With a growing volunteer team, we've decided to launch a new way to sign up for and manage your volunteering with us.
Thanks to the support of the Building Communities Trust, we're launching a new volunteer portal, designed to be simple to use and help more people to get involved. We've popped together this blog to tell you more and answer some questions...
Firstly, why have we set up this new portal?
There are a few reasons!
- If you’re a volunteer with us, we want to put more control into your hands. Our new portal lets you manage your own volunteering, sign up for or change shifts, and keep control of exactly what information we hold about you, as well as tracking your hours and training with us.
- We want to work more efficiently. We’re just a tiny staff team (2.5 full time staff equivalent) and our current systems take up a lot of time). Working more efficiently helps us make the most of the support we’re given, whether that’s grant funding, public donations, or the time given by our volunteers.
- We want to make it easy for everyone to see all volunteering opportunities in one place, and know exactly what’s involved, to help everyone find the right role for them.
What about volunteers who are unable to use an online portal?
We totally understand that this won’t work for everyone. There are lots of reasons why volunteers might not be able to use the portal, including not having access to a device or the internet, accessibility reasons, or not feeling confident online. We are absolutely committed to ensured that everyone can volunteer with us, and has a good experience, so if you or someone you support aren’t able to use the portal then please don’t worry; here’s what we’ll do:
- Firstly, please get in touch. You can give Julia a call or message on 07704 605197, email julia@greensquirrel.co.uk, or pop in and speak to any member of staff during opening hours. We’ll arrange a time to complete the sign up process with you so you’re on our database.
- We currently send a monthly email update with all current opportunities and will continue to do this.
- You will still be able to let us know when you’re planning to volunteer in person, by email, or on the Volunteer WhatsApp group.
How accessible is the portal?
The volunteer portal has an AA level of conformance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) international standard on all public and volunteer facing pages. It is compatible with JAWS and NVDA screen readers.
We always welcome your feedback on any accessibility issues or improvements.
Can I use the portal on my mobile?
Yes, it has a dedicated, easy-to-use app for iPhone and Android.
What does this mean for you if you’re an existing volunteer?
You should have received an email from us explaining the changes and inviting you to sign up – don’t forget to sign up before April 24th to be entered into the prize draw!
Our monthly email updates will continue, and so will our lovely friendly WhatsApp group, but once you’re signed up, wherever possible, please sign up for volunteer opportunities through the portal rather than by whatsapp, text, or email.
If you’d like some extra support with the new portal…
👉 Click here for our sign up guide and video walkthrough
👉 Click here for our guide to using the portal once you’re signed up
👉 Come to a drop in session at Railway Gardens for some one-to-one support. Upcoming dates are:
- 10am – 2pm, Thursday April 10th
- 10am – 12pm, Tuesday April 15th
- 2 – 4pm, Tuesday May 6th
- 10am – 12pm, Friday 9th May
- 10am – 12pm, Wednesday May 14th
- 2 – 4pm, Thursday 15th May
- 10am – 2pm, Saturday 17th May
- 2-4pm, ,Tuesday May 20th
What does this mean for you if you’ve not volunteered with us before?
The portal is now open for new volunteers to sign up with us! We can’t wait to welcome you to the team.
Ok, what do I do next?
Please choose from the options below to get started. If you have any questions please contact Hannah on hannah@greensquirrel.co.uk
Not used the portal yet?
Visit our volunteer portal to explore our current opportunities and sign up
👋 Need a hand? Find our sign up video & guide here
📱 Prefer to sign up via the mobile app? Download it here
Already volunteering with us?signed up to the portal?
Log in to sign up for activities, check and change your schedule, and more
👋 Need a hand? Find our user guide and video here
📱 Prefer to manage your volunteering on mobile? Get the app
Thank you! We want to say a huge thanks to the Building Communities Trust for the funding to help us put this in place, and to volunteers Jane, Dan and Leo for helping us test it.
