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Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

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Support Volunteer

Our Support Volunteers provide emotional support, practical help, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. We aim to empower people who have been impacted by crime, to move on with their lives. This includes:


  • Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, webchat, appointments and face-to-face contact, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact

  • Help service users feel more confident by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits

  • Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of the trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of the service users.

  • Feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members

  • Provide administrative support in completing the service users journey


Due to the nature of the role, there are key skills and experiences that we look for in our volunteers to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards of support for our service users.


  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Active listening skills

  • An empathetic nature with the ability to develop rapport with people affected by crime

  • A non-judgemental and accepting approach to working with people from all sections of the community

  • An interest in learning about the Criminal Justice System and understanding the challenges a service user might face

  • A desire to continue developing skills and knowledge throughout your volunteering time with Victim Support Scotland

  • Ability or willingness to learn to use digital methods to communicate and report, such as email, text, databases and more

  • Ability to be flexible and adapt to organisation and service user needs


Travel details

Outreach community support and closest courts are Paisley Sheriff Court, Dumbarton Sheriff Court, Glasgow Sheriff and High Court.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
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