Organisation

Role and Opportunity Details  (to apply for this role you must be aged 18+)

The Witness Service, provided by Victim Support, welcomes people who want to volunteer to support victims and witnesses through the court process.

If you’re interested in the criminal justice system, have some spare time to give and are looking for an opportunity to help within the local community, this could be the right place for you.

As a Witness Service volunteer, you’ll be joining a team of trained staff and volunteers who are committed to supporting witnesses to give their best evidence in court. Some of the things you might be doing include:

• Providing information to witnesses when they come to court.
• Answering questions about how the court system works.
• Facilitating pre-trial visits and virtual court tours.
• Supporting witnesses in the run-up to trial (in person or by video or phone)

Specific Skills Required

An ability to listen and sit alongside a witness. To be impartial and non-judgemental.

Benefits of Volunteering with this organisation

You’ll also gain new skills and learn more about the criminal justice system in England and Wales. This is a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and help give something back to the community.

As a Witness Service volunteer, you’ll be working alongside staff and other volunteers who want to help people who have either witnessed or experienced crime. You’ll be supporting them to give their best evidence in court, ensuring their voice is heard and making a positive impact on their lives.

You’ll also have access to a wide range of other support, including:

• An Employee Assistance Programme, which provides a support helpline and information and advice on a range of issues including health, wellbeing, childcare and careers.
• A monthly Volunteer Update e-newsletter keeping you informed of volunteer news from across the country, training opportunities and news from the Witness Service and Victim Support.
• Agreed expenses applicable to your role.

Level of commitment required 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity.

Date(s) / Time(s) Required

Tuesdays or Thursdays – all day or mornings.

Volunteer Opportunity Number 

VO10589    (please make a note of this ‘VO’ number if applying for this role).