Electrical Appliance Testing Volunteer

Electrical Appliance Testing Volunteer

At Turning Tides we know that anyone’s life can spiral into homelessness. We bring together compassionate individuals and organisations to transform the lives of people in our local community and change perceptions of homelessness.

We provide a warm safe space to listen to anyone who comes to us for help. Local people experiencing homelessness are supported and empowered to become confident and find the strength and belief in themselves to create a brighter future.

Together we can make a difference and end homelessness where you live.

Location(s):

Unit 1, Thesiger Close, Worthing, BN11 2EN – this is our central storage unit where items are stored before being redistributed to our projects.

A bit about the role:

The charity regularly receives electrical appliance donations. We need a volunteer to ensure these are PAT tested so they are safe to use by clients and service staff.

Items might include lamps, kitchen appliances, fridges, TVs, radios, laptops and tablets.

Kitchen items mean that clients can be more independent and other electrical products help make their accommodation more homely and comfortable.

Donated tablets and laptops enable clients to access vital healthcare and benefit services, apply for jobs and accommodation, take online educational and recovery courses, and maintain the contact with family and friends that’s so important to mental health and wellbeing. Without digital access, all of these things become increasingly harder to achieve.

We need help to:

• Carry out the PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) for each item and maintain appropriate records
• Carry out simple repairs to small electrical items so donated items can be maximised In addition we are looking for the role to extend to take on refurbishing digital equipment

What will I be doing?

• You will be working as part of the community development team working closely with the Donations Coordinator and our Digital Inclusion Coordinator.
• You will be using our simple PAT testing equipment located at the Donations unit.
• Occasional mobile testing of larger items on other sites may be required.
• This is a very rewarding role as you will be contributing to enhancing people’s lives as they move towards living independently. 

What is the goal?
To ensure all appliances offered to clients are safe to use and ready to be delivered by the donations service team.

                                                
It is Turning Tides’ hope and expectation that as a volunteer you will:

• be inclusive and welcoming communicate professionally with the contacts you make be flexible to the needs of the staff member on duty abide by the Confidentiality, Professional Boundaries and Health and Safety Policies always

Times & Commitment: This is an ongoing volunteer role. It would suit someone who has a few hours a fortnight and we are flexible regarding which days. Full training and support will be given.

What Training will I receive?

Every volunteer regardless of role will have their initial induction.  During this induction you be taken through a PowerPoint presentation and be issued with ‘Not Just a Volunteer’ handbook. The induction will cover Professional Boundaries, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity and be a chance for you to ask any questions.

You will be given instruction and training on using PAT testing equipment by a member of our maintenance team.

We will provide ongoing support and everything you need to get started and you will be asked to attend a training session, so you are comfortable and happy in your role.

The health and safety of our volunteers and supporters are always our top priority. As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, we will ensure any volunteering you carry out is within current Government guidelines. We will support you in this so guidelines are met.

We need to ensure you are eligible to volunteer in the UK.  To do this we will ask to see documentation that proves your right to volunteer in the UK at your induction.  If you are unable to provide this documentation you will be unable to volunteer. If you have the right to work in the UK on a permanent basis you are also normally allowed to volunteer. If in doubt, please contact the Home Office.

All of Turning Tides’ roles require two character references. These references do not need to be employment references, however, we cannot accept references from family members.