Volunteer Application

Find out more about the Community Hub or try before you commit

Scroll through the list below to view and sign up to our taster sessions.  No expectations, just come along to find out more:

"Volunteers aren't paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless."

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Citygate Church. 

Certain volunteer positions at Citygate are managed in accordance with our 'Unpaid Professionals' policy - you might not be financially rewarded for your service, but in all other respects, we aim to manage and support you as if you were.  These positions will include those who lead areas of ministry at church and those who regularly give their time during the week to support the staff team.  

Other positions in ministry teams are managed by their particular leaders with the support of the Citygate staff team.  To apply for these roles, please go to the Serving Opportunities page.  

To progress your application, we would be delighted if you would complete this Volunteer Application Form after you have checked a couple of other things:

1. Read Volunteer Agreement.  We think it's helpful to agree to some simple expectations and hope you will be reassured that our commitment to supporting you at least matches your commitment to serving Citygate.  Take a look at what you are signing up to here.

2. Update ChurchSuite (if a regular at Citygate Church).  Please be sure that you have checked and updated the following details on ChurchSuite in the My Details section:

• Name
• Sex
• Date of Birth
• Marital status
• Telephone number(s)
• Address
• Occupation
• Nationality
• Privacy settings (separate tab)
• Communication settings (separate tab)
• Children - in the My Children section (if appropriate)

If you don't yet have access to ChurchSuite, please carry on with the application and you should receive login details later.

Once you have completed this form you can expect an invitation to meet with one of the team for an informal interview.  If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Community & Operations Manager.

Vacancies

The following volunteer positions are currently available:

Reception Assistant

Give a great first impression to those who visit or get in touch with Citygate church.

We are looking for someone who:

• has strong interpersonal skills and can remain friendly and professional face-to-face, on the phone or through other correspondence.
• can prioritise and respond patiently to changing circumstances.
• is willing to work as part of the office team, following established procedure to meet agreed standards.
• is confident in the use of IT and other office equipment.
• is available for at least one regular shift during the week (shifts are typically 13:30 till 16:30).

Community Hub Assistant

Serve clients visiting the Community Hub, providing emergency food and signposting support.  Note: this is often a physically, mentally and emotionally demanding role.

We are looking for someone who:

• is reliable and punctual.
• can work and communicate as part of a team, following established procedures to meet agreed standards.
• has strong interpersonal skills and can remain friendly and professional under pressure face-to-face and on the telephone with service users, the public and local charities and agencies.
• can be flexible, and can prioritise needs, delegate tasks and respond patiently to changing circumstances.
• is confident in the use of IT equipment (eg laptop, android tablet) and other office equipment (eg telephone, photocopier).
• can keep accurate written and electronic records.
• can lift two carrier bags' worth of food tins (preferable).
• is available for at least one regular shift during the week (shifts are typically 13:30 till 16:30).

For a full role description, please click here and here.

Christmas Hamper Appeal Assistant

Help coordinate the delivery of 200 hampers full of food, seasonal goodies and a message of hope from the Bible through a network of partnerships with other agencies in order to help local families in crisis celebrate Christmas together.

We are looking for someone who:

• is passionate and committed to the goal of the project.
• can work as part of a team and be trusted to operate independently when required.
• has strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
• has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• can use initiative to make new contacts and find opportunities to develop existing partnerships.
• can manage their time well to meet goals efficiently.
• have the potential to develop a skill set that match the requirements of one or more of the posts listed here.

Partner Liaison Worker

Network with various organisations to develop partnerships that work towards the eradication of poverty in Bournemouth.

We are looking for someone who:

• has excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
• can use initiative to make new contacts and find opportunities to develop existing partnerships.
• has some experience working with one or more of the following groups: businesses, schools, churches, community groups, statutory agencies, grant awarding bodies, the press or other charities.
• can manage their time well to meet goals efficiently.
• will work as part of the wider Citygate Church and Bournemouth Foodbank teams.

Foodbank Case Worker

Handle a case load of clients who require further support, liaising with appropriate agencies and bringing to bear resources to lift individuals and households out of the grip of poverty.

We are looking for someone who:

• has experience working with and supporting clients in complex situations requiring ongoing support.
  can maintain appropriate interpersonal and safeguarding boundaries. 
• has a good working knowledge of social work and other local agencies who can support clients.
  can manage their time well to meet goals efficiently.
• will keep careful record of interactions and interventions, reporting to and remaining accountable to the Community Hub Team Leader and Bournemouth Foodbank Director as required.

Citygate Church is proud to be a member of the BCP Community Action Network.  

That means we believe in  working together to offer mutual support to other organisations where we can in a spirit of cooperation.

We are also committed to the principles of equality of opportunity in accordance with our policy: CTM20/037 - Equal Opps - Intent.

Please use this form to submit your application:

Someone who knows you personally (preferably for at least 2 years).  Must not be a family member.  If you attend Citygate Church, please use an Elder, group or ministry leader.

Someone who knows you professionally (preferably for at least 2 years).  Typically your employer.

All paid staff and voluntary workers are obliged to provide original documentary evidence of their right to work in the UK prior to commencing work. 

If you are a British or Irish citizen, you simply need to prove this using:

• either a passport (current or expired)
• or your birth certificate and a document containing your National Insurance number (NI card, P45, P60 etc).

If you are unsure about your rights or how to prove them, please refer to the following guidance:

• gov.uk - Prove your right to work to an employer
• Citizens Advice - Check how to prove your right to work in the UK