Volunteers

Why volunteer? 

We are a small team. We know that often parents would like more support than we are able to offer. We train volunteers to assist parents to complete paperwork, to support them at meetings and to help them to give their views. They may also complete some administrative tasks.

The work of volunteers is closely monitored and supervised. They do not hold individual cases but instead are allocated small pieces of work by the SENDIASS team. A SENDIASS officer will continue to be the main point of contact throughout the case.   

A volunteer will not be allocated to more complex cases.

Could you be a volunteer for SENDIASS? 

We are always looking for more volunteers. Please contact us if you would be interested in volunteering for us. You can find more information about the role of the volunteer below:

Training

All of our volunteers have received the following training: 

• Safeguarding
• The Role of SENDIASS and the importance of confidentiality and impartiality
• The SEND Legal Framework
• Shadowing SENDIASS staff at meetings

Monitoring and supervision 

Volunteers report back to the SENDIASS officer following each contact with a parent or young person. Details of these contacts are stored on our confidential database in the usual way. 

When a volunteer has had contact with a parent or young person we may contact the parent/young person for feedback. When a volunteer has supported a parent or young person at a meeting we may ask them and/or other professionals for feedback about the support received. 

Termly group supervision enables ongoing support and training. 

Feedback and evaluation 

We are always keen to hear your feedback on our service. If you have any concerns about our volunteers, call us on: 0118 908 8233 or email: sendiass@wokingham.gov.uk.