If we become concerned about you or anyone else while using one of our services, we will act in line with our safeguarding policy and procedures. This may involve sharing this information with relevant authorities to ensure we comply with our policies and legal obligations.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Voluntary work. I feel like something just isn’t quite right.
Options
orangefresh
Community member Posts: 34 Connected
I am a mature student and my background is 11 years in corporate, I wanted a career change and I am currently studying community, public health and social care degree and in my second year. I have been consistently applying for jobs in the social sector to gain experience and apply my gained knowledge to practice. I have not had much luck due to my lack of experience. However, I found a job advertised in the education sector, I have all the essential skills they listed and alot of the desirable skills. However, no professional experience (this was not listed on the essential skills job description anyway). Also in the part of the application I stated I how gained immense knowledge however just needed someone to give me a chance to gain experience . My ‘lack’ of experience was evident on my application, but I was shortlisted to interview.
Following the interview, I received an email saying I wasn’t successful but could ask for feedback which I did. The feedback i received was actually lovely. I was shocked at the nice things they had to say but the only thing letting me down was lack of experience, and advised me to consider voluntary work.
I replied saying that I was going to continue to look for voluntary work but there isn’t anything in this sector available at present. They responded with more praise saying how much my qualities left a lasting impression on them and they would like to offer me a voluntary placement. I agreed this would be fantastic for experience and was invited in shortly after to discuss the role.
I went in the following Friday, and was immediately asked what days I am available, I told them the days I am at university and what days I am not. They asked me what time I can start and finish, then took it upon themselves to put me in the diary for all the days they were open and that I wasn’t at university, sent me home with some forms to fill in and told me I could start Monday.
I returned Monday with the forms and was thrown right in to the deep end, no training, no mentor, I was doing the same jobs as the other people who did the role I applied for, minus paperwork (and there is not much of that from what I have seen). It is in SEN and disability education, and the role I applied for was support staff, in class with individuals with learning difficulties, disabilities and severe needs and on Monday morning that was exactly what I would be doing, the role I had applied for but was refused a paid position. The first day I started I walked into the room and introduced myself to the member of staff in charge, they had no idea I was coming, but was welcoming and grateful for the help, I had not been told what I was doing prior, if I was shadowing, watching, helping, I had no idea. The staff member in charge just said to me, help them and make sure they are listening. I just had to guess what i had to do, I used my initiative and picked it up quickly and also fit in very quickly. I am really enjoying it but what is bugging me is that, if I was too inexperienced to be employed, why am I experienced enough to do it for free. Maybe I’m over thinking it. I don’t know.
There has been times when I have been in a classroom alone with 6-7 adults with special needs, no training, no induction, nothing. Some of these individuals have seizures, and some can be very hands on and will pull you about and stuff. I have had no training at all on first aid buthave been left alone with individuals who have such frequent seizures they have to wear a head guard constantly, I have not seen any persons care plan and I do not know their needs. I’m just having to guess my way around things and speak to the service users to find out more.
I know myself I have the capability to deal with certain things and have developed knowledge in the sector. However, they seem to think I’m too inexperienced to do the job but will allow me to do it for free.
I can’t help but feel slightly exploited.
I can’t help but feel slightly exploited.
Comments
-
Your instinct is right, unfortunately. You are being exploited. I would suggest you raised your concern with the management. You simply cannot be left alone on your own.Never allow DWP assertions to define you. They never have evidence of your true circumstances.
-
AndrewHall said:Your instinct is right, unfortunately. You are being exploited. I would suggest you raised your concern with the management. You simply cannot be left alone on your own.
-
I would agree that they do appear to be using you which is so unfair having turned you down for paid work, personally I would walk away and look for other voluntary work in the sector.2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡
-
woodbine said:I would agree that they do appear to be using you which is so unfair having turned you down for paid work, personally I would walk away and look for other voluntary work in the sector.
-
Scottish0177 said:orangefresh said:woodbine said:I would agree that they do appear to be using you which is so unfair having turned you down for paid work, personally I would walk away and look for other voluntary work in the sector.
I understand that experience is the only thing you are lacking but i would be looking elsewhere and be telling them thanks but no thanks. -
Scottish0177 said:orangefresh said:Scottish0177 said:orangefresh said:woodbine said:I would agree that they do appear to be using you which is so unfair having turned you down for paid work, personally I would walk away and look for other voluntary work in the sector.
I understand that experience is the only thing you are lacking but i would be looking elsewhere and be telling them thanks but no thanks. -
But wouldn't this help when you apply for a similar job somewhere else?
They didn't accept you because of experience, of which you are getting now. This could greatly improve you getting a job next time. It's not like you'll be there forever.
I wish you well.
-
Hello @orangefresh
I am so sorry to read that you have been left in uncomfortable caring situations with no training. I do agree with many of the comments above that they may be leaning on you too much for a voluntary role. Can I ask, are you in England or Wales?
Scope has an excellent Employment Support Service that may be able to help. I would also reach out to your local MP or council, as I am concerned they may advertise for another volunteer with little training again.Hannah - She / Her
Online Community Coordinator @ Scope
Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.
Want to give us feedback? Complete our feedback form now. -
Hannah_Scope said:Hello @orangefresh
I am so sorry to read that you have been left in uncomfortable caring situations with no training. I do agree with many of the comments above that they may be leaning on you too much for a voluntary role. Can I ask, are you in England or Wales?
Scope has an excellent Employment Support Service that may be able to help. I would also reach out to your local MP or council, as I am concerned they may advertise for another volunteer with little training again.
I am in England.I agree with everything you have said, and it is a very uncomfortable situation to be in. I know what’s right and I should be speaking up, it makes it slightly more complicated that it is also my place of education. I don’t want to be the person going in and upsetting senior members of staff by calling out their incompetent practice when I have to continue to attend there for my own education. -
THE_DUDE said:But wouldn't this help when you apply for a similar job somewhere else?
They didn't accept you because of experience, of which you are getting now. This could greatly improve you getting a job next time. It's not like you'll be there forever.
I wish you well. -
Scottish0177 said:orangefresh said:Scottish0177 said:orangefresh said:Scottish0177 said:orangefresh said:woodbine said:I would agree that they do appear to be using you which is so unfair having turned you down for paid work, personally I would walk away and look for other voluntary work in the sector.
I understand that experience is the only thing you are lacking but i would be looking elsewhere and be telling them thanks but no thanks.
You seem like a very thoughtful and caring person and I am sorry that the placement isn’t everything you had hoped for. In an ideal world they would not be short staffed and you would have had a proper induction and know fully what was expected of you whilst getting training appropriate to that role, support staff or not ,but that is their failing, not yours. You should feel proud that your character is what it is and that you care so much doing something that you obviously enjoy and want to get involved in and they should be happy too have you on board and wanting to get stuck in.Do I think they are exploiting your good will….yes I do, but I realise that it’s not as easy as that as you hope to use this as a stepping stone as part of your evidence of work experience.
I would ask for a meeting, explain your concerns and if you are not happy with their answers or if nothing changes immediately despite any reassurances you might get, then you will know where you stand. Whether permanent or support, they have an obligation to look after you whilst keeping themselves legally secure. If you are still unsure then you can walk away and chalk it up to a learning experience.
I do hope that you get a resolution and you continue to want to work in this field as you come across as someone who already has the necessary character traits that an employer should actively be looking for.
Scott
Thank you for your kind words, I am gutted it’s not worked out as I had hoped on this occasion. I am going to attend tomorrow and go in as normal and see if they have decided to start to give me some guidance and will also not tolerate being left alone with students.If when I go in tomorrow it starts off how it has been, I think I will be going to see the person in charge. Considering I aren’t qualified and they are, I know they are breeching legislation, so they should know that too!Thank you -
This all sounds rather concerning. Have you considered contacting the Care Quality Commission about your experiences so far? They could offer you guidance... and perhaps the facility as well, as they seem to need it.They/Them, however they are no wrong pronouns with me so whatever you feel most comfortable with
Online Community Specialist
Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.
Want to give us feedback? Complete our feedback form now.
Opinions are my own, such as mashed potato being bad. -
@orangefresh
Express your concerns about the lack of training and information regarding the individuals you're working with. Highlight your willingness to contribute effectively but stress the need for proper orientation and support. If the situation doesn't improve, consider reassessing your commitment to the voluntary placement for your own well-being. Out of curiosity, have you had the opportunity to meet the person who actually secured the employment you initially applied for?
Due to the circumstances you have described make sure you confirm their liability insurance covers volunteers.
Brightness
Categories
- All Categories
- 13.1K Start here and say hello!
- 6.7K Coffee lounge
- 70 Games lounge
- 386 Cost of living
- 4.3K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.9K Research and opportunities
- 199 Community updates
- 9.3K Talk about your situation
- 2.1K Children, parents, and families
- 1.6K Work and employment
- 771 Education
- 1.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.4K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 590 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 363 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 739 Transport and travel
- 31.8K Talk about money
- 4.4K Benefits and financial support
- 5.2K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 17.2K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 5K Universal Credit (UC)
- 6.2K Talk about your impairment
- 1.8K Cerebral palsy
- 871 Chronic pain and pain management
- 180 Physical and neurological impairments
- 1.1K Autism and neurodiversity
- 1.2K Mental health and wellbeing
- 317 Sensory impairments
- 819 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions
Complete our feedback form and tell us how we can make the community better.