Wildlife Explorer Youth Group Main Leader

At the RSPB we are passionate about saving nature. We run a variety of projects, groups and events to: help deepen people's love of nature; connect, inspire and mobilise more people to save nature. RSPB Youth Groups are a regular gathering of young people, mainly members, under the guidance of RSPB approved volunteer leaders, who come together for a range of wildlife and conservation activities. We want young people to have a first-hand experience of nature and seek to open young people's minds to the wonder and beauty of birds and wildlife. We hope that as they grow up, they will become advocates for, rather than enemies of, the environment, in whatever role they find themselves. Therefore, we are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to support the team of assistant and junior leaders at Pulborough's Youth Group, ensuring the group can continue to engage young people.

If you are passionate about nature, and you have experience working with teams and/or young people, this role could be for you! We are looking for someone with the following essential experience and skills: • Experience of working with young people; • Ability to confidently lead fun games and activities for young people; • Excellent communication skills with people of all ages; • The ability to lead, organise people and work as a team; • Able to motivate and encourage team members and young people to reach goals and deadlines; • Self-motivated and able to show initiative. In order to undertake this role, you would also need to have access to a computer with internet, and an email address to keep in touch. It would also be desirable (but not essential) for you to have: • Experience of creating exciting programmes based on the natural world for young people; • Experience of writing and completing risk assessments; • Knowledge of budget management; • Understanding of GDPR guidelines and experience of storing data and documents in line with these; • Current knowledge of Safeguarding expectations and information; • Experience of volunteer recruitment, induction and appraisals; • Experience and understanding of promotions of events and/or groups. Don't worry if you don't have the desirable skills currently, we are here to help to support you to build your skills and experience as part of your ongoing training and development in this role.

Minimum:

Six meetings a year covering a variety of topics and approaches from wildlife walks to environmental games.

Duration:

Ongoing

Period:

All year round

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make use of your skills and experiences, whilst ensuring the Youth Group survives and thrives. You are also able to help meet the RSPB's aim to put people at the heart of our mission to save nature, by using your group to connect young people with nature and create the leaders of our future. Not only this, but it's a chance to develop your skills and experience further, for example you will get the opportunity to develop your teamwork and organisation skills, as well as having access to our suite of training packages to support your personal development - and we'd be there to aid your development every step of the way! An induction will be provided as well as relevant training, and we will offer ongoing support to enable you to further develop the skills you need for this role. In this role you will be working from the location of Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, but there will be opportunities to meet virtually with staff and volunteers, so you will feel part of a team and have the opportunity to learn more about the work of the RSPB.

Contact

Emma Knight, Birmingham Office
Tel: 0121 262 6800
Email: emma.knight@rspb.org.uk

Notes

In line with our Safeguarding policy, all applicants are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (England and Wales), Access NI in Northern Ireland, or a PVG Scheme registration check from Volunteer Scotland in Scotland. Contact the Disclosure and Barring Service on 0870 9090811 for more information. Contact Volunteer Scotland on 01786 849777 for more information. Contact Access NI on 0300 200 7888 for more information. References will also be taken up. All training necessary and background information will be provided and since you are giving up your time, it is only fair we offer to re-imburse your travel expenses (up to 25 miles max). The RSPB is the country's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. By volunteering your time and talents you can help us increase our impact and help us save more nature.