At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead discussions and support young people in making positive changes.
- Company: South Gloucestershire Council, dedicated to community safety and youth development.
- 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 part of transforming lives and contributing to safer communities.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping young people.
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.
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Volunteer Panel Member - Youth Offending Team 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 Member - Youth Offending Team
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like South Gloucestershire Council.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like South Gloucestershire Council. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Panel Member - Youth Offending Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps South Gloucestershire Council understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show South Gloucestershire Council how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community South Gloucestershire Council serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with South Gloucestershire Council.
