We are in need of volunteers to help with a crucial couple of roles. Can you help, or do you know someone who might? If so, please email Amina, our Volunteers Co-ordinator at vols.rfcountryways@gmail.com.
Outdoor Learning Liaison Champion – approx 2 hours per week
Could you help us expand our offering to local schools, special interest groups and Scout groups? Countryways CIC encourages outdoor learning and we link the curriculum with the seasons, the landscape, animals and nature. We have already welcomed a number of local schools and Scout groups with great success. There is an opportunity for more schools and other groups to visit us, but we need help in co-ordinating these visits, gathering feedback and widening our reach.
Time required: 2 hours per week and if available, but not essential, more time to help during the visits. 6 months minimum commitment and 18 years+ please.
DBS checks may be required.
Based: Home and on site – Countryways at Road Farm in Great Missenden.
Livestock Champion – approx 4 evenings per week (job share possible)
To specifically be able to help with the evening livestock routine. Must have own transport and be respectful and competent with animals (especially goats and donkeys).
Time required: 4 hours per week over 4 days from 4pm (or later depending on the season). Could suit a competent BCA Animal management or Agri student or someone who has livestock experience.
DBS checks may be required.
Based: Countryways at Road Farm in Great Missenden.
We are seeking an experienced person to support young adults with special needs to attend Countryways CIC weekly and participate in real life farm experiences and learning. In this role, you will be positively supporting young adults (and their key workers) in undertaking activities on the farm.
This volunteer role is mainly outdoors or in barns, all weathers, all year. It requires calm and patient individuals who are able to provide non-judgemental encouragement, be confident alongside farm animals and able to make quick decisions. We are looking for people who can commit to a regular weekly time slot so that our Farm Helpers can be reliably and consistently supported. Experience of this client group is highly desirable, but in-house training will be provided. Nearly all our Farm Helpers bring their own a support worker with them to ensure our safeguarding and risk assessments can be safely me
This volunteer role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
- Bookkeeping
- Liaising with schools and encourage outdoor learning linked to the curriculum
- Adult sewing activity planner – We need someone with an interest in sewing to generate some simple, meaningful sewing projects for our young people to build their skills.
- Admin and website maintenance
- Food preservation – We need help with reducing waste from our orchard and we’re planning a few more simple activities which young people could be involved in but need someone with jam/chutney/preservation enthusiasm and expertise they are willing to share. Requires existing skills and preferably a Hygeine certificate (although this can be arranged). We also have a demonstration fruit mill, press and dehydrator, not to mention goat’s milk and honey!
- Cleaning – help keeping our internal spaces clean and tidy
- Helping at specific events, such as Open Farm Sunday
ages, including those with learning, physical and mental health challenges.
- Approx 3-5 hours a week of input. Based from home with period meetings on the farm
- Ensure day-to-day financial accounts are maintained on income and expenditure, including online salary distribution
- Provide the board with advice, governance and guidance on financial matters, including new ideas
- Preparation of forecasts and budgets, especially relating to new business plan delivery
- Ensure annual accounts and all statutory returns are promptly completed and submitted, including tax returns and reports for regulatory bodies
- Act as a signatory of statutory documents and bank account
- Participate in active discussion and propose ideas at board meetings as well as communicate via email and telephone
- Be interested in the delivery of opportunities linking farming, nature and countryside skills to a wide range of individuals, especially those with needs.
Please email Amina at vols.rfcountryways@gmail.com with your cover letter and CV (of no more than two pages).