Application Pack
Volunteer Officer
Advertised March 2015
Contents
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Job Advert
About the Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Job description
Person specification
Summary of terms and conditions of employment
Recruitment and selection process
Application Form
Equal Opportunities Form
Job Advert
A unique opportunity to join a successful and growing
conservation charity!
Volunteer Officer
Salary £21,000
Start date: as soon as possible.
As part of its new strategic plan, the Bumblebee Conservation
Trust is looking to appoint an enthusiastic individual with
experience of managing volunteers to take on the exciting
new role of Volunteer Officer.
You will be an excellent communicator with proven
experience of managing and motivating volunteers. You will
be able to use your initiative and work with colleagues to
support BBCT’s existing volunteers and train and recruit new
volunteers across the UK. It would be highly advantageous if
you have an understanding of bumblebee ecology and beefriendly gardening, as well as good bumblebee identification
skills.
Please refer to the job description and person specification
for more details of the role.
This is a full-time, fixed term (1 year) position based at
BBCT’s offices in Stirling.
For an application pack please visit
our website:
bumblebeeconservation.org/vacancies/
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
University of Stirling
Stirling
FK9 4LA
Tel: 01786 467818
admin@bumblebeeconservation.org
Charity numbers: 1115634; SC042830
To discuss the post informally please
contact Dawn Ewing, Outreach
Manager (Wed-Fri only, telephone:
01786 467 826).
Closing Date:
5 p.m. Wednesday 08 April 2015
The closing date is 5 p.m. Wednesday 08 April 2015.
About the Bumblebee Conservation Trust
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is a UK-based national charity (England & Wales 1115634, Scotland
SC042830) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (No. 05618710). The Trust was established in May
2006 in response to ongoing declines in many bumblebee species, due primarily to habitat loss through
agricultural intensification. In the last 70 years two species have become nationally extinct whilst
populations of several others have crashed dramatically. Over one third of social bumblebee species are
now regarded as species of principal importance under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
Bumblebees are ‘keystone’ pollinators, integral to our natural environment, and providing significant
economic benefits through pollination of crops. We aim to help bumblebees and the habitats that they
depend on through conservation and education.
This is an exciting time to join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust as we move into the next phase of our
development following the launch of a new five year strategic plan. For more information about our work,
visit our website (http://bumblebeeconservation.org).
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Job Description
Job Title: Volunteer Officer
Reporting to: Finance and Operations Director
Responsible for: BBCT volunteers
Hours: This is a full-time (35 hours a week) fixed term position based at BBCT’s offices in Stirling.
Job purpose:
 To support and nurture BBCT’s existing volunteers, including BeeWalk trainers.
 To recruit new BBCT volunteers.
 To monitor and report on BBCT’s volunteering activities.
 To support the delivery of volunteer training events and public talks/ walks as specified in
BBCT’s project funding.
Main responsibilities:
Volunteer support
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Support existing non-BeeWalk volunteers, for example by providing guidance, sending out
resources, co-ordinating risk assessments, etc.
Support BeeWalk trainers to organise and deliver their own BeeWalk training events.
Register and induct new BBCT volunteers.
Match event opportunities to volunteers and (where appropriate) co-ordinate communications
between event organisers and volunteers.
Manage volunteer communications – respond to enquiries to the volunteering@ email inbox and
produce bi-monthly volunteer e-newsletters.
Monitor all UK volunteer activities and produce volunteer reports for project reporting and
Trustee Board meetings, e.g. number of volunteer-led talks, walks, etc.
Work with the Project Development Manager and Trustees to develop Bumblebee
Conservation Trust’s volunteer vision to enable the Trust to meet the volunteer specific
objectives outlined in the 2014-2019 Strategic Plan.
Training and events
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Support the delivery of public talks/ walks as specified in BBCT’s project funding.
Deliver volunteer training events.
Team working
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Support BBCT Conservation Officers with the management of volunteers in their local areas.
Provide cover/ support for general public enquiries via phone and email during holidays/ busy
periods.
Assist with the identification of images submitted through BeeWatch (dependent on experience).
General
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Contribute to the overall outputs of the BBCT team and carry out duties with due regard to the
well-being and safety of others at all times.
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post as deemed appropriate
and by agreement with the CEO.
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Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
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Experience of volunteer co-ordination/management.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Good presentation, report-writing and IT skills.
Ability to use own initiative.
Desire to learn about bumblebees and bee-friendly gardening.
Willingness to travel to events/workshops.
Full clean driving licence and access to own car.
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Knowledge about bumblebee
ecology.
Bumblebee identification skills.
Bee-friendly gardening
experience.
Experience of delivering training
to volunteers.
Summary of terms and conditions of employment
This is a full-time, fixed term post.
Salary: £21,000 plus 7% employer pension contribution
Location: Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Cottrell Building, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA
Hours of work: The post holder will be employed full-time for 35 hours per week. This role is officebased at the Trust’s offices in Stirling. Attendance at events and training will be required, plus occasional
travel to the Trust’s England office (Southampton). Some overtime work may be required.
Annual leave: Annual entitlement of 35 days (on a pro rata basis for part-time staff) inclusive of
Bank/Public Holidays.
Probationary period: There will be a three month probationary period.
Policies and procedures: We have policies designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both
workers and volunteers e.g. health and safety, lone working.
Recruitment and Selection Process
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. This means that when carrying
out our work and in the employment of staff to undertake this work, we will seek to ensure equality of
treatment for all persons regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, sexual
orientation, or economic status.
Pre-employment checks:
We will require a minimum of two appropriate references and will check original documents proving your
qualifications, identity, and right to live and work in the UK before you can start work with us.
You will be asked to provide details of any unspent criminal convictions.
References:
Referees should be your present and last employer. They should have had either managerial or
supervisory responsibility for your work, and not be colleagues, subordinates or friends. Where
appropriate (i.e. when this is your first employment), a tutor’s reference and a personal reference or
similar will be acceptable.
Referees will be provided with a copy of the job description and person specification for the vacancy.
BBCT will only approach your referees once an offer of employment has been made.
How we use your personal information:
The information which we gather from you during the recruitment and selection process is retained and
processed in accordance with the provisions set out by the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).
Please note that by submitting an application for employment, you are also agreeing to the Bumblebee
Conservation Trust processing such information as may be necessary to assess your application,
provided that proper regard is had to the data protection principles in force.
If your application is successful, the information you provide will be retained and will form part of your
personnel file. If you are not offered work with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, all documentation
related to your application will normally be confidentially destroyed after a period of six months.
How to apply:
If you are interested in joining us, please complete the application form below and return by email to
admin@bumblebeeconservation.org no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday 08 April 2015.
In order to ensure that all applicants are assessed equally and fairly, applications will only be accepted
on the form provided. Please do not send CVs.
Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 24 April 2015.
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Application Form
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF
VOLUNTEER OFFICER
CLOSING DATE
Wednesday 08 April 2015
APPLICANT INFORMATION
TITLE:
SURNAME:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION:
 Complete using black ink (block
capitals) or typescript (normal case)
 Answer all questions
 Do not attach a C.V.
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:
Recruitment, Bumblebee Conservation Trust
University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA
admin@bumblebeeconservation.org
FORENAME(S):
ADDRESS (including postcode):
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
EVENING TELEPHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
CAN YOU PROVIDE PROOF OF YOUR RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE UK?
Yes
No
(please tick/double click to select)
DO YOU HOLD A FULL CLEAN DRIVING LICENCE?
Yes
No
(please tick/double click to
select)
DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A CAR TO USE AT WORK?
Yes
No
(please tick/double click to
select)
IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY WILL YOU REQUIRE ANY REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO
ENABLE YOU TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW?
Yes
N/A
(please tick/double click to select)
If yes please provide details:
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE (DECLARATION SUBJECT TO
THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT 1974)?
Yes
No
(please tick/double click to select)
If yes please provide details:
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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
PRESENT OR MOST RECENT EMPLOYMENT
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
JOB TITLE:
COMPANY NAME:
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
SALARY:
FULL TIME
PART TIME
(please tick/double click to select)
REASON FOR LEAVING:
IF STILL EMPLOYED PLEASE STATE NOTICE PERIOD REQUIRED:
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
JOB TITLE:
COMPANY NAME:
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
SALARY:
FULL TIME
PART TIME
(please tick/double click to select)
REASON FOR LEAVING:
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
JOB TITLE:
COMPANY NAME:
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
SALARY:
FULL TIME
PART TIME
(please tick/double click to select)
REASON FOR LEAVING:
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DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
JOB TITLE:
COMPANY NAME:
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
SALARY:
FULL TIME
PART TIME
(please tick/double click to select)
REASON FOR LEAVING:
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
JOB TITLE:
COMPANY NAME:
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
SALARY:
FULL TIME
PART TIME
(please tick/double click to select)
REASON FOR LEAVING:
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
JOB TITLE:
COMPANY NAME:
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
SALARY:
FULL TIME
PART TIME
(please tick/double click to select)
REASON FOR LEAVING:
EDUCATION
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
SCHOOL/COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained
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DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
SCHOOL/COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
SCHOOL/COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
TRAINING INSTITUTE/AWARDING BODY:
QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
TRAINING INSTITUTE/AWARDING BODY:
QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained
DATE FROM:
DATE TO:
TRAINING INSTITUTE/AWARDING BODY:
QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES (if applicable)
NAME OF INSTITUTE/PROFESSIONAL BODY:
MEMBERSHIP TYPE:
NAME OF INSTITUTE/PROFESSIONAL BODY:
MEMBERSHIP TYPE:
NAME OF INSTITUTE/PROFESSIONAL BODY:
MEMBERSHIP TYPE:
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PERSONAL STATEMENT
Detail how your knowledge, skills and experience will enable you to fulfil the requirements of
the post. Please refer to the job description and person specification when completing this
section. You can also include details of any voluntary activities or interests, as well as any
other relevant information you would like us to consider in support of your application.
Please do not exceed 2 sides of A4 in length.
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REFERENCES
Please give details of TWO people who can confirm your suitability for this role. This should include
your present/most recent employer and they must not be related to you in any personal capacity (e.g.
friends or family members). We will only approach referees if you are offered the post.
TITLE:
SURNAME:
FORENAME(S):
JOB TITLE:
ADDRESS (including postcode):
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
EVENING TELEPHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
CAPACITY IN WHICH KNOWN TO YOU:
TITLE:
SURNAME:
FORENAME(S):
JOB TITLE:
ADDRESS (including postcode):
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
EVENING TELEPHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
CAPACITY IN WHICH KNOWN TO YOU:
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DECLARATION
 I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the information on this form is correct.
 I accept that if any of the enclosed information is found to be untrue after my appointment, I
may be liable for dismissal without notice.
 I authorise you to contact the references listed on this form and make any other checks
deemed appropriate once an offer of employment is made.
 I am aware that the information given will be processed and stored by the Bumblebee
Conservation Trust in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and I have the right to
view any personal data held about me (upon written request and payment of an administration
fee).
NAME (PLEASE PRINT):
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
Please also complete and return the separate Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:
Recruitment, Bumblebee Conservation Trust
University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA
admin@bumblebeeconservation.org
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Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust operates an Equal Opportunities Policy and no person will be
discriminated against whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust on the
grounds of any protected characteristics such as age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status,
political allegiance, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, responsibility for dependants, or unrelated
spent criminal convictions.
The following information will be kept strictly confidential and stored separately from the application form
before short-listing takes place. It will not form any part of the recruitment process or decision to appoint
and will be used to provide data for monitoring purposes only.
You may choose to leave any or all questions unanswered.
POST APPLIED FOR:
FULL NAME:
AGE:
DATE OF BIRTH:
GENDER
(Please circle/cross out as
appropriate):
MALE/FEMALE/
TRANSGENDER/
OTHER
(Please
specify)________________
MARITAL STATUS (Please
circle/cross out as appropriate):
MARRIED/CIVIL PARTNERSHIP/SINGLE/DIVORCED/LIVING
WITH PARTNER/OTHER
DO YOU HAVE
RESPONSIBILITY FOR
DEPENDANTS (e.g. children,
elderly, or any other person for
whom you are the main carer)?
IS THIS THE
SAME GENDER
YOU WERE
ASSIGNED AT
BIRTH?
Yes
No
(please tick/double
click to select)
CHILDREN
ELDERLY
OTHER
NOT APPLICABLE
DISABILITY
Do you consider yourself to
have a physical and/or mental
impairment as defined by the
Equality Act 2010/ Disability
Discrimination Act 1995 (NI)?
Yes
ETHNIC ORIGIN
How would you describe your
identity?
WHITE:
BRITISH
ENGLISH
IRISH
SCOTTISH
WELSH
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________
BBCT Application Pack
No
(please tick/double click to select)
Please give details if you wish:
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MIXED:
WHITE AND BLACK CARIBBEAN
WHITE AND BLACK AFRICAN
WHITE AND ASIAN
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________
ASIAN, ASIAN BRITISH, ASIAN ENGLISH, ASIAN SCOTTISH
ASIAN IRISH OR ASIAN WELSH (Delete as applicable):
INDIAN
PAKISTANI
BANGLADESHI
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________
BLACK, BLACK BRITISH, BLACK ENGLISH, BLACK
SCOTTISH, BLACK IRISH, BLACK WELSH (Delete as
applicable):
CARIBBEAN
AFRICAN
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________
CHINESE, CHINESE BRITISH, CHINESE ENGLISH, CHINESE
SCOTTISH, CHINESE IRISH, CHINESE WELSH (Delete as
applicable):
CHINESE
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________
OTHER ETHNIC ORIGIN:
(PLEASE SPECIFY): ____________________________________
RELIGION/CULTURAL
BACKGROUND
NONE
CHRISTIAN
BUDDHIST
HINDU
JEWISH
MUSLIM
SIKH
OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________
WHERE DID YOU SEE THIS
POST ADVERTISED?
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:
Recruitment, Bumblebee Conservation Trust
University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA
admin@bumblebeeconservation.org
BBCT Application Pack
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