About this role
Our outreach service provides enhanced support for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses who may need additional support and preparation ahead of trial day so they can give their best evidence in court.
What will you do?
Support a diverse range of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses and be their key supporter before, during and after the trial to help them prepare and cope with their experience of giving evidence.
Work collaboratively with witnesses to identify their needs and deliver a tailored package of preparation and support.
Meet with witnesses via video call and phone.
Show witnesses around the court before the trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.
Attend court on the day the witness gives evidence, accompanying them when giving evidence where permitted.
Make contact with the witness post trial to talk about their experience of giving evidence and facilitate referrals to other agencies.
What skills will you need?
You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:
– Be friendly, caring, supportive and empathetic towards others.
– Be non-judgemental and impartial.
– Have good communication skills; both written and verbal, as well as being a good listener.
– Be able to work effectively as part of a diverse team
– Be reliable, committed and flexible, with an ability to plan and organise your own time and tasks.
– The ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
– The ability to travel within your local area (in some areas this may require a vehicle).
– Have access to good internet connection and a laptop/ computer with a camera to use in a private space. This enables you to facilitate video calls with witnesses, and undertake training and communication tasks.
You’ll also need an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (a criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record is not in itself a barrier to volunteering with us.
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.
This role will require an enhanced DBS check.
When you can volunteer
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Requirements
- References needed
- Willing to take a DBS Check
- Age restrictions
- Accepts ex/offenders
2 references required.
Enhanced DBS Check required.
The minimum age for our volunteers is 18.
Having a criminal record is not, in itself, a barrier to volunteering. We consider each offence individually, based on a risk assessment considering issues such as whether the nature of the offence is relevant to the role.
We will not accept anyone with a caution or conviction for a sexual offence against a child or vulnerable adult.
Causes
Location
Location Leicestershire, UK