Training Co-Ordinator

TWR works through its enthusiastic and resourceful volunteers to engage with refugees and asylum seekers and to find ways to work with them to ease the transition from new arrivals to integrated members of our society. Their needs are, of course, as varied as the people themselves but all need help with finding their way around the local area; negotiating various services and agencies, and learning English. 

TWR also coordinates events where refugee families and asylum seekers can meet each other and discuss common problems and their solutions. There are also opportunities for them to gain new skills such as cycling, gardening and catering qualifications. Being effective in supporting refugees and asylum seekers does present many challenges, but TWR provides training and support to volunteers as they bring their skills and energy to this task.  

TWR Training Co-ordinator(s) 

We are currently seeking a new training co-ordinator (or co-ordinators) who can both develop training materials and deliver them in a flexible and imaginative way, in a world where our work as a charity frequently changes. The model adopted is one of pooling resources, and mobilising the skills and experiences that both volunteers, refugees and asylum seekers bring to TWR. The learning experience is one that is mutually shared and is on-going.   

The three main areas of responsibility will be: 

1. Keeping training materials, programmes and documents up to date 
2. Planning and conducting preparation sessions for new volunteers, staff or trustees (or representatives of external agencies as required) 
3. Providing on-going support and refresher courses 

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with a migrant background or with a background in supporting refugees and asylum seekers. We encourage applicants from all genders, backgrounds and communities and particularly from under-represented groups to diversify our current board.  

The essential tasks of the Training Co-ordinator(s) will include: 

• Attending the monthly Board Meeting (either as trustee – or advisor to trustees) to keep informed of any changes in volunteer roles and their training requirement – as well as to report back on training programmes etc. 
• Arranging teams, in conjunction with the administrator, to provide the following: 

i) full preparation courses for potential volunteers (2-3 times per year) 

ii) occasional briefing sessions for trustees/existing volunteers as required 

iii) induction sessions for new trustees 

• Working alongside the Volunteer Management Team (VMT) as follows: 

i) attending the ‘getting to know you’ sessions and volunteer social events where possible (twice or three times a year) 

ii) meeting with the VMT three times a year to review volunteer records and placements 

iii) arranging and conducting post-course interviews 

• Overseeing the preparation of appropriate training materials, hand-outs etc. 

• In conjunction with the administrator: keep handbook, policies, website and other TWR documents up-to-date with regards to training.  

Location: Taunton, Somerset (and online) 

Time commitment: Board Meetings 10 times a year, with a monthly time commitment of 8 hours approx. (It is not possible exactly to define the total time commitment as this will vary, but experience suggests approximately one day per week). 

Remuneration: The role of Training Co-ordinator is not accompanied by any financial remuneration 

How to apply: 

Please send your CV and a covering letter to our Administrator at by the 30th September 2023.