Emergency Response Volunteer (Swindon)

The British Red Cross and its volunteers respond to hundreds of UK emergencies every year, helping local communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from a crisis. We provide emotional and practical support when a crisis strikes such as house fires, floods, and evacuations. We operate as one team and as Emergency Responders, from time to time you may be asked to support the work of other services within the British Red Cross. You may also be asked to help us share information about our work with communities, through outreach activities. We are looking for volunteer's who: - Live no more than 30 minutes from the base at Swindon Fire station, Drove Rd, Swindon SN1 3AD. - Can volunteer at least 24 hours per month on a 24/7 rota. - Attend monthly team meeting. - Support with equipment/vehicle maintenance. Carrying out weekly-monthly checks. - Driving is preferable but not essential. If you are driving for this role you should have held a driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive in the UK and have access to a vehicle. - Are available to undertake approximately 19 hours of required e-learning modules and Zoom training sessions in the first few months of volunteering plus other ongoing service specific trainings as required. - Are understanding that the inconsistent nature of emergency response work is necessary. i.e. accepting that there will be occasions when you do not deploy to emergencies for long periods of time as opposed to other times when you seem to be deploying more frequently. - Be warm, friendly, calm, empathic, good listener and can follow processes under pressure. Has good communication and conversational skills. - A desire for candidates with the availability to work during the day and overnight. **Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Enhanced with Adults barred Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check** **Diversity** Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness. As part of creating an inclusive space we have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives. We welcome refugees, asylum seekers and others currently in the UK to volunteer with us. **Health and Safety Statement** We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need. If you have any questions before applying, please contact us at [[email protected]](url)