At a Glance
- Tasks: Support witnesses in court, providing emotional and practical assistance before, during, and after trials.
- Company: Join Victim Support, a leading charity dedicated to helping victims of crime.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, receive training, and be part of a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a diverse community and enjoy out-of-pocket expense reimbursements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining experience in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, commit to at least 1 day/week for 12 months, and complete training.
It’s an exciting time to join Victim Support, as we prepare to begin delivery of the Witness Service from April 2026. We look forward to welcoming current Witness Service staff and volunteers to Victim Support—and we’re also now beginning recruitment for several new roles and to fill vacant positions.
About the Witness Service: The Witness Service provides free, independent support to any witness giving evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales—both for the prosecution and the defence. Our trained staff and volunteers help people understand what to expect before, during and after a trial, and offer practical and emotional support every step of the way, so witnesses can give their best evidence. The Witness Service also supports bereaved family members, and friends and family who are accompanying witnesses in court.
Why join the Witness Service now: This is an exceptional opportunity to help us ensure a smooth transition and shape a high‑quality, high‑impact and trauma‑informed service—so every witness feels informed, supported and more confident in court. Witness Service Outreach Volunteers provide support to witnesses when they are attending court, as well as pre‑trial and post‑trial, helping them to feel safe and informed. You will provide support to both prosecution and defence witnesses.
Why volunteer with us?
- Make a difference – you will volunteer directly with victims and witnesses.
- Gain skills and experience – you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
- Join our community – you will be part of a large community of over 2,000 volunteers and staff.
- Beyond your role – attend one of our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.
What do we ask of you? In order to join us as a Witness Service Volunteer, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or over.
- Be able to volunteer for at least 1 day per week, for at least 12 months.
- Undertake training – this includes virtual training days as well as completing online learning modules.
- Undertake an enhanced DBS with Child Barred list check and be part of the DBS Update Service.
- Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
- Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.
Expenses: All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out‑of‑pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.
Diversity Matters: VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and is passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.
Want to find out more? If you have any questions or would like to find out more about this role, please contact volunteering@victimsupport.org.uk
Witness Service Outreach Volunteer (South Yorkshire) employer: Victim Support
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of witnesses and victims of crime. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through comprehensive training and community engagement, ensuring every volunteer feels valued and empowered. Join us in South Yorkshire as we prepare to launch the Witness Service, where you can contribute to a high-quality, trauma-informed service while being part of a dedicated team of over 2,000 volunteers and staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Witness Service Outreach Volunteer (South Yorkshire)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current volunteers or staff at Victim Support through social media or community events. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like and how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the Witness Service inside out. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your skills can help witnesses feel supported. We want to see your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and communication skills during the interview. Share personal experiences where you’ve helped others or dealt with challenging situations. This role is all about making a difference, so let that shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Witness Service Outreach Volunteer (South Yorkshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Witness Service Outreach Volunteer. We want to see how you can make a difference in supporting witnesses, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through in your written application. We’re looking for volunteers who are genuinely interested in making a positive impact on the lives of witnesses, so share your motivation and why this role excites you.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and passion without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what the Witness Service Outreach Volunteer role entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the impact of the service on witnesses. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit and how you can contribute to making a difference.
✨Show Your Empathy
As this role involves supporting vulnerable individuals, it's crucial to demonstrate your empathy and understanding during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've provided support or assistance to others, highlighting your ability to connect with people in challenging situations.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Witness Service and its future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about training opportunities or how volunteers are supported in their roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Think about how you would handle various situations involving witnesses, and be ready to discuss your thought process and decision-making in those scenarios.
