How to become a volunteer

Your Commitment

 

 

Volunteers commit to be available days, evenings and/or weekends. You would be on duty for a week, normally one week in five, and depending on your availability, you could expect to receive two calls in your duty week averaging 2-3 hours each. The term ‘on duty’, means that volunteers are readily contactable over a week, but not necessarily waiting in for calls. Volunteers who are unavailable at regular times, or who are on holiday, specify this as and when.

Volunteers normally attend one or two main custody centres. They may also attend other sites very occasionally.

                                         Custody Centres

                    Reigate    Guildford       Woking     Staines

Supporting a Vulnerable Person

Appropriate Adults explain to a detainee what is going on, assisting with reading and writing if required and ensuring the person’s rights are protected. After the call, volunteers complete a short written report.

Induction Training

Comprises:

  • Our induction manual

  • A copy of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (‘PACE’)

Three separate training sessions (evenings or weekends) in:

  • The role of the Appropriate Adult

  • Codes of Practice and background legislation

  • Police interview techniques

  • Procedures at the police station

  • The work of a Duty Solicitor

  • Our client group

  • Visit to a Custody Suite and optional call out ‘shadow’

Continued Development

Quarterly meetings provide a forum for lively discussion, training and networking with other volunteers. Each area has an experienced Volunteer Representative who is able to give practical advice and resolve queries. Changes in practice are notified as they arise and by our quarterly newsletter.

Expenses
Volunteers are entitled to claim travel, telephone and meal expenses if appropriate.

Insurance
Volunteers are covered by Personal Accident Insurance.

 


For further volunteer information follow this link