Volunteer Speaker East Lothian   £Voluntary but Out of Pocket Expenses Available

Volunteer Speaker

Are you an enthusiastic public speaker looking to volunteer your services for Veterans charity Erskine?  Well, we want to hear from you!  Whether you are looking for some experience in public speaking or have 25+ years experience, as long as you can communicate a passion for the 1400 Service and Ex-Service men and women we support and care for each year, we need you!

 Why do we need you? 

Erskine prides itself on the high quality of care given to each of our residents.  We have five main homes in Bishopton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and provide the same high quality of care at private nursing homes in Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee.  Because of modern day conflicts such as the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan there is a continued need to help as many Veterans as possible.  To do this, Erskine needs to raise over £22,000 a day and there still is so much more to be done. 

 Everyday our volunteers help to raise vital funds and awareness within local communities across Scotland.  Erskine volunteers are involved in many ways including fundraising within schools, organised events, collecting, and helping us raise awareness by speaking to groups and supporters.

 Quite simply without volunteers we will not be able to continue out work – improving the lives of the many people we support and care for.

 What will you be doing? 

We are looking for individuals who are willing and able to meet our fantastic supporters and promote Erskine, our services, and the need for fundraising through presentations and/or carrying our tours of our homes.  We are also looking for people to accept donations on our behalf at various supporter events. 

 You will be part of a network of volunteers throughout Scotland who play a major role in raising the profile of the charity locally and promoting our fundraising initiatives to a diverse range of audiences.  Training will be provided and the opportunity to generate requests for talks from groups will be welcomed!  Bookings for cheque presentations, presentations and tours will be managed by the fundraising office and the local Community Fundraiser will be in touch via telephone or email if they need your help.  If you mange to secure bookings for Erskine activity it will be expected that you contact the Fundraising office where they can send confirmation to the supporter and update their records. 

Ultimately, we want you to be able to make people believe they can make a difference by supporting and donating to our cause.

 Where will you be volunteering? 

We are looking for volunteers throughout Scotland.  Our homes are based in Bishopton, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and all tours will be in these locations.  However, presentation requests come from all over Scotland.  From the borders right up to the most northern part of Scotland, we need your help!!!  Presentations usually come from community groups who are based in church or community halls.

 What skills, experiences and personal attributes are needed for this role? 

We are looking for people who already have some form of public speaking experience, but if you feel that this is something you would be good at then we want to hear from you.  We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds who can connect and confidently engage with others in group situations.  Erskine volunteers are of all ages, sixteen and upwards, and there is no specific experience required to becoming a Volunteer Speakers.  Access to your own transport would be helpful.  Some evening or day time availability would be required.

 What you can expect from Erskine? 

In return for your valuable support we aim to ensure that volunteering for Erskine is a fulfilling and worthwhile experience.  All our Volunteer Speakers will be offered training and will receive a Speaker’s Information Pack including specially designed presentations and Erskine materials suitable for a wide variety of speaking scenarios, including PowerPoint presentations and slides, if you need these.  You will have support from existing volunteers and our fundraising staff, with the opportunity to gain and develop skills.  Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our volunteer expenses policy.

 Who will I be volunteering with?

 Initially you would be accompanied by either the Community Fundraiser or another experienced volunteer speaker when on speaking engagements.  Once trained to deliver presentations and tours, you will be working independently.  You would have close links to and full support of your Community Fundraiser, the Fundraising Office and other local Erskine volunteers.

 How much time will this take? 

There is no minimum commitment but a proactive and flexible approach to the role and a desire to learn and get out and do the role are crucial.  Initially you will need time to learn about the work of Erskine and familiarise yourself with our resources so you can develop your ability to promote our cause.  Presentations and tours can last from 15minutes to an hour.

 For an application for this exciting volunteering opportunity please go to www.erskine.org.uk or contact Susan Bradley at the Fundraising Department on 0141 814 4625.

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