Prison-based volunteers - Cambridgeshire, Nottingham, Surrey, Derbyshire & Buckinghamshire

We're currently recruiting for prison-based volunteers in Cambridgeshire, Nottingham, Surrey, Derbyshire & Buckinghamshire.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons. Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. Each group has a lead volunteer who reports to the Volunteer & Programmes Manager at the Fine Cell Work office, however, we do encourage regular communication between the programmes team and all volunteers. We are constantly improving our systems to better support our volunteers.

Key responsibilities will include

• Developing prisoners’ skills and confidence
• Acting as FCW ambassadors in the prison
• Building effective working relationships with prison staff, stitchers, and other volunteers
• Providing information to the FCW office for administrative and evaluative purposes

Required commitment & practicalities

Prison-based volunteers generally run classes for two hours every 2 weeks. We ask for a minimum commitment of at least a year or two years, as this allows time for group participants to complete qualifications and develop their skills to a high standard.

All volunteers must be over 18 years of age. Volunteers will be required to undertake security vetting for relevant prisons.

Benefits

• Paid expenses for activities related to volunteering with Fine Cell Work.
• 15% discount on our products.
• Full introductory and safeguarding training at Fine Cell Work (and other relevant training as 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.
• An ability to gain work experience within the prison system and with teaching socially excluded groups.
• An opportunity to improve your tapestry/embroidery skills alongside other volunteers and support stitchers working with commissions from incredible artists.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the online form here, or email the Programmes team at volunteer@finecellwork.co.uk for more information.