Guide Dogs Volunteering
Dec 18, 2015
Guide Dogs Volunteering
About us
• 50 roles available nationally• 30+ of these regionally• These include puppy walker, researcher,
fundraiser, speaker co-ordinator, speaker trainer, trainer, maintenance assistant, fundraising roles, driver, admin support, campaigner……..
• 11000 volunteers nationally• 400+ roles filled in the North East and Cumbria
What We Offer• A new ‘slick’ registration procedure• Detailed generic and role specific induction and training• Ongoing training in safeguarding, sighted guiding, volunteer
management, public speaking, working with the media• A named staff contact with regular contact and support• Regular meet and greet sessions with mobility team staff and fellow
volunteers• A volunteer picnic to say thank you!• A volunteer extranet• Regular national and regional newsletters• Volunteer Voices• A friendly and welcoming atmosphere from staff who value our
volunteers and the contribution they make to Guide Dogs
Why I do it!
• Al- Guide Dog Owner, Fundraiser, Speaker, Rep on volunteer voices group
• My Guide Dog Gypsy has changed my life. I wanted to give something back
Why I Do It!
• Barrie – Fundraiser• I enjoy meeting people and working for a charity that helps people
where you can see where the funds go, plus working with a small team of “friends”.
• Elaine- Puppy Walker, Fundraiser, Speaker (walking 10th puppy!)• I’m fitter and healthier from all the walking.• I’ve gained new friends.• Improved my confidence in public.• The general public are more friendly because of dogs.• I’ve learned more about living with disabilities.
Our Challenges for 2013• To further develop our ‘customer’ services and extended
training programme• Filling ‘niche’ roles- Campaigners, Recruitment
Ambassadors, Key Fundraising Volunteers• Changing perceptions ‘beyond the dog’- only a small
number of our volunteering roles are with dogs• Build on our excellent reward and recognition initiatives
from last year. Recognise our hard working or long serving volunteers who are ‘below the radar’