Community Engagement & Events Volunteer – Apply if aged 18+

Join Sirens & Sparkles as a Community Engagement & Events Volunteer and help us build local connections, raise awareness of our inclusive clubs and promote the work we do with children and young people with SEND.

This is a flexible, community-based role for someone who enjoys meeting people, networking, attending local events and building relationships with organisations and communities.

You may represent Sirens & Sparkles at SEND events, school fairs and fêtes, community events, information days, networking events and other local opportunities across Bexley, Bromley and surrounding areas.

The role may include:

+ Helping set up and run Sirens & Sparkles information and promotional stands

+ Talking to parents, carers, young people and professionals about our clubs and activities

+ Promoting our volunteering opportunities

+ Handing out leaflets and directing people to our website, registration forms and QR codes

+ Building positive relationships with schools, SEND services, community groups and other local organisations

+ Attending networking opportunities and introducing people to Sirens & Sparkles

+ Researching and identifying suitable accessible local events, venues, schools, SEND services, community groups, networking opportunities and other places where Sirens & Sparkles could promote its clubs, volunteering opportunities and wider work

+ Making initial enquiries and, where agreed with the Director, helping arrange or book Sirens & Sparkles to attend suitable events and networking opportunities

+ Gathering enquiries and contact details appropriately for follow-up

+ Feeding back useful contacts, conversations and opportunities after events

+ Helping with simple first-aid demonstrations and interactive activities at events, where appropriately trained and confident to do so

Travel and event equipment

A full UK driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle and appropriate motor insurance covering the volunteering activity are required for this role.

Some events require Sirens & Sparkles promotional and event equipment to be transported. On some occasions, you may be asked to collect equipment from Bexleyheath before an event and return it afterwards. This will not be required for every event, and collection and return arrangements will always be agreed in advance.

Volunteers will not be required to transport children or young people as part of this role.

Eligible mileage, parking and other agreed volunteering expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Sirens & Sparkles First Aid CIC Volunteer Expenses Policy.

Representing Sirens & Sparkles

Volunteers may initially attend events alongside the Director or other members of the team. Once appropriately inducted, trained and confident, volunteers may also represent Sirens & Sparkles at suitable events without the Director being present.

You will be provided with information and guidance about Sirens & Sparkles so that you feel confident explaining what we do.

Volunteers may research suitable events and networking opportunities and, where agreed with the Director, help arrange or book Sirens & Sparkles' attendance.

You will not be expected to answer questions you are unsure about or make commitments, agreements or financial decisions outside the responsibilities agreed for your role. More detailed enquiries can be referred to the Director.

Previous experience of community engagement, events, networking, SEND, education, marketing, PR or similar work is welcome but not essential. We are particularly looking for people who are friendly, approachable, reliable and comfortable communicating with a range of people.

Full induction, guidance and ongoing support will be provided.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role for applicants aged 18+.

What skills do I need?

Previous experience of community engagement, events, networking, marketing, PR, SEND, education or similar work is welcome but not essential.

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Are friendly, approachable and confident talking to a range of people
• Can communicate clearly with parents, carers, young people, professionals and members of the public
• Are reliable and comfortable representing Sirens & Sparkles in a positive and professional way
• Are happy to approach people, start conversations and explain what Sirens & Sparkles offers
• Can volunteer as part of a team and, once appropriately trained and confident, represent the organisation at suitable events without the Director being present
• Have good organisation and planning skills
• Can carry out basic online research to identify suitable accessible events, networking opportunities, schools, SEND services, community groups and other organisations for Sirens & Sparkles to connect with
• Can make initial enquiries and help arrange or book attendance at suitable opportunities where agreed with the Director
• Can record enquiries, useful contacts and opportunities accurately and pass information back to the team
• Have basic IT, reading and writing skills
• Are willing to learn about our clubs, programme, volunteering opportunities and work with children and young people with SEND
• Are willing to help with simple first-aid demonstrations and interactive activities where appropriately trained and confident

A full UK driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle and appropriate motor insurance covering the volunteering activity are required for this role. Volunteers may occasionally need to collect and return event and promotional equipment from Bexleyheath. These arrangements will be agreed in advance.

Knowledge or experience of SEND is welcome but not essential. Full induction, information about Sirens & Sparkles, guidance and ongoing support will be provided before volunteers are expected to represent the organisation independently.

You do not need to have professional events, marketing, PR or networking experience to apply. We are particularly interested in people who enjoy meeting others, are willing to learn and would like to help Sirens & Sparkles build stronger connections within the local community.