Education, Training & Employment (ETE) Support Volunteer

Purpose of the Role

Sanctuary in Chichester (SiC) came into existence in 2016.  ‘Sanctuary’ is a place of welcome and safety and our aim is to provide refugees and asylum seekers relocated to the Chichester area, with the best possible opportunity to settle, feel safe and become fully integrated into their new, adopted community. SiC’s Pathways to Independence programme is key to achieving this goal, and the ETE Support Volunteer works alongside the Pathway to Independence Project Manager to support individuals—in line with their Pathway to Independence Plan (for those that have one)—to access ETE resources and opportunities. The aim is to support each individual to build on existing skills, consider transferable skills, and develop a career pathway based on these, alongside building skills to increase independence and integration into the UK. This includes employability skills, gaining work experience, accessing volunteering opportunities, and ensuring individuals are enrolled in ESOL or further education provision.

ETE Support Volunteers report directly to the Pathways to Independence Project Manager. The Charity Manager has overall responsibility for all volunteers.

Key Responsibilities of the ETE Support Volunteer

ETE Support Volunteers are typically asked to commit about  2 hours per week if they can.  Ideally to assist at Monday drop-in 3-5pm and other times as and when needed/able to:

• Support refugees and asylum seekers to identify and build on existing and transferable skills.
•  Assist with creating and following a personalised ‘Pathway to independence Plan’ for those that have Leave to Remain.
• Help individuals access employability support, work experience, employment, volunteering and education and training opportunities.
• Support with completing online applications for work, college, university, training programmes and job applications.
• Support with ensuring each individual has an understanding of how to use job search engines, job alerts, Indeed profiles and LinkedIn to further their career opportunities.
• Ensure individuals are aware of and able to access ESOL or further education opportunities.
• Send documents to relevant organisations on behalf of individuals (with consent).
• Liaise with key partners.
• Work collaboratively with the Pathway to Independence Project Manager to align support with individual plans.
•  Maintain confidentiality and respect at all times.

Skills, Experience & Qualities Needed

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic IT skills to assist with online applications and document handling.
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable, organised, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding principles.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing needs

Training & Support Provided

• Induction and training in relevant systems and processes/policies and procedures and information sharing of current resources/contacts available.
• Ongoing supervision and support from the Pathway to Independence Project Manager.
• Opportunities to develop skills in career support, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
• Annual safeguarding training and volunteer information sessions.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Develop skills and experience in the charity, education, and employment sectors.
• Meet people from diverse backgrounds and be part of a supportive team

Role description date: November 2025

Review date: November 2026

Reviewer: Pathways to Independence Project Manager