At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable victims and witnesses during remote evidence sessions in Sussex.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within Sussex Police, committed to community support and justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel expense reimbursement, access to well-being resources, and discounts for everyday spending.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience and skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: IT skills, customer service experience, and effective communication are essential.
- Other info: Volunteers will work alongside Victim Support and receive training for professional development.
The volunteer role is to support in Sussex to facilitate vulnerable victims & witnesses giving evidence in remote live link sites and/or Police video enabled justice rooms. This will include the setting up of the equipment and 'meet & greet' when the witness arrives at the live link location. This role is in conjunction with volunteers from Victim Support.
Roles are available in West Sussex (Arun area), Brighton and Hove, and Hastings area.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
You would be responsible for the practical management of the live link sites in Sussex on the day of the trial, allowing vulnerable victims and witnesses to give evidence away from a Court building. These sites will include both Video Enabled Justice (VEJ) rooms within police stations and Remote Live Link sites located in East, West, and Central Sussex. The Witness Care Officers within the Police Criminal Justice Unit (CJU) will liaise with you to assess your availability and provide you with details of the venue, timings, and any other relevant information that may affect your interaction with the victim or witnesses.
As the live link rooms are an extension of the Court, you would need to ensure the room is set up ready for use, comply with current government and force guidelines such as accommodating any social distancing requirements, and carry out any necessary sanitation of equipment.
You will meet the victims/witnesses when they arrive and stay with them whilst they are on police premises, with the exception of when they are in the live link room giving evidence. In this instance, you would wait nearby.
You will work alongside volunteers from Victim Support (Citizens Advice Witness Service and Young Witness Service) who will offer emotional support to victims and witnesses. Professional boundaries are important, so each volunteer is clear about their role, ensuring victims and witnesses feel supported and safe.
Once the victim/witness has given their evidence, you will be responsible for seeing them out of the building, switching off the equipment, and carrying out any necessary sanitation of the room. You will call the Witness Care Officer to confirm that the victim/witness has finished giving their evidence and left.
You will at times work with minimal intervention/supervision and will be accountable to the Criminal Justice Managers. You will be expected to make decisions and use your initiative.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Ensuring the live link room is compliant with current government and force guidelines.
- Ensuring all equipment is set up and ready for use in accordance with the guidance provided.
- Acting as a point of contact and meeting with the witness on arrival at the agreed location, remaining with the witness whilst they are on police premises.
- Printing, providing, and shredding the witness statement for familiarisation of evidence.
- Liaising with the Witness Care Officer from the Criminal Justice Unit once the victim/witness has left the location.
- Completing any occasional mandatory training sessions to maintain continued professional development.
- Submitting and claiming for any expenses (mileage) to the Criminal Justice Managers within two months of the expenses being incurred.
Skills & Experience
- IT Skills including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook.
- Experience of dealing directly with members of the public and providing a high level of customer service.
- Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- Able to work without direct supervision and demonstrate a high level of self-management, motivation, drive, and determination.
- Able to demonstrate respect for the opinions, circumstances, and feelings of others.
- Possessing a high level of integrity and resilience.
- Ability to work within agreed professional boundaries with colleagues within Sussex Police and externally.
Why Volunteer With Us?
We take pride in looking after our volunteers. Through volunteering, you will have the opportunity to:
- Experience policing first-hand.
- Meet new people and teams.
- Learn and develop your skills.
- Support your local community.
We will reimburse any travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering, and we have recognition schemes in place to formally show our appreciation for your service. As a police support volunteer, you will have access to financial and mental well-being guidance and support, discounts for everyday spending, our on-site gyms, and a range of sports clubs. Volunteering with us will also allow you to apply for other voluntary and paid positions within the Force.
Further Information
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace, and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings, all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure that how we deliver our services, provide information, and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and Disability Confident, a signatory of the Race at Work Charter, and aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness, and uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities.
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Please use the following links to find out more about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police.
Additional Information
Following submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally, emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders, so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding this address to your contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
Remote Evidence Facilitator Volunteer employer: Surrey and Sussex Police
Contact Detail:
Surrey and Sussex Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote Evidence Facilitator Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the technology used in remote evidence facilitation. Understanding how to set up and troubleshoot video equipment will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your initiative and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former volunteers from Victim Support or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share experiences that could help you during your volunteer journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups. This will highlight your ability to support vulnerable witnesses and victims in a sensitive manner.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local area where you'll be volunteering, including the specific locations of the live link sites. Being knowledgeable about the venues can help you feel more at ease and prepared when meeting witnesses.
We think you need these skills to ace Remote Evidence Facilitator Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for the Remote Evidence Facilitator Volunteer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in customer service, working with vulnerable individuals, or managing equipment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your IT skills, particularly familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, as well as your ability to communicate effectively and work independently. These are key attributes for this volunteer role.
Express Your Motivation: In your cover letter, convey your passion for supporting vulnerable victims and witnesses. Explain why you want to volunteer in this capacity and how it aligns with your personal values and career goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey and Sussex Police
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Remote Evidence Facilitator. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as setting up equipment and supporting vulnerable witnesses, so you can discuss how your skills align with these duties.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves interacting with victims and witnesses, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully engaged with diverse individuals, showcasing your empathy and professionalism.
✨Highlight Your Self-Management Abilities
The position requires working with minimal supervision, so be ready to discuss instances where you've taken initiative or managed tasks independently. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the role without needing constant oversight.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role and how you would respond, particularly in maintaining professional boundaries while providing support.