Volunteer Role –Health and Safety Officer for Friends of Staunton Country Park

Friends of Staunton Country Park is a local group committed to supporting Hampshire Countryside Service in the preservation and conservation of Staunton Country Park, including its buildings and other identified sites of interest.

The Friends of Staunton Country Park group are looking for a Health and Safety Officer to ensure that that the group carries out their duties in relation to the health and safety within the group and any visitors/public they may come into contact with. Their projects seek to educate the public about the park’s history and draw attention to the diversity of flora and fauna present in the Park.

It is an exciting time for Staunton Country Park, which has recently been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to restore Staunton’s Regency heritage, enhance community facilities for visitors and to increase the volunteer offer. 

Skills

Typical tasks and duties: 

The Friends of Staunton Country Park group’s main tasks involve; 

• Carrying out specific projects agreed with Hampshire Countryside Services
• Identifying, recording and researching sites of interest
• Fundraising
• Public events
• Education

The duties of the Health and Safety Officer within this group would include;

• Reviewing and updating current health and safety procedures
• Carrying out risk assessments for activities, events or trips carried out by the Friends
• Ensuring good practice in relation to trips/events/contact with the public.

Skills and knowledge:

The role would suit someone with previous experience/interest in working with community groups or charities.  Good interpersonal skills would be advantageous, as the role will involve working alongside other volunteers, with occasional direct contact with stakeholders and members of the public.

Ideally the volunteer would also have an interest in safety issues and have good attention to detail, as this would be a key part of the role.

Experience and training:

Although not necessary, it would be particularly desirable if the volunteer has some previous experience of health and safety, completing risk assessments and promoting good practice. The volunteer will be able to access training to complete any gaps in knowledge.

The Volunteer Health and Safety Officer can expect to work closely with the Committee and to receive support and guidance from the Trustees and committee members. They will also be able to get involved with specific projects of interest to further their personal development and/or for their enjoyment.