Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with refugee status and those seeking asylum here in south west London? Consider joining our team at Refugee Action Kingston. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our values. We are a small, friendly team, driven by a passion to create positive and lasting change in our community.

Why volunteer with RAK?

RAK couldn’t deliver services to over 1500 clients a year without volunteers. Our volunteers are often motivated by their own values and get a sense of purpose from their contribution.  We also know that our volunteers enjoy being part of a team and making friends in the community. 

If you are looking for a job, a volunteering opportunity might give you something interesting to write on your CV or give you experience that supports your professional development. 

If you have never volunteered before, it can feel quite daunting.  We can offer a great first-time volunteering experience, with a taster, some training and good company. 

Overview

This volunteering opportunity provides consecutive interpreting support to RAK clients when attending appointments and/or sessions. This could include appointments with Counsellors, Solicitors & Advisers.

What we are looking for:

• We are particularly looking for Interpreters fluent in Arabic, Farsi, Pashto or Mandarin, but we are keen to speak to Interpreters in all languages!

Main Responsibilities

• To provide interpreting in a variety of settings including Immigration, Advocacy & Advice, Careers Advice, training, and Counselling sessions

• To translate written documents such as emails, Whatsapp messages and letters to support casework.

•  To sign up to the strict code of conduct required for consecutive interpretation in terms of confidentiality.

Skills, abilities, and qualities required

• To be competent linguistically to make direct interpretation of speech from and into English with emphasis on the specialist language associated with the process of seeking asylum.

• To have excellent cultural awareness and act in a respectful manner towards RAK clients.

• To be able to work flexibly and with ease in a busy working environment in person and remotely.

• To be emotionally resilient.

Time commitment

As and when a client requires your support.  Once you have been recruited as a volunteer, our Advisers will contact you directly to schedule appointments. This may be an hour a week or less frequently.

Induction, training and support

• You will complete initial RAK volunteer induction and ongoing training as needed.

• Regular de-brief with the staff team at RAK.

• Out of pocket expenses within agreed guidelines.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months in this voluntary position.

If you’re interested in the role, please email volunteer@refugeeactionkingston.org.uk and our team will be in contact with an application form and to answer any questions you may have.