FINE CELL WORK

Fine Cell Work is a rehabilitation charity and social enterprise which makes beautiful, handmade products in British prisons. For over two decades, we have been changing the lives of prisoners and prison leavers by building self-worth, confidence and hope. Our mission is for individuals who have entered or left the prison system to build the resources, networks and goals needed to live meaningful, crime-free lives.

Fine Cell Work is made up of a small staff team and volunteers. Delivering work both in prisons and in the community, our volunteers are invaluable to the organisation, and we could not operate without their ongoing support and dedication.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

Accredited training is one of the many ways Fine Cell Work supports prisoners and prison leavers, encouraging them to upskill, professionalise, and engage in purposeful activity. We are now piloting further opportunities for prison leavers in the community.

Fine Cell Work is looking for someone to deliver our OCN (Open College Network) accredited training to women in Reading. In collaboration with a local organisation, you will engage group members in the delivery of OCN units, equipping them with the skills to create personal projects, and to build their own portfolio. You will also support participants with identifying further training opportunities, and signpost them to relevant opportunities with staff assistance.

We are looking for an individual with stitching experience, ideally with experience in teaching others, and who shares the charity’s values. Full training with Fine Cell Work is provided.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Hand stitching knowledge and skills – particularly in tapestry and needlepoint.
• Experience in teaching or delivering training in some capacity.
• Prepared to work with prison leavers as a group in a community setting.
• Experience working with women from a range of backgrounds and circumstances.
• Strong communication skills, and ability to record accurate, written notes after each group.
• Friendly, reliable, and a believer in second chances and rehabilitation
• Ability to relay information to Fine Cell Work staff, particularly the Volunteers and Programmes Manager and the Engagement and Support Officer.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Flexibility to deliver training for 2 hours every fortnight (timings are open for discussion)

LOCATION

Fine Cell Work is in partnership with a women’s organisation in Reading. For more information, please contact the Volunteer and Programmes Manager, Gloria Accalai. (gloria@finecellwork.co.uk) 

EXPENSES

Travel, postage of kits to Fine Cell Work, and purchase of materials can all be expensed (approval required by the Production Team at Head Office).

TRAINING, SUPERVISION AND COMMUNICATION

We are happy to invest in developing the right person, so you are welcome to apply even if your experience does not fully meet the requirements. You will be provided with full OCN training, as well as Fine Cell Work’s Safeguarding and Professional Boundaries training. You will also be invited to attend further training with our partner organisation.

Volunteers will receive regular support from your line manager (Volunteers and Programmes Manager), and we encourage regular communication between the programmes team and volunteers.

PRACTICALITIES

All our volunteers must be over 18. Volunteers will be required to undergo a DBS check.

BENEFITS

• 15% discount on our products.
• Full Introductory and Safeguarding training at FCW (and any other relevant training if required).
• An opportunity to utilise your Employee Volunteering days (if applicable) in a meaningful way.
• An opportunity to attend and/or support our exclusive events and be an ambassador for Fine Cell Work.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Application Form & Equalities Monitoring form

Completed applications and Equalities Monitoring form to be sent to: volunteer@finecellwork.co.uk

Interviews: Confirmed after receiving applications

If you require reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, please contact a member of staff at Fine Cell Work Head Office.

EQUALITIES MONITORING

Fine Cell Work is committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair, inclusive, and building a workforce where all belong. We believe that each team member can provide a unique perspective and valuable contribution to the lives of the individuals we support, and applications are encouraged regardless of disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnicity, conviction, religion or belief.