Volunteer - Why Volunteer with RLSS UK? Expand We have a huge challenge facing us to help save lives and reduce the number of UK and Irish citizens drowning. By volunteering, you will not only be helping us save lives and deliver water safety education but achieve our organisational purpose to prevent drowning and deliver a year on year reduction in the rate of British and Irish citizens drowning. We hope that as a Volunteer you will use your skills to get involved at RLSS UK, learn or improve existing skills, meet new people and increase your confidence and self-esteem. You will be pivotal in encouraging members of the public to make a difference and contribute in various ways to RLSS UK. Most importantly, you will gain experience of volunteering for us for your CV and future endeavours.
Member of the Fundraising Working Group The Fundraising Working Group works under the leadership of the Treasurer and the Executive Director to identify and raise funds for RLSS Projects and Events Expand The Fundraising Working Group works under the leadership of the Treasurer and the Executive Director to identify and raise funds for RLSS Projects and Events Duties and Responsibilities of a Grants Seeker Perform relevant research to identify available grant opportunities and evaluate the results Research for effective and authentic funding opportunities having a lawful registration and proven track record Create and store grant information in a suitable database or spreadsheet Participate in grant writing Keep the relevant staff informed about upcoming deadlines and deliverables, thereby ensuring smooth completion of work responsibilities Essential Skills and Abilities Possess excellent organisational skills Strong command over written and verbal communication Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills Good understanding of the organization’s overall business and its objectives Ability to perform in a cross-functional team Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail. Proficient in using computers with related knowledge of software programs and Internet To express interest in these posts please submit a covering letter and a relevant CV by email to [email protected]
Volunteer Webmaster RLSS relies on its website (www.rlsscommonwealth.org ) to promote the Society and to communicate with its Members. Expand RLSS relies on its website (www.rlsscommonwealth.org ) to promote the Society and to communicate with its Members. We want to enhance its look, content and usability and seek to appoint a volunteer Webmaster to lead this development Duties and Responsibilities of a RLSS Webmaster Maintain functionality, appearance and accuracy of the RLSS website which uses the content management system, WordPress Update the website in conjunction with the Headquarters team Optimise website exposure by analysing search engine patterns to direct online placement of keywords or other content Create and report on website use Assist in creation and delivery of internal electronic communications Assist in the development of strategies for the use of the website and social media Assist in the development of appropriate policies and ensure compliance with them Essential Skills and Abilities Expertise in WordPress Expertise in HTML and CSS Experience of use of a variety of social media platforms Strong knowledge of and experience with web marketing best practices Proficient in using computers with related knowledge of software programs and Internet Ability in the development of strategies and policies Possess excellent organisational skills Strong command of written and verbal communication Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills Good understanding of the Society’s overall business and its objectives Ability to perform in a cross-functional team Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail. To express interest in these posts please submit a covering letter and a relevant CV by email to [email protected]
Support activity in your local area We believe, that giving people in their communities, the tools, skills and support to lead and take ownership of local activities. Expand We believe, that giving people in their communities, the tools, skills and support to lead and take ownership of local activities, is the best way to educate and inform the public. Ultimately, this leads to a wider reach of water safety advice and messages, all with one aim… to prevent accidental drowning. RLSS UK has several essential delivery channels that need support from volunteers. These are rewarding roles that make a difference to the lives of people in communities, right across the UK and Ireland. Roles include: Helping run your local club – clubs rely on practical trainers to deliver lifesaving training to their members, but they also require management support in roles such as administration, club management and safeguarding. Even making the tea makes up an essential part of running a voluntary club. Support your local branch – local branches operate on a larger scale across a geographic area. Their role is to work strategically to tackle their drowning issue across their area, promote the charity and co-ordinate essential training. Branches require both short and long-term commitments. Become a volunteer trainer – the charity has a number of community programmes that rely on volunteers, to take essential lifesaving training and courses, out and about to lay members of the community. If you would like to volunteer for the role please complete one of the forms below. I have a Society Number I do not have a Society Number
Event and Campaign Volunteer RLSS UK organises a number of events and campaigns throughout the year to support our membership, and spread our essential messages to the public across the UK and Ireland. Expand RLSS UK organises a number of events and campaigns throughout the year to support our membership, and spread our essential messages to the public across the UK and Ireland. Our variety of events range from national sports events to local community stands and engagement opportunities, with much more in between. There are a variety of roles available to cater to a range of skill sets and time commitments. We are always looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers who love speaking to people and acting as positive ambassadors for the charity. If you don’t mind giving up some of your time to help the smooth operation of RLSS UK events and campaigns, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to volunteer for the role please complete one of the forms below. I have a Society Number I do not have a Society Number
Event Water Safety The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a provider of water safety and rescue services, at a wide range of open water events. Expand The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a provider of water safety and rescue services, at a wide range of open water events. The RLSS UK Event Safety team is committed to providing high-quality, effective water safety and rescue services, that make the best use of our army of fully qualified volunteers. Our best practice means keeping costs to a minimum. In turn, this means we can invest in equipment and training to support our Volunteer Lifeguard Units, throughout the year. Click here for more information about RLSS UK Events Consultancy Services Volunteer Lifeguard Opportunities There will be a huge range of exciting volunteering opportunities throughout 2023. Check back here soon to see the selection of the events and festivals that we are looking for lifeguards to support at. To ensure effective and efficient operations we need a mix of volunteers to: Provide safety cover: lifeguards, kayakers, powerboat helms, first aiders Provide welfare support: cater for the crew, look after kit and general team welfare support At times you will be based on the land, at other times on the water but, you will never be asked to perform a task you are not trained to do. Wherever possible, we will coordinate training to support your ongoing development. Each event is different, but if you are signed up to join the team, you will be given detailed instructions explaining the role and support you can expect (travel and subsistence etc.). To help us find the best events for you, please complete the form below that applies to you. Please note that we have now reached the end of the events season for 2022. We are now accepting applications for events next year. If you would like to volunteer, please complete the form below and we will be in touch in early 2023. I am a RLSS UK Member I am NOT a RLSS UK Member
My pool doesn’t have a 20m stretch for the timed swims. How can I ensure this is completed correctly? Expand Following testing we have developed centre guidance around this area. The tests have been completed to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged at this part of the assessment. If your pool does not have a straight 20m length where the timed swim can be completed, you can apply a reasonable adjustment as follows: Accurately measure out and mark the distance of the swim. Ensure candidate(s) start from the side as per the guidance and syllabus. Brief candidate(s) to touch and push off the wall whilst completing the swim where pools are less than 20 metres long. Tumble turns are not permitted as part of this process. Below you will find an example of what a timed swim would look like in a 15-metre rectangular pool:
Gift Aid - How much will my gift aid contribution be worth? Expand For every £1 our members donate whether through membership or donations, HM Revenue and Customs currently gives RLSS UK 25p, which means that for each individual membership of £27.50, RLSS UK receives an additional £6.80.
Gift Aid - Won’t HM Revenue and Customs need to get in touch? Expand Once you’ve signed a Gift Aid declaration, you won’t pay any more in tax or need to fill in any additional forms.
Gift Aid - Are there any hidden charges? Expand No. Gift Aid is taken from tax you’ve already paid, so there’s no charge to you. It doesn’t affect your tax status either.
Gift Aid - Do I have to fill in a new declaration every year? Expand No. The declaration will stay in place for good, unless you tell us to cancel it. We do need to know if you stop being a tax payer or if you change your name or address though.
Gifit Aid - I am retired and living on the standard pension. Can I Gift Aid? Expand If you are no longer paying any tax, then no. However, if you have savings and pay Income or Capital Gains Tax of an equal or higher amount than we are trying to claim (currently 25p in the pound) then it’s ok.
Gift Aid - I pay for someone else’s subscription. Can I Gift Aid that? Expand No, I’m afraid it can only be from your subscription, on your membership, from your own money.
Gift Aid - Can I claim tax relief on Gift Aid? Expand If you are a higher rate taxpayer you can currently claim back 25p for every pound you’ve donated in tax relief from the HM Revenue and Customs.
Gift Aid - What if I give through Gift Aid to other charities? Expand That’s great. You can Gift Aid all your donations to different charities – you just have to tick the Gift Aid declaration for each charity and Community Amateur Sports Club you support.
Who can carry out Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)? Expand As an ATC/ P Coordinator it is important that you appoint the right people in the right roles. The guidance currently says for NPLQ that the person completing this must have: Knowledge of the qualification that is being quality assured Knowledge and understanding of the course training and assessment procedure The ability to interpret awarding organisation policy and guidance and convey this accurately to all involved in the course training and assessment process Good organisational and administrative skills Good communication skills Good decision-making skills The rules around First Aid qualifications are a little different. When appointing someone to carry out an IQA of ANY first aid course they must hold a relevant current Regulated qualification First Aid at work or NPLQ and hold a relevant Internal Quality Assurance Qualification or have attended our 1 day CPD – Please see page 12 of the Approved Training Centre/ Provider Guidance Manual for an example list. We STRONGLY recommend that anyone completing an Internal Quality Assurance check on NPLQ has either a relevant IQA qualification or has attended our one-day CPD course.
What reasonable adjustments can I make as an ATC/P co-ordinator/ trainer? Expand As an ATC/P Co-ordinator and/or Trainer you can make the following adjustments without the need to come to us providing you are satisfied you have sufficient evidence: Extra time up to 25% Supervised rest breaks Change in the layout of assessment room Taking the assessment at an alternate venue Use of coloured overlays Assessment material on coloured paper Reader In all situations, you will need to fill in a reasonable adjustment application form that must be retained with the course/ assessment paperwork. Download an application form Access the full policy
A candidate has disclosed they have learning difficulties on their enrolment form. What should we do for them? Expand Speak with the individual candidate and refer to the Reasonable Adjustment Policy. There are a number of ways a learner can be supported through the course. These will be different for each individual. The learner may have evidence to support their claim they have received extra/alternative support in the past which will help you to adapt things (where necessary) during course delivery. Remember to be sensitive to the Candidate’s needs, they may not want to disclose they have special requirements with everyone on the course, invite them to come and tell you confidentially. During an assessment you can utilise the proof to make the correct reasonable adjustments. Please be aware that a reasonable adjustment application form should have been filled in and retained with course paperwork before any adjustments have been made. Some reasonable adjustments should be sent through to the Compliance team for review before being allowed. You can contact the compliance team here.
What should I do if the candidate does not have proof of a learning difficulty or support, they need in an assessment? Expand It is important you speak with the candidate first to see what their difficulties are and refer to the Reasonable Adjustment Policy. You could accept a letter from a candidate’s manager who has been working with them and understands their needs. Failing that you could create your own multiple-choice paper and give it to the candidate to see how they get on with it. Be aware that creating a multiple-choice paper on the subjects you are about to teach may not benefit you as the candidate would not have the knowledge to answer the questions. If all else fails you can use your professional judgment based on your observations or discussions with the Candidate or others that may know of the Candidate's difficulties. In any of these situations, a reasonable adjustment application form should be filled out and retained with the course paperwork.
ERDPA - What is the GVC qualification? Expand The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) is the qualification required to allow an operator to apply for an Operational Authorisation in the Specific Category once they have completed their Flight Skills Assessment. This is essential to operate an RPAS at this level.
ERDPA - What is the A2 CofC qualification? Expand The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is the entry-level qualification and allows an operator to fly their drone in the A2 category (Close to People). It will give you the extra knowledge required by CAA to operate in the A2 category.
ERPDA - What qualification will I receive? Expand Upon successful completion of the five days the candidates will receive the CAA A2 C of C and GVC qualifications and the unique RLSS Emergency Response Drone Pilot Award.
ERDPA - Do I need to bring my own drone? Expand We will provide the two different types of training drones, however, the candidate will need to purchase or provide their own drone when they have completed the course. This is something we can help with.