Volunteer - Appropriate Adult

CARING FOR COMMUNITIES AND PEOPLE; Bamfurlong; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A community service organization is seeking Appropriate Adult volunteers to support and assist vulnerable adults and young individuals in police custody. Volunteers will ensure that the rights of detained persons are upheld, help them communicate with police, and observe procedures for fairness. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are necessary for this role. This position also offers the opportunity for career advancement within the Criminal Justice and Care sectors.

Benefits

Mileage reimbursement at 45p per mile

Full training provided

Ongoing support and supervision

Qualifications

• Volunteers must have access to their own vehicle.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• A background or understanding of mental health issues is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support detained persons while ensuring their rights are upheld.
• Assist in communication between the detained person and the police.
• Observe police conduct and ensure fair treatment of individuals.

Skills

Full driving licence

Ability to communicate effectively

Understanding of Criminal Justice System

Job description

Overview

The CCP Appropriate Adult Service supports, advises and assists vulnerable adults and young people aged 17 and under in police custody. The AA Service supports adults with mental health disorders, learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, PTSD and other vulnerabilities, and provides independent support for vulnerable people when they find themselves in contact with the Criminal Justice System.

Responsibilities

• We have opportunities available for Appropriate Adult volunteers (this requires a full driving licence and access to your own vehicle), or volunteer telephone/administrative support.
• The Role of the Appropriate Adult is to support, advise and assist a detained person whilst in police custody to:
  • ensure their welfare needs are met and rights are upheld.
  • assist them to communicate with the police.
  • understand the process, observe that it is conducted fairly and the outcomes are understood.
• The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Code C, paragraph 1.7A states that, the appropriate adult is expected, amongst other things, to:
  • support, advise and assist them when, in accordance with this Code or any other Code of Practice, they are given or asked to provide information or participate in any procedure.
  • observe whether the police are acting properly and fairly to respect their rights and entitlements, and inform an officer of the rank of inspector or above if they consider that they are not.
  • assist them to communicate with the police whilst respecting their right to say nothing unless they want to as set out in the terms of the caution.
  • help them to understand their rights and ensure that those rights are protected and respected.

What we offer / How to volunteer

• The AA Service welcomes volunteers who have a range of skills and life experiences and time to commit to the role. Our trained Appropriate Adults specify times they are available for the monthly rota and how much time they wish to contribute. When a request for an Appropriate Adult is received the AA call desk will contact the available volunteers to see who is free to attend.
• The majority of call outs are to attend police custody in Quedgeley but a few also take place at county police stations. We also provide AA volunteers for DWP fraud interviews and for GCC Social Services when interviewing unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) at Shire Hall. A car is essential and mileage is paid at 45p per mile (2024).
• The AA service operates a weekly rota from 9am to 10pm in three shifts. Volunteers can select a shift pattern to suit their individual needs. By volunteering within the Appropriate Adult Service, you could have potential career opportunities such as within the Criminal Justice sector, Care and Support sector, and the Legal sector.
• We commit to you:
• Full AA training to national standards.
• On-going support and supervision.
• Full involvement in AA service development via network meetings, case studies, mentoring and further training.
• Volunteers are a vital part of the CCP team and many participate in the wider life of the charity.

About CCP

CCP was originally founded in 1989 by a local businessman in response to the growing number of homeless young people in Cheltenham. Recognising that people as young as 16 were sleeping rough around the town after having been thrown out of their family home, he purchased a building and opened a 10-bed hostel. We have grown a lot since then and now aim to transform the lives of children, young people, families, and vulnerable adults by preventing homelessness, strengthening families and promoting independence. With a head office in Cheltenham, we currently employ over 250 staff, backed up by a team of over 150 volunteers, currently delivering services and projects in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Wiltshire, and Dorset. Together WE can make a difference #WeAreCCP

CCP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. Our robust Safeguarding Policy guides our recruitment process. We believe in the rehabilitative power of employment and working toward a purpose, so a prior conviction will not necessarily prevent you from joining CCP. Please note this role is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and also an enhanced check by the Disclosure & Barring Service, paid for by CCP.