Voluntary Action South West Surrey

Volunteers wanted for the Surrey Hills Society stand at local shows

We are looking for volunteers to help with our stand at various local shows at a variety of locations across the Surrey Hills. This could be for one show a year or several. A willingness to work outdoors is essential and an ability to engage with members of the public is useful.  Knowledge of the Surrey Hills and the Surrey Hills Society is helpful but not essential as this can be learned.  There is support available from a team of experienced volunteers who manage the Society.

The Society attends a variety of shows with a gazebo such as the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, artisan fairs, village shows and farmers markets to showcase the work of the Society and to be the public face of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. These take place at a variety of locations but usually have a broad reach across the county. 

We are also looking for lead volunteers to help organise the gazebo at these shows and to lead a team of volunteers on the day.   A level of fitness to help erect a gazebo and carry items of equipment is needed as well as a car to transport the kit. This role involves assisting in the planning as well as picking up with kit and setting up the gazebo as well as engaging with members of the public and fellow team members.

The minimum age for general show volunteers is 16 and for lead volunteers it is 18.

Date posted: 16th February 2023

Our Trustees

The Trustees and Management Team for the Society are all unpaid volunteers and are appointed for a term of three years.  Most of our Trustees have been in office for several years and some are required to step down at our next AGM in October because our articles require them to do so after three terms in office.

We are looking for new trustees with strategic vision, independent judgement, and a willingness to commit to the leadership of the charity as we move forward with our vision.  All our trustees have a passion for the Surrey Hills and our interests include the importance of conserving and maintaining the landscape, alongside the enjoyment and understanding of the ecology, culture, and heritage of one of the most beautiful areas of the British Isles.  There is a strong team ethic, and we are looking for like-minded people, who are prepared to work with our Surrey Hills Family and our network of partners to promote the Society and its objectives.

Our trustee board meets approximately every three months and is responsible for setting the overall direction of the Society and overseeing our governance and finances. Meetings are sometimes online, but we aim for regular physical meetings, and these tend to alternate between the East and West ends of the County.  Our Events Committee organises about 50 events for our members each year and we engage with several hundred volunteers with the help of a full-time Project and Volunteer Coordinator.  We are also extending our outreach activity to promote health and well-being in the countryside and enjoyment of the Surrey Hills by minority groups and those that might otherwise be excluded.  Whilst not all our trustees are involved in our day-to-day activities, we have a wide variety of opportunities in which you can become involved e.g. walk and event planning, volunteer and conservation activities, media and communications and finance and administration.

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from those with backgrounds, which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. 

Date posted: 20/04/2023

Position Overview: We are seeking motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team as voluntary part-time conservation project assistants. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on local conservation efforts while gaining valuable experience in assisting with volunteer initiatives. You will play a vital role in organising, leading, and inspiring volunteers to contribute to various conservation projects across the Surrey Hills. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with leading and supervising practical conservation sessions ranging from tree planting, hedge planting, tree popping, butterfly surveys, dormice surveys and scrub clearance.
• Ensure practical tasks are completed safely and efficiently. 
• Collaborate with local community groups, schools, corporates, and other stakeholders to expand volunteer participation and community outreach.
• Contribute to the Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteers Programme providing suggestions for improvement based on volunteer feedback and experiences.

We are looking for the following:

• Passion and enthusiasm for conservation and environmental protection, with a strong desire to engage and inspire others, particularly those that may face barriers to the countryside.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with volunteers, staff, and stakeholders of diverse backgrounds.
• Committed and reliable.
• Familiarity with local ecosystems, conservation practices, and environmental issues is an advantage but not essential.
• First aid is an advantage but not essential.
• You must have access to a car to travel to various locations across the area.

Position Details:

• Part-Time: Flexible to accommodate other commitments. Weekend and weekday working available.
• Expenses - Travel expenses will be paid for.
• Location: Various sites across the Surrey Hills including areas surrounding Guildford, Haslemere, Dorking and Reigate.
• Duration: Ongoing. However, our busiest time is during the autumn/winter.
• Application Deadline: No deadline but we would like to enrol people as soon as possible.
• How to Apply: Please fill in the application form and we will get in touch with further information on how to apply. This will likely be a short paragraph on why you are interested in the role. 

You can find out more about the Surrey Hills Society and our Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteers programme by clicking on the hyperlinks.

Surrey Hills Society is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Date posted: 12/09/2023