Volunteering
So you would like to become a volunteer, but wonder what it involves and how much commitment it will take. There are many worth while roles you can volunteer for at Conquest, and they do not all mean working with the horses. If you feel you would like to help, but are not confident around the horses then please have a look at just some of the things you can do to help.
- Arena Assistant
- Some of our disabled riders can need as many as three assistants to help lead the horse and ensure their safety. This is an extremely rewarding task and needs no previous experience - we will give you all the training (click here for training dates) and on going support that you need. For further information please have a look at the FAQs below or contact us.
- Fund Raiser
- Fund raising is a very important part of keeping Conquest going, without the support of local businesses and people much of the work at Conquest would not be possible. However, we need willing volunteers to help fund raise on the busy town streets or help out at the many charitable events organised by Conquest, even as little as a couple of hours a month one Saturday can make all the difference. So if you feel you can give some time to help, please contact us.
- Maintenance Team (The A-Team)
- The maintenance of the Conquest Centre is an ongoing task that we take very seriously, without outstanding facilities we can not offer the outstanding service that we strive for. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty or like a DIY challenge then please contact us to join our maintenance team, giving what ever time you can.
- Office Admin
- Managing the many classes, schedules and general office work is an ongoing task. If you would like to give a few hours of your time a week to help out in the office, please let us know.
Volunteering is a great way of gaining experience, for example any students training as a vet or in animal care could use volunteer hours at Conquest as part of their course. This is the same for any students, it could also be counted towards a Duke of Edinburgh award.
FAQ
How much time will I have to commit?
You can volunteer as much or as little time that you feel you can. There is no commitment to provide a certain number of hours on a certain day, it really is whatever you can give. It is useful for Conquest to know what day(s) you are able to come in to volunteer as it allows the staff to plan for any shortage of volunteers.Is there any financial commitment?
Conquest asks for no monetary contribution towards volunteer training and support. The only monetary cost is the cost of the CRB which is currently £8.What if I can no longer do a certain day or time?
Please let Conquest know if there is any changes to your circumstances, do not feel that you would only be useful on a certain time or date. These can always be changed to suit you, we are just happy that you are able to help.Do I need a CRB check?
All volunteers need to be CRB checked to allow them to volunteer at Conquest for any of the volunteer roles. It costs £10 and is refunded if you stay at Conquest volunteering for at least 6 months. You will also need a character reference with your application.Click here to view the identification required for a CRB.
What will the Centre provide to me?
We treat all our volunteers with respect and appreciation. We provide full support and supervision whatever role you undertake whilst at Conquest as well as an Induction programme and further ongoing training whilst you are a volunteer at Conquest.
What about insurance?
As long as you have been giving all the necessary training volunteers will be covered by Conquests insurance whilst you are acting on behalf of Conquest (where applicable and subject to certain conditions). Children aged between 12 and 14 must have their own personal accident insurance.
What do we ask of you?
We ask all our volunteers to respect and comply with all the policies defined by Conquest, have a positive and upbeat approach to your role, respect confidentiality of all those associated with Conquest and please be reliable. It is very difficult to manage and provide all the RDA sessions without having that backbone of volunteers turning up each week.