Do I need to know anything about horses?
No. Conquest Centre provides training for all volunteers depending on the role you undertake. We also provide ongoing training in the form of support from instructors, and specialist workshops and training events. We have an ‘open door’ policy, and welcome questions and feedback, so if you would like more training simply ask!
Do I need previous experience?
Not necessarily. There are many different roles at our Centre, most of which do not require any experience. Of course, if you do have skills you would like to share with us, please let us know! We would love to hear from you.
Can I volunteer outside normal working hours?
Conquest Centre holds regular sessions and events at weekends and in the evenings and we are always very glad of help with these!
Do I need to make a regular commitment to volunteering?
The Centre tends to offer activities during term time on a weekly basis, so being able to commit to helping at a regular session would be great, but we understand that is not always possible. We have a whiteboard where volunteers can tell us if they are coming the following week. This really helps us to plan our lessons in advance. You may also get the occasional phone call from us asking if you can help at times outside of your regular slot. It is always lovely if you can, but please don’t feel bad if you can’t!
Can I volunteer at events?
Yes. Conquest Centre organises lots of events during the year which need volunteers (dressage, shows etc.). Contact us on events@conquestcentre.org.uk to find out more.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers have to be 12 or over. There is no upper age limit — health, humour and outlook are far more important!
Will I be insured?
Conquest Centre has Public Liability insurance, however we do recommend that anyone working around horses should take out their own personal accident insurance.
Will I be asked to complete a DBS check?
Yes. All volunteers are required to undergo a Disclosure & Barring Service check before starting at the Centre, as they will be working with vulnerable adults and children (there is an admin charge of £15 for the DBS check).
Will volunteering at Conquest Centre help me find a job?
If you are trying to find a job, volunteering can be a great route to employment. Adding volunteering experience to your CV can give you an edge over other applicants, and you will have more to talk about. Volunteering can also boost your confidence and help you learn new skills.
A survey carried out by Timebank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses:
73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience on their CV over one without. 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary or being promoted.
Get in touch if you would like more information about volunteering info@conquestcentre.org.uk
