Empowerment Volunteer

Volunteer Role Description
Empowerment Volunteer

Expenses: Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment: Around one day per week, flexible and agreed with you based on your
availability.

Location: The role can be carried out in our Worthing office or in the community, depending
on your preference and the needs of the activity.

Support & Supervision: You will be supported by a member of the Independent Lives Direct
Payments team, who will be your main point of contact throughout your volunteering

Purpose of the role

Empowerment Volunteers help Independent Lives support disabled people, carers and
individuals with support needs to live with greater choice, control and independence.

You’ll be helping people understand services, build confidence in speaking up for themselves,
and connect with support that can make a real difference in their lives.

This is a people‑focused volunteering role that combines friendly guidance, light practical
support, and community engagement.

What the role may involve

Volunteer activities may include the following, depending on your interests and confidence:

Supporting People to Navigate Services

•  Helping customers understand what support is available and how to access it.
•  Signposting people to helpful resources, organisations or information.
•  Letting the Empowerment Team know if a person needs additional support.

Self-Advocacy & Workshop Support

•  Assisting staff with the planning or delivery of simple workshops or group sessions.
•  Offering encouragement and practical help to participants during sessions.

Celebrating Customer Success

•  Helping gather positive stories or examples of progress (with full consent).
•  Contributing to case studies or stories that showcase the impact of our work.

Service Feedback & Improvement

•  Listening to customers’ experiences and sharing observations (if you feel comfortable)

about barriers people face.

•  Offering ideas that could help improve accessibility, communication or support.

Light Administrative Support

•  Helping the team prepare materials, keep simple records, or organise information.
•  Following data protection and confidentiality guidance (training provided).

General

•  Volunteering in a way that reflects Independent Lives’ values of inclusion,

empowerment and respect.

•  Following essential organisational policies such as safeguarding and confidentiality.
•  Taking part in induction and any helpful training (we’ll support you every step of the

way).

•  Any additional tasks that fit the role and your interests can be agreed with you.

All activities will be discussed with you first to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.

Qualities That Would Be Helpful

You don’t need formal qualifications — we welcome volunteers from all walks of life. The
following qualities would be useful for the role:

Friendly, patient and comfortable talking with people.
Good listener with sensitivity to personal experiences.
Organised and reliable.
Comfortable using email or basic digital tools.
Ability to respect confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
An interest in supporting disabled people and carers.
Willingness to take part in induction and role‑related training.

You do not need previous experience — just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

What We Offer

A meaningful volunteering experience that supports disabled people and carers.
A warm, inclusive, and supportive team environment.
Full induction and training.
Training and support to feel confident in the role.
Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
The opportunity to develop communication, administration, and social care‑related skills.