More than a job
Because of what we do, and how we do it, working here is never just a job. It’s a commitment to vulnerable children and young adults.
It’s an incredible opportunity to build relationships that last. It means more. It demands more. And it’ll see you grow as a person as well as a professional.
If you would like to Work with us, volunteer or get further information, please contact our Recruitment manager directly: recruitment@theknightlytrust.org
Volunteering
Volunteer with us and help vulnerable children and young adults, live the lives they want to lead.
Why volunteer with us?
You will change a life but we promise it will change yours as well. We work with volunteers who are as passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young adults with special needs as we are and we would love it if you join us.
In return we offer the chance to develop new skills and experience, as well as make new friends.
Volunteering if you have special educational needs
Do you have special educational needs? Are you interested in volunteering with The Knightly Trust?, or know someone who might be? If so, we have lots of exciting opportunities to try something new, learn new skills and make friends.
We want a world where people with special educational needs are included in society and the decisions that affect them. Volunteering is a great way for people with special educational needs to learn new skills, make friends and improve confidence.
There are many ways you can volunteer with us and gain new skills, meet new people and enjoy new activities.
Information for parents and carers
Do you have a family member or friend who has special educational needs who might be interested in volunteering with us?
We provide happy and inclusive volunteering opportunities for all, and we’re committed to providing accessible roles.
Registration process
We have a 4-stage registration process to get you working for us:
Stage 1 – Register your interest
A very short email telling us a little bit about yourself, please attach your CV to the email.
Stage 2 – Telephone interview
A short conversation where we find out a bit more about you and what you want.
Stage 3 – Face-to-face meeting
A meeting to check your documentation and to discuss your skills, experience and work preferences in more detail.
Stage 4 – Safeguarding checks
A behind-the-scenes process where we complete the necessary safeguarding checks to clear you for work in schools (eg. references, police check).
Safeguarding Checks
We are required by statutory guidance to make specific safeguarding checks on everyone we place in schools and we undertake the following documentary checks as part of our registration process.
Identity
We check your identity against the DBS approved list of documents, most commonly:
• Passport
• Photo driving licence (UK)
• Utility bill or bank statement (dated in the last 3 months)
Right to Work in the UK
• Valid or Expired UK/EU passport or
• Non-EU passport with visa and Biometric Residence Permit or
• EU National ID card or
• Full UK birth certificate and NI number or
• Certificate of Naturalisation and NI number
Criminal Record Check
Please note, we re-check all DBS disclosures every 12 months, so we strongly recommend you subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
• Enhanced DBS Enclosure from Protocol Education dated within 12 months or
• Enhanced DBS Enclosure with valid Update Service subscription
• Overseas Police Check (where applicable)
Barred List
• Checked as part the Enhanced DBS Check and then re-checked annually.
Prohibition from Teaching Orders
• Checked against the NCTL database
Childcare Disqualification (and Disqualification by Association)
• A signed declaration as part of the application process
Qualifications & Qualified Teacher Status
• NCTL check to confirm Teacher Reference Number and QTS (UK qualifications) or
• Original and verified non-UK teaching qualification
References (2 required)
• Most recent employer (from head, deputy or head of department)
• One other professional reference (from head, deputy or head of department)
• University tutor and references from school placements (for NQTs)
Non-school references and character references are accepted where you have not previously worked in schools.
FAQs
What will I do as a volunteer for The Knightly Trust?
There are many different roles you can do as a volunteer with The Knightly Trust. Some of our volunteers work directly with people with Special educational needs or you can support The Knightly Trust to raise awareness through events.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
For some roles, you need to be over 16 years old and for others, you will need to be over 18 years old. Young people under 18 will need consent from their parent / guardian. There is no upper age limit for our volunteers.
Can I get support to volunteer if I have a disability?
Yes. Please get in touch so we can talk about what roles might suit your skills and any additional support or adjustments you may need.
Will I need a DBS check?
A DBS check is a Disclosure and Barring Service check and looks at whether you have a criminal record. For some roles The Knightly Trust will need a DBS check carried out but this will be discussed with you.
I have a criminal record – can I still volunteer?
Yes. But you need to tell us when you apply for a volunteer role. If you are in England or Wales you will need to complete a DBS check, if you are in Northern Ireland you will need to take an Access NI check. We will make a case–by–case decision about whether or not you can volunteer in this role.
I don’t have much time – can I still volunteer?
Yes. Some of our volunteering opportunities are for set amounts of time, but others are flexible. We look for at least 6 months commitment.
Can I volunteer for more than one service / project with The Knightly Trust?
Yes. However, we recommend that volunteers do not volunteer in more than two roles at a time.
Will volunteering affect my benefits?
Volunteering shouldn’t affect your benefits but we suggest you ask for advice from the Job Centre or your employment advisor.
Will I have to do an interview?
Some roles will need an interview, and others may just need a chat about what you will be doing.
Will I need to give references?
Some roles will need references and some won’t.
How long will it be from when I apply to when I start volunteering?
We hope to have volunteers starting within 2 weeks of application, but sometimes DBS checks and references mean it can take longer.
What training will I get as a volunteer?
All volunteers will receive training. Some roles will need extra training and this will be discussed with you.
What support will I get?
You will have a volunteer manager who you can go to for help, support and guidance. You will have regular contact with this manager.
Will you provide me with a reference when I have finished volunteering for you?
Yes. You may ask for a reference or certificate of achievement upon leaving, or sooner if you need one for a job or college application.
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By using this website, you’re accepting and agreeing to follow these terms of use. If you do not agree to these terms of use, then we kindly ask that you stop using our website immediately, because it’s just not going to work out between us.
This website is owned by the The Knightly Trust and its registered office 22 Powis gardens, Golders green,London NW11 8HH. It is an English registered charity under number 1136782.
The term ‘The Knightly Trust’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of this website. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of this website.
Access to the website
Access to this website is allowed on a temporary basis, and we reserve the right to remove or change the service we provide on this website without warning.
From time to time, we may limit access to some parts of this website to users who have registered with us, it’s necessary sometimes.
Changes to the website
From time to time, we are likely to update sections on this website. However, at any given time, any of the content or information on this website may be out of date, and we are under no obligation to update that content or information.
There may be occasions when we need to suspend access to areas of the website, or even close them – for eternity. We will also not be responsible if for any reason this website is unavailable for any time at any period.
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Everything on this website is for information only and you may only use it for your own use. It must not be used for any profitable gain.
You can use the information on this website to share it with other people as long as you say it came from The Knightly Trust. That’s because we’re proud of our work, and what we do and stand for.
You must not change any information, pictures or videos that you get from this website. You must only use information, pictures or videos exactly as they appear on the website.
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Our website may contain links to other websites and resources that are not owned by The Knightly Trust. These links are provided for your own information only.
We have no control over the content of third party websites or materials and accept no responsibility for them, as well as any loss or damage that may occur from your use of them.
You are responsible for checking if the information on any other websites that you link to from this website is accurate or correct, as well as anything that you might buy from another website. The Knightly Trust is not responsible for your use of any websites that are not owned by us.
The existence of a link from any organisation’s website to this website does not mean that we approve of the activities or views of that organisation. And it doesn’t suggest any form of association with us.
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If you suffer any loss when you give payment information in an email or via other Internet links, this is your responsibility and The Knightly Trust and its partners will not be responsible.
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