At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead discussions to help young people reflect on their actions and create positive change.
- Company: South Gloucestershire Council, dedicated to supporting youth and building safer communities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and make a real impact in your community.
- Other info: Commit to bi-weekly meetings and ongoing training for at least 18 months.
- Why this job: Be a guiding force for young people, helping them turn their lives around.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, patience, and a passion for youth development.
How you'll make a difference
As a Volunteer Panel Member, you will help make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
When a young person aged 10-17 admits an offence, the court may impose a referral order.
This is a community-based sentence which lasts between 3-12 months and aims to help the young person understand the impact of their actions and make positive changes for the future.
Chairing Referral Order Panel Meetings, you will work alongside the young person, their parents or carers and Youth Justice professionals to agree a tailored programme of work.
You will support them to reflect on their actions, address the causes of their offending behaviour and identify opportunities that will help them avoid further involvement with the police or criminal justice system.
This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people in making positive changes and contributing to safer communities.
What you will be doing
As Chair of the Referral Order Panel, you will lead panel meetings and play a key role in supporting young people to make positive changes. Your responsibilities will include:
- Facilitating discussions about the offence and its impact in a constructive and supportive manner.
- Encourage young people to take responsibility for their actions and reflect on the consequences of their behaviour.
- Agree tailored programmes of work that address offending behaviour and support personal development.
- Promoting opportunities that help young people engage in positive activities, develop new skills and achieve their potential.
- Supporting young people to participate in restorative activities that seek to repair the harm caused by the offence, which may include community-based unpaid work or direct or indirect engagement with victims where appropriate.
- What we need from you
- We are looking for someone with excellent communication and active listening skills, who is patient, receptive to guidance and respectful of the perspectives and opinions of others.
- You will be motivated and able to build positive engagement with children and young people.
- You must have the ability to review and interpret written reports, identify areas where support may be beneficial and make informed recommendations for children and their families based on evidence provided by the court.
- It is essential that you are committed to both the initial training programme and any ongoing learning and development required to perform the role effectively.
- What you need to know
- Panel meetings are usually held on Thursday evenings at community venues across South Gloucestershire.
You are asked to commit to attending one panel meeting every fortnight and to remain in the role for a minimum of 18 months.
- Proposed mandatory training dates are Saturday 12th, 19th and 26th September and Saturday 3rd October 2026. At least one will be in-person.
- Please note that due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained.
Interviews due to take place on 17th August 2026.
- How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Ensuring all our staff are given right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.
- What's special here is the strength of the team ethos, the support and the training.
Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here.
- We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of
- We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life.
- We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential.
We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference.
We're making a difference, be part of it!
We reserve the right to close this volunteering opportunity before the published closing date should we receive enough applications.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Volunteer Panel Chair: Guide Youth to Positive Change employer: South Gloucestershire Council
South Gloucestershire Council is an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and positive change. Join us in a role where your contributions directly impact the community and foster meaningful growth.
Contact Details:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Panel Chair: Guide Youth to Positive Change
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Panel Chair: Guide Youth to Positive Change
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like South Gloucestershire Council, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at South Gloucestershire Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of South Gloucestershire Council and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
