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HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?


VOLUNTEERING AS A GUARDIAN SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

 

We have set a very high bar for all volunteer candidates such is the sensitivity and complexity of our work. We operate in a highly charged and fluid environment alongside the emergency services where you will be absolutely tested to the limit whilst service users will be counting on you to make the right decisions at the right time. We cannot and will not compromise their safety or well-being therefore only candidates that meet strict entry requirements will be considered for acceptance into the organisation.

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You will be female, of a caring and compassionate nature and be willing to operate in testing conditions in the service of others. You will have no criminal record (spent or unspent) relating to crimes of a violent or sexual nature. You will agree to submit to extensive vetting, referencing and a DBS (disclosure and barring service) check.

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You will be articulate with excellent communication skills and the ability to keep a cool head in a crisis.

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The Cheltenham Guardians team is a close-knit family and we will maintain this dynamic going forward. If you are not a team player you cannot become a Cheltenham Guardian. It's not just who you are on shift that is of interest to us, it's who you are outside of the organisation that is important too.

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FITNESS AND STAMINA

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Guardians walk up to 15 miles in a single shift in all weather conditions.

 

  • You will be involved in lifting and moving incapacitated females

  • You will be climbing stairs in hot, busy nightclubs

  • You will be called upon to move across the town centre quickly in response to an incident or emergency

 

It is ESSENTIAL that you have the strength, stamina and fitness to endure an arduous and testing shift. You may not always get the opportunity to take a break!

 

If you do not think you are fit enough to undertake frontline emergency response work you may wish to consider volunteering at the Nightcare Hub which is physically less demanding.

 

DO NOT apply to become a Guardian if you think your fitness and stamina will let service users, yourself and the team down. If it becomes evident that your fitness is not at an acceptable level you will be stood down from the Guardian rota and invited to re-apply in 12 months.

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WARNING

 

Cheltenham Guardians have been first responders to a murder, life threatening and life changing violent assaults, sexual assaults and domestic violence. Please do consider this before applying.


So you still want to become a Cheltenham Guardian?


Please find below the pathway we take from first contact to becoming a probationary Guardian safeguarding officer volunteer:

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  • Completed application form #1

  • Teams/facetime/WhatsApp video call interview (up to 1 hour)

  • Preliminary vetting commences

  • Invite to observe the team on duty (6 hours)

  • Face-to-face interview with our executive team and HR lead (up to 2 hours)

  • Completed application form #2

  • Primary vetting commences including DBS check and references

  • Conditional invite to join the organisation as a probationary volunteer

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Should you fail any of the requirements at any stage the recruitment process will be terminated and you will not be eligible to reapply for at least 12 months. If your DBS check or references are unsuitable the recruitment process will be terminated and you will not be eligible to reapply for at least 36 months.

 

We reserve the right to reject any application at any time and for any reason.

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As a Cheltenham Guardian applicant you will understand that:

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  • You will commit to at least one shift every six weeks (6 hours)

  • You will be required to sign a non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement

  • You will be physically fit (see fitness and stamina section above)

  • You will be willing to work in adverse weather conditions

  • We run TOWARDS danger and NEVER away from it

  • If vomit and blood isn't your thing you've probably made a mistake

  • If you are easily offended you'll not enjoy working with us

  • You will deal with challenging and distressing incidents regularly

  • Your conduct outside of the organisation will not bring the organisation into disrepute

  • If you are the very best of the very best there is a fair chance your application will be successful 

  • Successful candidates will be required to pay for their own uniform. All uniform components (including seasonal variations) cost £330. We can help you crowdfund for this so don't panic! We have a tried and tested process that works

  • Your image may be used for educational or promotional purposes​ (exemptions can be made for emergency services and security services personnel)

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We look forward to hearing from you!

 

To apply to volunteer with the Nightcare Hub or Project Eve please email contact@cheltenhamguardians.org.​​

Volunteer Application Form #1

Sex
Have you ever been convicted of a crime of a violent or sexual nature?
Do you have a criminal record not regarded as spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974?
Do you believe you have an acceptable level of fitness and stamina to undertake the demanding duties of a Cheltenham Guardian? (See FITNESS AND STAMINA section above)

Thank you for submitting your application to volunteer with the Cheltenham Guardians Safeguarding Team. We will contact you in the near future.

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