Volunteer Interview Panel Member (Lived Experience Representative)

Main Purpose of role:

To support fair, inclusive, and person‑centred recruitment by contributing a lived experience perspective to interview panels. The role ensures that candidates are assessed not only on skills and experience, but also on values, behaviours, and their approach to supporting people experiencing poor mental health.

Key Tasks:

Attend interview panels as an equal panel member

Review interview questions in advance and contribute to values‑based assessment

 Ask agreed interview questions where appropriate

Share perspectives informed by lived experience of poor mental health

Participate in post‑interview discussions and scoring

Maintain confidentiality of all candidate information

Demonstrate professionalism and impartiality during recruitment processes

Provide feedback on the recruitment process where requested

Skills & Qualities

Essential

• Lived experience of poor mental health, with insight into recovery and support needs
• Ability to reflect on lived experience in a constructive and appropriate way
• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with others
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries

Desirable

• Experience of volunteering or involvement in service user / lived experience roles
• Confidence participating in group discussions
• An interest in recruitment, people processes, or organisational culture

Values:

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisation's values at all times. We ask that you be:

·       Collaborative – work better together

·       Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated

·       Accountable – are responsible for own actions

·       Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness

·       Compassionate – empathise, care and support

Equal Opportunities: 

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Criminal Record:

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a fully funded disclosure and barring check (DBS) prior to starting with us. A criminal record will not automatically mean withdrawal of an offer, however, to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, further discussion or investigation may be required so that an informed decision can be made as to your suitability to work with vulnerable people to ensure that we are not putting service users at risk. For volunteers there are occasions when a DBS will not be required; however, a risk assessment will be conducted and the form completed and placed within the Volunteer’s electronic file.

All new volunteers will be required to complete 6 essential online training courses as part of their induction into the Charity. Dependant on the type of volunteer role undertaken, additional training may be also required to meet service expectations.