Volunteering at Spruce
About the Programme
Spruce Carpets operates a well-structured volunteer programme and we are always looking to recruit new volunteers.
Our target volunteer is someone who has come from a difficult background; in particular, those with experience of homelessness, who are recovering from drug and alcohol problems or are ex-offenders.
Spruce operates an "open door policy." We are willing to give everyone a chance with the organisation but we do expect the following to be considered before applying:
- willingness to learn new skills
- willingness to listen and communicate with others.
We also encourage those with relevant experience (carpet fitting, carpet cleaning, upholstery, sales or driving) to volunteer with Spruce, helping to pass on their skills to other members of the team.
The following skills are desirable but not essential:
- driving licence
- computer literacy
- carpet fitting
- carpet retail.
Taster Days
Spruce Carpets set up Taster Days for potential volunteers to come along and experience a day of voluntary work.
During this day you will be given a tour round the premises, meet members of staff and speak to the Volunteer Coordinator. You will be given a chance to talk to existing volunteers and hear how volunteering has benefitted them.
All Taster Days will include: a Health and Safety briefing; an introduction to the safe operation of tools and machinery; instruction on carpets and carpet tile characteristics; guidance on cleaning, handling and packaging carpet stock; and the opportunity to meet customers and suppliers.
Volunteer Training
The structured training and engagment programme focuses on warehousing, carpet cutting and industrial cleaning. All skills are transferable. Support is also provided to signpost access to other services, which might be necessary for personal reasons.
Volunteers can elect to undertake a six-month placement, which will contribute towards soft skill development in confidence building whilist working on employability skills like time keeping, customer service, communication and team work. Externally accredited training is also available in literacy, numeracy, IT, Fork lift operation, driving, manual handling, portable appliance testing and first aid.
Self-Declaration
Spruce carries out an informal yet confidential self-declaration disclosure to assess risk to others at point of induction, to manage any concerns and to fulfil statuatory conditional requirements. Referees may also be contacted.
Expenses
Volunteers receive lunch and travel expenses whilst they are participating in the programme, as follows;
- £2 per day for lunch
- £3.50 per volunteering day for travel by public transport
- 40p per mile volunteers travelling by car.
Contact
For more information contact Tracy Taggart, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, either by email Tracy@sprucecarpets.org.uk or call 0141 425 1588.