Volunteer Advocate (Unpaid)

BIRMINGHAM DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTRE; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

BIRMINGHAM DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTRE is seeking passionate volunteers to advocate for disability rights. This role involves representing disabled people's views in consultations and discussions, influencing policy and decision-making. Volunteers will gain valuable skills in communication and advocacy while contributing to meaningful change.

Benefits

Training provided

Ongoing support

Covering travel costs

Qualifications

• Personal understanding of disability through lived experience.
• Willingness to undergo training to enhance advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to consultations and represent disabled people's views.
• Advocate for disabled people's rights using the social model.
• Collaborate with DRC staff and stakeholders.

Skills

Public Speaking

Communication

Advocacy

Leadership

Job description

Title: Volunteer Advocate

Location: Hybrid – remotely, and from DRC’s Information, Health and Wellbeing Centre, Unit 18, ACE Business Park, Mackadown Lane, Kitts Green, Birmingham B33 0LD

Responsible to: Executive Support Officer

About the opportunity:

We are seeking passionate volunteers with lived experience of disability to become advocates for disability rights, representing DRC in consultations and discussions where the voices of disabled people are crucial. This role offers volunteers the chance to influence policy and decision-making by sharing their insights and representing the disabled community in a professional manner.

In the role as Volunteer Advocate, you will be required to:

• Respond to consultations, attend meetings and discussions to represent the views and experiences of disabled people.
• Advocate for disabled people’s rights using the social model of disability as a guiding framework.
• Provide clear and professional input on matters related to disability, drawing from your own lived experience.
• Support DRC in amplifying the voices of disabled people and ensuring their needs are considered in policymaking and service provision.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately in both formal and informal settings, with training provided as needed.
• Collaborate with DRC staff and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive representation of disabled people’s concerns.

Skills required for this opportunity:

• A personal understanding of disability, preferably through lived experience.
• Confidence and comfort in public speaking and participating in group discussions.
• Ability to communicate in a professional and non-judgmental way.
• Openness to working with a wide range of individuals and perspectives, and the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of others.
• Willingness to undergo training to enhance advocacy and communication skills.

What you will gain from this opportunity:

• A platform to represent and advocate for the disabled community.
• The chance to develop valuable communication, advocacy, and leadership skills.
• An opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in policy and decision-making.
• Personal development and the ability to enhance your understanding of disability rights and advocacy.
• Relevant training to further your skills and confidence in the role.

This volunteer role may be suitable for people who have an interest in:

• Disability Rights
• Social Work
• Policy Advocacy
• Disability Awareness
• Public Speaking
• Human Rights
• Community Leadership

Other Requirements:

This role will involve the volunteer attending public forums and advocating on behalf of disabled people. A DBS disclosure check may therefore be required, undertaken at DRC’s expense, in line with DRC’s DBS Disclosures Policy and Procedures.

We will provide all necessary training and ongoing support relevant to this role. We will also cover all reasonable expenses incurred including travel costs where attendance at meetings may be in person.