Emergency Response Volunteer

About the role
As an Emergency Response volunteer, you may be providing much needed practical and emotional support to individuals, as part of a team, in support of category 1 and 2 responders and other agencies following an emergency or major incident.

In addition, you could provide "behind the scenes" support to the response.

About the team
Sometimes a little help can go a long way.

The Independent Living (IL) & Crisis Response (CR) service (IL/CR) are dedicated to making the lives of vulnerable people that little bit better. We're a small team dotted all over the country that share the same goal - to help those that need it most.
From picking up groceries to helping out around the house, we're there to make a difference. There's nothing better than knowing the time we spent with someone made them feel safer, happier, and more able to deal with crisis.

About the person
We keep the service users at the heart of all we do working to understand their needs and the difference we make. As well as good interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and teamwork skills, we are looking for people who have, or are willing to undertake further training, particularly any technical requirements.

• Willing to respond if on call, including unsocial hours.
• Able to support others in a calm, logical and responsible manner, with listening and empathetic skills, even when under pressure.
• Able to follow processes that relate to the role.
• Committed and available to undertake training and attend exercises which are appropriate to the role.
• Willing to uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and adhere to the Society's Equal Opportunities Policy.
• This role requires a DBS/PVG check to the appropriate level.

Volunteer Benefits Include:

• The chance to work with a variety of different people from different walks of life and make a real difference to their lives.
• The opportunity to work with a range of external agencies.
• Comprehensive training so you can represent the Red Cross with confidence.
• Appropriate safety/protective work wear as required for your role.
• A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and to gain new ones.
• The company of a warm and friendly team of like-minded people.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses when on duty.
• Being a volunteer for the British Red Cross means that you can proudly say you are part of the world's largest humanitarian organisation.

Tasks Included in this Role:

• Offering practical and emotional support to those affected by significant events or disaster. This may include; providing basic provisions and facilities, shelter, signposting to other organisations or assisting with seeking temporary accommodation.
• You may be providing emotional support to people who have been evacuated to a rest centre due to a flood in their home.
• Working alongside other voluntary organisations and local authority/statutory service partners.
• Administration and maintenance of appropriate records.
• Carrying out tasks as agreed with the team leader and as per skills and training.
• Attending briefings and debriefings given by the team leader or responding agency.

Young People and this role
We value the skills, energy and enthusiasm that young people bring to the Red Cross. To volunteer for this role you must be aged 18+. However (subject to a risk assessment, safeguarding requirements and parental consent) those aged 15-17 can be involved in a variety of activities such as promoting the service, supporting service volunteers and undertaking training.

Additional Information
If you have a full UK driving licence, you may be asked to drive a BRC vehicle.

You may be required to wear personal protective equipment in accordance with local arrangements.

Here's a little bit more about us...
The British Red Cross help anyone, anywhere in the UK; get the support they need if crisis strikes.

From hiring a wheelchair or dealing with loneliness, to adjusting to life in a new country - we're there when you need us. Our goal is to connect human kindness with human crisis.

We're part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and we believe in the power of kindness.

Our organisation was born out of a desire to bring help without discrimination. Impartiality and neutrality have been central values for the Red Cross since we started.
Connecting human crisis with human kindness

Our Promise
We value the skills and experience that people bring to the organisation. We will work with you to look at your knowledge and skills and help make an assessment about which elements of the learning for your role you will need to complete with us and recognise where you may already know all that you need to confidently and safely carry out your duties. We want to try and make sure that you get all the training you need, no more and no less.

Connecting human kindness with human crisis