learning disability, mental illness, sensory impairment (visual or aural), or those unable to read or write

Special Requirements

You will be literate and:

• age 25 or above;
• be readily contactable by telephone and able to leave at short notice, suitably presented, for the relevant police custody centre;
• be able to arrive at your nearest custody centre within 45 minutes. You should have access to your own reliable transport;
• be able to commit to being available for call out at agreed times to suit. This will typically mean being able to be flexible and being readily contactable;
• be able to identify regular blocks of time when you are available, either weekdays, evenings, and/or weekends including Bank Holidays, and
• be willing to attend quarterly evening meetings to receive ongoing training

All volunteers will have an enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check, which is taken up after interview, and need to be able to provide two referees.

Skills and Ability

• Listening skills
• Verbal communication skills to be able to explain procedure
• The willingness and ability to support individuals regardless of colour, creed, gender, disability or sexuality