Information

Volunteering Opportunities

• Do you have spare time?
• Would you like to help people?
• Do you want to meet new people?
• Would you like to learn something new or share your knowledge?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, come and volunteer at HOAC!

We are currently looking for:

Assistant Bosun (Maintenance Volunteer)

Time commitment: 1 or 2 days per week. All year round

Role Description: To assist the maintenance coordinator to maintain HOAC equipment including boats and engines and make new activities as required.

Main Tasks / Responsabilities:
• Assist in ensuring activities are kept safe and operational during the season and maintenance is scheduled with consideration for timetable requirements.
• Attended training and been signed off to use workshop/maintenance equipment.
• Wear suitable PPE as prescribed in training.
• To work with the maintenance coordinator on maintenance projects as required.
• To inform the maintenance coordinator if any equipment spares are running low.

Required Skills, Qualities and Experience:
Previous maintenance / DIY experience
Organised
Ability to work as part of a team
Good communication skills.

Training and Support Available:
Induction for role.
Seasonal refresher training on operational changes.

Any Other Requirements:
Those aged 18 and over will be required to hold an up to date DBS certificate which we can help you apply for free of charge.

Youth Ambassador

Time commitment: Monthly Session/Meeting. Attend shows and fairs as and when required. Plus attend AGM each year.

Role description: Ambassadors are a dynamic team of volunteers aged 16- 24 years old. They work together to tackle youth issues and barriers within the charity to represent the voices of young people.

Main tasks / responsibilities:
• Helping with the big stuff
• Projects looking at a big policy questions, marketing and funding.
• As a team you will explore topics like work experience, social mobility and careers education.
• Share the HOAC Story and your own story by representing us at events, careers fairs and even back in your old school or college.
• Share your journey and experience by writing articles for newsletter and social media
• Empower, inspire and support young people access and progress through HOAC activities.
• Support HOAC to develop youth friendly policies and procedures to create more opportunities for all young people.
• Help with funding bids and fundraising initiatives.
• Help with social media content and ideas.

Required skills, qualities, experience:
• Effectively communicate and present their ideas, views and opinions to others.
• Interact with young people in an inspiring and engaging way.
• Develop their passion, enthusiasm and commitment to supporting all young people in their journey towards employment.
• Work as a team to solve problems and come up with new ideas.
• Use their initiative to recognise and act on opportunities which may align with the work of HOAC and its associated clubs.
• Promote and uphold the values of equality and diversity and behave in a non-discriminatory manner.

Training and support available:
Induction for role.
Additional training sessions tailored to the ambassadors needs.
Training to develop key skills for life and work.
A platform to have a voice, build your profile and ambassador
Personal support and guidance in your journey
Opportunity to evidence your volunteering activity for future CV’s and job applications.
An opportunity to be connected to a wide network of employers, national governing bodies and other key organisations.

Other requirements:
Those aged 18 and over will be required to hold an up-to-date DBS certificate which we can help you apply for free of charge.

Young Leader

Time commitment:
• 1 Week during school holidays (option to do more)
• 1 Day at a weekend to assist with Family Open Day or Special Needs Day or other special events
Depending on what you are assisting on will dictate the hours you are expected to be at HOAC. You will be informed of the hours expected of you when you are given a particular task.

Role description: To assist an instructor in teaching sessions in a safe and positive manor.

Main tasks / responsibilities
• To assist the Instructor in demonstrations.
• To assist with the supervision of groups.
• To maintain standards of safety on the site with particular reference to the wearing of buoyancy aids.
• Must have an up-to-date knowledge of the centre and procedures.
• Must arrive in sufficient time to get themselves and equipment prepared for the group they are about to assist the instructor with and ensure that it is properly put away at the end of the activity.
• To ensure the safe and responsible use of HOAC
• To assist with the setting up in preparation for the group and clear away afterwards.
• Communicate with the Duty Officer / HOAC Management at the beginning and end of the day as necessary.

Required skills, qualities and experience:
• Must be able to communicate with people of all ages, especially young people.
• Should have an interest in outdoor activities. No experience needed but would be beneficial.
• Be aged 14 – 18 years old

Training and support available:
Attend 14-day training course covering everything you will require to be a young leader. It will cover the following sessions as a minimum and we are likely to cover more, dependant on candidate’s previous experience.
• Introductions, personal safety & equipment
• BC Discover Kayaking
• RYA Stage 1 Sailing
• RYA Windsurfing Introduction
• British Rowing Introduction to Sculling
• In-house Climbing and High Ropes
• RYA Disability Awareness Course
• Team Work
• Teaching Techniques & Learning Styles
• Group Management
• Raft Building Training
• Group and Safety Awareness

Other Requirements:
Once turned 18, hold an up to date DBS certificate

Other Benefits:
• Free HOAC Membership and Hire for the first year.
• Discount on further training courses.
• Signed up to volunteer reward scheme allowing you to earn more benefits for any additional volunteering undertaken.
• Free Young Leaders Polo Shirt and Hoodie to keep.
• Work Experience
• Knowledge that you are working as part of the team to help HOAC run smoothly.

Gardener / Grounds Maintenance Volunteer

Time commitment: 1 day per week. All year round

Role Description: To assist the maintenance coordinator to maintain HOAC site and keep the boat park and green areas mowed and weeds down.

Main Tasks / Responsibilities:
• Assist in ensuring the centre is kept safe and operational during the season.
• To regularly mow key green areas while being sensitive to wildlife but allowing access to boats and stores.
• To keep on top of weeds on pathways and around buildings / stores.
• Attended training and been signed off to use workshop / maintenance equipment as required.
• Wear suitable PPE as prescribed in training.
• To work with the maintenance coordinator on maintenance projects as required.
• To inform the maintenance coordinator if any supplies and spares are running low.

Required Skills, Qualities and Experience:
Previous Gardening experience / maintenance / DIY experience is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.

Committee Member

To find our more or to apply for any of the above roles please email Sally.