Catering Counter Assistants and Train-Managers (& Assistant TMs) of Fine-Dining Services

Details

• Accessibility
  The Watercress Line has a range of facilities and we try to make the railway as accessible as possible, given the nature of our heritage buildings, outdoor areas and rolling stock. However, accessibility is not always feasible. For catering, all our on-station outlets are easily accessible (on- or mostly on-the-flat) although some access routes include steps/staircases (e.g. Alton, however at Alton there are also lifts). Please note that for our on-train catering services, volunteer cannot have any impairment of mobility.
• Age restrictions
  16 years old is the minimum age for Watercress Line volunteers. If the role includes cash-handling or selling alcohol (as some Catering roles do) or is safety-critical (e.g. train operation) then the minimum (unsupervised) age is 18 years old.
• DBS check required
  Generally, a DBS check is not applicables to these roles. However a basic DBS check is needed if your role is likely to involve regularly dealing with vulnerable people, for example: ● Leading or participating in activities for Junior Apprentices, young volunteers, visits of youth groups or special needs groups, etc. ● Supporting educational visits, managing lost children or showing any other young members of the public aspects of your WCL role.
• Equal Opportunities Policy
  The Watercress Line aims to be both an equal opportunity and an inclusive organisation, and to build diverse volunteer teams. WCL believes that volunteering should be open to all regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, marital status, age, religion, community background or political beliefs. Pls see the WCL Volunteer Handbook.
• Expenses reimbursed
  The Watercress Line is unable to pay you expenses for attending the line for routine duty, as we need to reserve our funds for conserving and maintaining our infrastructure, equipment and rolling stock. However, if occasional special duties arise, subject to manager approval expenses may be reimbursed. (Details in our Volunteer Handbook.)
• Health and Safety Policy
  Where specific departmental health and safety rules apply it is the volunteer’s responsibility to maintain awareness and to operate by those rules at all times when on site. Pls also see the WCL Volunteer Handbook. The Watercress Line has a Safety Management System to which you will be introduced in your training if appropriate to your volunteer role, and to which you will need to adhere. The Watercress Line has a Safety Management System to which you will be introduced in your training if appropriate to your volunteer role, and to which you will need to adhere.
• Ongoing support
  This is available from volunteer team leaders, and via the WCL Volunteer Coordinator and the WCL Volunteer Steering Group. Leaders and all team members encourage team-work and day-to-day personal support within teams, so that as a volunteer you can feel involved and proud of your role.
• Training provided
  See above for training specific to this role. All Watercress Line volunteers are given the necessary basic training, typically on-the-job, to equip them to do your role. Many teams have or are introducing a program of short training courses. Training may include a suitable test of your new competence - and you may be periodically retested to maintain the necessary standard.
• Volunteer induction
  Is provided by your team leader. All Watercress Line teams provide some induction - the extent and formality of the induction will depend upon your role.
• Volunteer Policy
  The Watercress Line has an up-to-date Volunteer Handbook that cover all aspects of our volunteer policies.
• Volunteers covered by insurance
  The Watercress Line holds both public liability and employers insurance and its volunteers are protected by both these insurances for injury suffered by our volunteers or caused by our volunteers.
• Written role description
  Yes, here they are .... for Catering Counter Assistant: https://watercressline.co.uk/volunteer/catering-counter-assistant/ for fine-dining Train Manager: https://watercressline.co.uk/volunteer/train-manager/ for fine-dining Assistant Train Manager: https://watercressline.co.uk/volunteer/assistant-train-manager/ Each is a clear, simple 1-page document. It will be sent to you when you enquire and will be given to you at your induction.

When can I volunteer?