Volunteers Application Pack
Unit 27 Tallon Road
Hutton Industrial Estate
Brentwood
Essex
CM13 1TE
Tel: 01277 222050
Registered Charity 1120398
Company Limited by guarantee 5249004
www.lighthousefurniture.org
www.eppingreuse.org.uk
www.tclreuse.org.uk
Unit 27
Tallon Road
Hutton Industrial Estate
Brentwood
Essex
CM13 1TE
The ReUse Centre
Bower Hill Industrial Estate
Bower Hill
Epping
Essex
CM16 7BN
Teen Challenge ReUse Centre
Unit 1
330-348 Uphall Road
Ilford
IG1 2JJ
Please send your application to the appropriate project
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Page 1 of 13
March 2012
Dear Volunteer,
Thank you for your enquiry about joining as a volunteer.
Please find enclosed some information about the schemes and an Application Pack. We would be grateful if you
could complete this, as well as the enclosed Volunteer Agreement and return pages 11-13 to the Volunteer Coordinator at the relevant branch.
If you have any questions or require further information about any aspect of the organisation or volunteering please
do not hesitate to contact the appropriate Branch Manager.
We are always seeking volunteers who have experience in the following areas:● Retail sales
● Warehousing & logistics
● Customer telephone enquiries
● Administration
● Promotions and marketing
● Van driving and driver assistance
● Furniture repairs
● Appliance repairs
● P.A.T. testing
Many thanks
Brian Darwood
CEO
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March 2012
VOLUNTEER CHARTER
What is Lighthouse Furniture group?
We are a not for profit Social Enterprise and a Registered Charity.
Founded in 1994 by volunteers from a local church, our mission is to provide good quality second-hand furniture and
household items at reasonable prices to support our charitable aims.
As a charity we provide furniture to those on low income at reduced prices and in some instances for free. We work
with a wide variety of agencies and seek to help those who are struggling to help themselves. Over 25% of our
turnover goes to supporting ‘at risk’ groups and their clients. Since we were founded we have helped over 6000
individuals and families.
As a Social Enterprise, 100% of funds raised is reinvested into the organisation to pay core operational costs, and
any surplus is used to allow us expand and help more people. There are no shareholders or anyone else profiting
from our operation. We are self sufficient receiving no large grants.
What is the Lighthouse Furniture group
5 years ago a group called Hopeworx asked Lighthouse Furniture to help them launch a new furniture project in
Rayleigh. We did this by giving them copies of all our policies, procedures user guides, computer system and trained
their staff to use them. We also provided staff training at our Brentwood project and supported them through the
setup process on their own site. After 2 years they were able to stand on their own two feet and became an
independent charity, but we still maintain our ties with them providing occasional support as they require it.
Epping Forest ReUse another project Lighthouse is helping through the same process towards independence. They
are now 2 years into this process and will hopefully become independent in 2016.
Teen Challenge London is the third group that Lighthouse is helping to set up by starting a new project in Ilford in late
2015
How volunteers support the projects?
Put simply, without the help of our volunteers we would not exist. We were started by volunteers and are supported
by over 100 volunteers every year. Volunteers help us in every aspect of our operation.
In financial terms last year volunteers contributed 16057 hours which relates to over £109187.
Who can volunteer at the projects?
We provide volunteering opportunities for everyone over the age of 18 and also work with a range of local agencies
to provide support for individuals that have been marginalised, through ill health, long term unemployment or life
experiences. Volunteering can help gain confidence, rebuild self esteem, is rewarding and according to our
volunteers, fun.
How to apply to become a volunteer
We recruit volunteers from several sources. By advertising in places like local churches, community groups, etc, by
word of mouth and through 3rd party organisations. When you contact us we will send you an application pack that
we ask you to complete, which should take no more than 10 minutes. Once we have received the completed pack
we will invite you to come and have an informal chat to explain what we do and to see if volunteering with us is right
for you. If you do decide to join us we will review how things are working out for us both with informal but regular
chats.
Our Commitment to Volunteers.
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The Lighthouse group has an appointed Volunteer Co-ordinator that you can talk to about any issues you have. You also
have unrestricted access to the CEO and Trustees of the appropriate project should you feel it necessary.
Your time volunteering should be fulfilling and enjoyable.
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You will be informed who you are responsible to when you join us and when this changes.
You will be given a clear understanding of the tasks we require you to perform.
You will receive training in the roles that you volunteer for, especially if there are legal implications (H&S, Trading
Standards).
You will not be put under any moral pressure to do work which is against your principles.
You will be adequately protected against any risks involved in doing voluntary work, eg Public Liability Insurance.
You will not be exposed to risks to your health and safety and you should not cause others to be exposed.
You should not suffer financially by doing voluntary work.
Should you at any time feel aggrieved we will do everything within our power to resolve the issues in a mutually beneficial
way.
If an issue arises where the project needs to discuss your conduct we will do everything within our power to resolve the
issues in a mutually beneficial way.
You will not generally be used to permanently replace previously paid workers.
Any suggestion to improve our operation will be treated with the same level of significance as suggestions made by
employees, clients, 3rd party agencies or anyone else.
Confidentiality by you and about your personal information must be confined within the project.
We are committed to social justice and actively opposed to discrimination in society and especially within the project.
We will not offer you a volunteering post unless there is benefit to both you and the project. If this is not the case we will
direct you to other organisations where your skills can be more fully utilised.
You can be involved in decision making processes that are relevant to your volunteering role and level, if you wish.
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March 2012
LIGHTHOUSE FURNITURE PROJECT AND GROUP PROJECTS
Background
Originally established in May 1994, after consultations with Brentwood Borough Council and the Brentwood Council
for Voluntary Services, and was known as the Kings Church Furniture Exchange.
For the first 10 years it operated across the borough of Brentwood on most Saturday mornings collecting and
delivering furniture using a four wheeled box trailer. Brentwood Council loaned us some garages and at that time we
were able to provide it as a free service to residents of Brentwood Borough.
During this period we developed strong partnerships with Brentwood District Council, Brentwood Council for
Voluntary Services (CVS), Inter Church Action Group for the Homeless (ICAGH), Social Services, Brentwood
Community Mental Health Team, local housing trusts and the Salvation Army.
In 2003 the organisation joined the national Furniture Recycling Network (FRN) http://www.frn.org.uk/. This provided
an opportunity to meet other groups and organisations and learn from them, adopting best practice. Lighthouse
Furniture Project was also registered as a “Not for Profit” company in October of 2003 and we started buying in
reconditioned appliances to meet the growing need.
During the spring of 2004 we were successful in raising funds to replace our ten year old trailer with a new Luton
Transit box van, which was delivered in September and in December we were awarded a significant grant from
Community Recycling and Economic Development (CRED) to enable us to rent a warehouse and employ staff and
expand the service.
On 17th July 2005 Lighthouse Furniture was launched from Unit 27 Tallon Road with 3 staff and 2 volunteers and
within another year a second van was added.
A further grant from Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) enabled us to equip a workshop to test
appliances ourselves and in 2006 an additional CRED grant enabled us to employ our own engineer permitting us to
provide a wide range of appliances at competitive prices.
In the summer of 2007 Lighthouse became a registered charity with the Charity Commission.
2008 saw us expand into a second warehouse. During the following year we expanded our workshop facilities,
increased our staff and volunteer numbers allowing us to significantly increased our ability to help even more people.
In 2009 we introduce a comprehensive stock control system, achieve PQASSO level 2 quality standard, partnered
with Homes in Havering and became an accredited FRN Appliance Re-Use centre. We were also able to help the
local Community Centre with some furniture and help victims of a major fire at Felmores in Basildon.
We were the first to achieve the Social Enterprise Mark in Essex in 2010 and launched a computer re-use scheme,
ReUse-iT+
In 2012 we worked with Hopeworx to open the warehouse in Rayleigh. They have now become an independent
project and charity.
In 2013 we started working with another group to open Epping Forest Reuse. They hope to become independent in
2016.
In late 2015 we linked with Teen Challenge London to start up a project in Ilford called TCLReUSE.
The project’s primary objectives are;
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To provide low cost furniture and white goods to those in need
To bring awareness of the scheme to all levels of the community throughout the whole of the Districts served
To expand the existing service of the collection and redistribution of furniture to a greater number of users and
encourage re-use as a way of life
To reduce landfill by repairing and refurbishing damaged items of furniture
To collect, test and recycle electrical goods in a dedicated, secure environment
To expand our Partnership working with caring and referral agencies
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To offer volunteer, employment and training opportunities to people
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VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
Thank you for choosing to register as a volunteer. So that we can offer you support and advice please take a few
minutes to complete this registration document. If you are unsure about any part of this document please ask for
advice and assistance.
What will we do with the information you give us?
The information supplied by you in this document will be kept confidential to Lighthouse Furniture Project Ltd. and will
not be disclosed to any person or organisation without your permission. Using the information you provide will
enable us to match your volunteering skills to opportunities that suit your preferences and availability.
Criminal Records Certificates
Our opportunities require that in some instances a criminal records check is carried out. This is often the case when
volunteering involves working with vulnerable persons. No criminal records checks will be made without your prior
consent.
All new volunteers must complete:
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Volunteer Application Form
Volunteer Agreement
New Volunteers will be given:
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An informal interview.
A copy of the Volunteer Charter
Confirmation that references will be requested.
Confirmation if a criminal records check is required.
A copy of the relevant role descriptions.
Information on the work of Lighthouse Furniture and its group projects.
Induction and appropriate training.
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March 2012
EXAMPLE VOLUNTEER ROLES
VAN DRIVER
KEY TASKS:
To be responsible for the collection of donated furniture and household goods and the distribution of such items to the scheme’s
customers. To ensuring safe and efficient lifting, handling, loading and collection/delivery of goods. The care of the project van.
When not undertaking the above role, to help with warehousing roles.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
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To work with others in the safe and efficient lifting, handling, loading, transporting, delivery and collection of furniture and
household items.
Acting in accordance with training to ensure furniture complies with Trading Standards regulations and is of the required quality.
Ensuring the safe, clean and road legal condition of the project vehicle daily before use.
Ensure the weekly van checks are performed and documented on the first working day of each week so that the van is well
maintained and checked in terms of mechanical (fluid levels, lights working etc) and tail lift servicing, the MOT, breakdown cover
and road fund license remain current and informing the manager of faults or problems with the scheme vehicle/s.
Dealing sympathetically and respectfully with the service users (customers) and with those donating furniture some of whom may
be recently bereaved.
Unsuccessful deliveries are reported to the management and declined donations are accurately recorded on the daily drop sheets
with reasons given
All items collected are correctly labelled and any additional items are recorded on the drop sheets
Supervision, support and training for any assisting volunteers is appropriate and effective
Paperwork for any assisting volunteers is completed updated and dealt with appropriately
End of life items are dismantled, where appropriate, and taken to the waste store and recorded in the database
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience of driving Luton style vans is desirable but not essential. They should be able to deal with the public in a friendly,
helpful but firm manner. They should be fit and able to lift reasonably heavy objects such as a washing machine. The ability to
read a map or to have good knowledge of the local area would be advantageous. A knowledge of Trading Standards
regulations, manual handling and health and safety would also be beneficial but training will be given if required.
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DRIVERS MATE
KEY TASKS:
Assist the vehicle driver in delivery and collection of furniture and also the maintenance of the vehicle as required. To assist in
the completion of paperwork where necessary. When not undertaking the above role to help with warehousing roles.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
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To ensure all deliveries and collections are undertaken and completed, ensuring a quality service is provided at all times, meeting
any special requirements laid down on the drop sheet.
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To treat all customers with dignity
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Ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and is returned to the office
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All items collected are correctly labelled and any additional items are recorded on the drop sheets
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To support other staff and volunteers in ensuring the work of the project is maintained
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Undertake relevant training where applicable
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To ensure that items collected comply with Trading Standards regulations where applicable
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To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by management
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
The volunteer should be fit and able to lift reasonably heavy objects such as a washing machine. The ability to read a map or to
have good knowledge of the local area would be advantageous. A knowledge of Trading Standards regulations, manual
handling and health & safety would also be beneficial but training will be given as required.
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WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE
KEY TASKS:
Responsible for ensuring that items within the warehouse are in their appropriate places, displayed appropriately, properly
labelled, clean and moved when necessary. Also to help load and unload vans, that items are labelled appropriately. Also to
help as a drivers mate when required.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
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Help move items around the warehouse and display them in the best way
Prepare tomorrows deliveries so they are ready for loading
Assist in loading and unloading of vans
Replace sold items with unsold items where possible
Inspect items in the warehouse for damage and if damage identified either repair the damage, inform the Warehouse Supervisor or
remove the item from the sales floor
Assemble and disassemble items of furniture as necessary
To ensure all customers are treated in a respectful and dignified manner
To answer customer queries about items in the warehouse or direct them to someone who can.
Clean items as they arrive in the warehouse or after they have been refurbished
Ensure fire exits and walkways are kept clear at all times
Keep the warehouse clean
To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
They should be able to deal with the public in a friendly and helpful manner. They should be fit and able to lift reasonably heavy
objects such as a washing machine with help. A knowledge of Trading Standards regulations, manual handling and health and
safety would also be beneficial but training will be given as required.
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RETAIL SALES
KEY TASKS:
To be responsible for sales to the general public, for booking in collections and deliveries. To be responsible for displaying
small goods for sale, ensuring the furniture is clean and safe and for keeping the warehouse tidy.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
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To ensure all customers are treated in a respectful and dignified manner
To ensure all sales are dealt with efficiently and correctly in line with sales procedures
To ensure all deliveries and collections are recorded correctly
To answer the phone and take details of collections, queries or referrals
To help keep the warehouse and sales area clear and tidy, ensuring safe access at all times. All breaches of health and safety
should be reported immediately.
To help support new volunteers.
To help in computer based tasks where appropriate, e.g. data input
To help the general public understand how the Lighthouse Furniture Project operates, its mission and objectives and to give
information helpfully and with an understanding of the limitations of some of the clients
To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The volunteer should be able to deal with the public in a friendly, supportive and helpful manner.
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March 2012
They should be able to answer the telephone and carry out straightforward administrative tasks. They should be able to
operate our retail computer systems (training will be given). A basic knowledge of MS Office products would be useful but not
essential. There is no requirement to have previous retail experience as training will be given. Patience and a sense of
humour are essential.
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OFFICE ASSISTANT TASKS
KEY TASKS:
To be responsible for answering the phone, for booking in collections and deliveries and for entering deliveries/collections onto
the database as well as undertaking a variety of administrative support activities.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
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To answer the phone and handle enquires appropriately
To accept or reject potential donations, ensuring that accurate records are made in the day and van books
To ensure all deliveries and collections are recorded onto the database
To undertake other office support tasks where appropriate, e.g. producing invoices, inputting contact or sales analysis data,
recording TV sales, sending out leaflets
To ensure all donors and potential customers are treated in a respectful and dignified manner
To help support new volunteers learn our procedures, use of database etc.
To be aware of and comply with product safety regulation enforced by Essex Trading Standards
To be prepared to attend appropriate training sessions as necessary.
To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The volunteer should be able to deal with the public in a friendly, helpful but firm manner. They should be able to answer the
telephone, have a clear telephone voice and carry out straightforward administrative tasks. Basic computing skills and
knowledge of MS Office products would be helpful but are not essential as training will be given. Patience and a sense of
humour are essential.
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ELECTRICIAN
KEY TASKS:
To test all electrical goods received by the project to check that they are safe, in serviceable working order and meet the
requirements of Essex Trading Standards.
To keep suitable records of all items tested.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
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To test all electrical items using the Portable Appliance Tester.
To check items are in full working order as far as is possible
To keep appropriate records
To mark items tested appropriately
To ensure the test area is kept clear and safe at all times
To ensure test systems and standards are in line with Essex Trading Standards requirements
Undertake relevant training where applicable
To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Management
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The volunteer should be a qualified electrician or other trained competent person, capable of testing all electrical items with the
portable appliance tester. The volunteer must be able keep appropriate records in line with current legislation and Lighthouse’s
procedures. PAT training will be provided as required.
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March 2012
VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT
A volunteer will:Not receive wages but will receive approved expenses for travelling, provided that you are not in receipt of other
travelling related benefits.
Be expected to attend relevant training where applicable.
Abide by the all relevant Lighthouse Furniture Project objectives and policies.
Endeavour to provide notice of time off. In the case of sickness, please inform us as soon as is possible on the day
of attendance.
In the event of wishing to terminate the agreement, he/she will provide Lighthouse Furniture Project with one week
notice where possible.
All volunteers who undertake to work at Lighthouse Furniture Project must abide by the
following rules;
Volunteers working for the furniture scheme must not participate in any activities that might conflict with the project.
Conflict of interest would be where volunteers buy items from the project and then sell items on to any third parties
(i.e. at car boot sales, auctions or to dealers or furniture restoration firms etc).
Under no circumstances should a volunteer visit a client’s home alone.
Volunteers must not enter into agreements with clients other than what has been agreed by the office. E.g. Do not
agree to supply any more items than the clients have already requested and we have agreed to supply. Clients must
be told to contact the office or their referral agency.
----------------------------------------------These rules and regulations are as much for your benefit as for ours. If any of the rules are broken it could lead to
instant dismissal from the project.
I have read and understood the rules of the Lighthouse Furniture Project
Name………………………….........
Signed………………………………
Date………………………………...
FOR INTERNAL USE
Date Application Received
Date Interviewed and By Whom
Date Started
Agreed Volunteering Hours
Date Left
Reason For Leaving
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March 2012
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
PERSONAL DETAILS
Title
Mr.
Mrs.
Miss
Ms.
Other (circle one)
First name
Surname
Address
Postcode
Telephone number
Mobile telephone number
Personal email address
Date of birth
Emergency contact details
Name:Address:Telephone:-
Relationship:-
How did you hear about the scheme
Present or last occupation
Employers name
Post held
Dates of Employment
Reason for leaving
Please give details of any previous
voluntary work experience
Any other relevant information to your
application
REFERENCES:
Please give names and addresses of 2 referees who have know you for at least 3 years and who are not related to you. At
least one of them should know you in an official capacity, eg church minister, previous employer, previous voluntary work
manager, etc.
Name / Address
Name / Address
Phone number:
Phone number:
In what capacity is this person known to you?
In what capacity is this person known to you?
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March 2012
WHEN CAN YOU VOLUNTEER
Please tick each box when you would be able to volunteer.
If you have no real preferences please leave this blank and when you come in to discuss your application we will
agree with you days that would best suit both us and you.
MON
TUE
WED
THURS
FRI
SAT
If you have specific requirements with regard to times and days available or other special needs please enter them
below
ENHANCED DISCLOSURE FROM THE CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU.
Volunteers may be expected to have an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and we are sure you
will understand why we must request this.
SIGNED:………………………………………………DATE…………..……………
Thank you for completing this form. The information will be kept confidential to Lighthouse Furniture Project Ltd. and
will not be disclosed to any person outside the project without your permission.
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March 2012