VOLUNTEER SUPPORT SCHEME

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Role Title: Safe Bus Volunteer

Post Number: SBVO

Division/Department/Section: and Division Line Manager : Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Bournemouth (Job Title & Post Number) and Poole

1. PURPOSE

To assist the Safe Bus Co-ordinator in implementing the scheme in providing an effective service and providing people with a safe place to go in the town centre when they are vulnerable, drunk or unable to get back to their accommodation. This applies whether they are intoxicated, injured, lost, in fear or a variety of other reasons. The key role of the volunteer will be to provide advice and assistance to clients. This project will help to meet the aims of the Crime, Drugs and Disorder strategy for Bournemouth.

2. POSITION IN THE ORGANISATION

Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant

Safe Bus Safe Bus Co-ordinator Volunteers

(b) Staff who work directly for this post

NPT Officers/ Safe Bus Co-ordinator /Other Safe Bus Volunteers

3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES INPUT OUTPUT

Providing a safe and calm atmosphere for To put clients at ease clients

Directing clients to agencies or organisations To ensure safety and needs of clients at all that are established to deal with particular times issues i.e. alcohol or drugs misuse

Completion of accurate records is necessary to Complete “Client Contact Sheets”. assist potential further agencies

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Suggesting that a client contact a solicitor or To ensure safety and needs of clients at all the police when there is clear need for legal times intervention or advice Assist those who are vulnerable to reach their destination, whether it is their home or holiday To ensure safety and needs of clients at all accommodation, by arranging alternative times transport at their expense. Allow clients private space to communicate Allows time for volunteer to assess what with but under NO circumstance must assistance may volunteers put themselves in a vulnerable be needed position or at risk. Ensure clients are kept safe. For example: Loss of mobility, lack of awareness of danger and sometimes unconsciousness may be the result of intoxication. To ensure that client remains safe and to

assess if further treatment is needed Those in such circumstances may also receive cuts, sprains, fractures and other injuries of varying severity. This will not happen on every shift. Wear Safe bus uniforms and stay with the For ease of communication for other volunteers, vehicle at all times clients and other agencies

4. MAIN CONTACTS

1. SNT Sergeant /Other SNT Officers/Safe Bus Co-ordinator

2. Safebus Volunteers Volunteers will be expected to liaise with officers from the Council, police, ambulance 3. service and Hospital as well as friends and relatives of clients. Volunteers will need to be calm and confidant when dealing with challenging people. 4. Volunteers Support Team

5. SPECIAL CONDITIONS Volunteers will also be provided with the uniforms and will have free parking in order to allow them to volunteer on this project

6. KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

ESSENTIAL: DESIRABLE:

Able to communicate appropriately at all levels and with people of all ages. Knowledge and understanding of the purpose of the Safe Bus. 6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. Amount of hours per week, whether you need a volunteer on certain days. The Safe Bus operates in town centres, often very late into the night and assists people who may be under the influence of drink or drugs.

The Safe Bus will be out most Friday’s and every Saturday night. Volunteers will need to be aged over 18 years of age and be fit and healthy. They will be required to perform one shift every 4-6 weeks.

The Aim of this proposal is to commit suitably trained and reliable Volunteers in complete accordance with the current Police Volunteers Policy. The roles which they would undertake are such that they would not impact upon existing Posts within the department/Division. 2

7. AGE LIMIT No under 17 year olds to work in control rooms, file preparation, crime records, Phoenix and witness liaison.

No under 18 year olds to work in SOCO offices, Fingerprints, Scientific Aids Suites or HQ Photography/ Video Unit.

No under 18 year olds to work as a CCTV Operator.

No under 18 year olds to type work which may cause trauma and upset. 8. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

In accordance with the current Dorset Police Volunteers Policy.

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