Wanted: Poppy appeal collectors

An incorrect email address for people interested in volunteering was originally included in this article. The correct email is . Apologies for any confusion.

Francine Bell from the Royal British Legion is recruiting poppy appeal collectors:

I am a Community Fundraiser for the Royal British Legion and support the running of the Poppy Appeal in North East London. I am contacting you to see if you could help at all with advertising a volunteer role in the local community?

The Poppy Appeal is a two-week fundraising campaign in October/November which involves volunteers manning stands with various poppy items on them and retrieving donations from the public in return for this. We have someone who organises these collections in the local area but she is very short of volunteer collectors.

It’s an amazing opportunity for the local community to represent and champion Remembrance whilst raising funds for our beneficiaries.

Poppy appeal collectors are vital in enabling us to support our armed forces community through thick and thin - ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten.

For more information on becoming a part of our incredible volunteers, see the information below or contact .

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION:

Poppy Appeal Collector

Why get involved with the Royal British Legion (RBL)?

You will be joining the UK's leading Armed Forces charity, the heart of a national network that supports our Armed Forces community through thick and thin –and helping ensure their unique contribution is never forgotten. You do not need to be a Legion member or have links to the Armed Forces community to volunteer with the RBL.

How will I make a difference as a Poppy Appeal Collector?

You will help raise vital funds by collecting donations from the public at various locations and events during the Poppy Appeal (October and November) and at our all-year-round fundraising events and shows.

What would I be doing as a Poppy Appeal Collector?

Collecting donations from the public using fundraising materials and a collecting bucket/tin
Representing the RBL at high footfall locations/events.
Supervising stalls at collection points and events.
Talking to members of the public to raise awareness of the work of RBL.

What skills and experience would I need, or could I develop?

You are someone committed to and passionate about RBL’s vision and values and will enjoy volunteering in a community fundraising role.

Able to demonstrate politeness, approachability, and enthusiasm for your role.
Confident communication skills.
Dedication, reliability and flexibility.
Knowledge of relevant fundraising, methods, policies and procedures according to the method and location of collection.
Keen to learn about the support the RBL offers the Armed Forces community and sharing this knowledge with the public you meet.
Committed to acting in line with Legion policies and procedures, including those relating to data protection; confidentiality; safeguarding; health and safety and equality and diversity.

What support will be available to me?

Your local Poppy Appeal Organiser, a fellow volunteer, will be your main point of contact and support.
The local Community Fundraiser (RBL staff member) will also offer guidance.
You will have a Volunteer Agreement that outlines as what you can expect from the RBL and the RBL’s expectations of you.
Opportunities for further development and/or experience in other RBL volunteer roles.

What else do I need to know?

Where:	There are collecting locations throughout the UK during the Poppy Appeal and at fundraising events throughout the year. You’ll usually be volunteering in your local area, including high streets, supermarkets or at events.
Time commitment:	It is an all-year round volunteer role, with flexible opportunities to fundraise and raise awareness. The busiest period is the annual Poppy Appeal. This takes place in the last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November. Time commitment is a minimum of two hours per collection shift to allow for planning volunteer collections in advance. You can sign up for multiple shifts per week. We recommend you are able to commit to at least two shifts per week during the poppy appeal period but more would be beneficial.
Training/Resources:	Your local Poppy Appeal Organiser will provide all the information you need with regard to collecting including fundraising equipment, ID cards and collecting guidance.
Expenses:	Reasonable out-of-pocket costs agreed in advance will be reimbursed as outlined in the Poppy Appeal Organisers Handbook. Please discuss withyou local Poppy Appeal Organiser.
Extra Information:	The minimum age for Poppy Appeal collector is 16 years old. Younger may be considered provided they are supervised by a parent/ guardian or group leader. In order to comply with charity regulations, we reserve the right to carry out additional screening if we consider it appropriate to do so.
Covid-19:	RBL Covid-19 secure guidance and risk assessments along with Government guidelines must be implemented/adhered to.

What are the benefits for me?

Experience of high-profile fundraising in your local area.
Being part of a committed and friendly team.
Provide support and give confidence to others.
Gain or maintain and build skills and experience.
Make a difference to the Armed Forces community.

RBL values and behaviours

Does the following describe you?

Passionate about supporting the Armed Forces community and honouring their contribution.
A desire to provide great support in all that you do.
Enjoy and thrive in working in teams and with others.
An encourager, eager to share your knowledge and experience to help others.
Committed to being the best you can and to learn and develop new and existing skills.

This role is purely voluntary, and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one, or an employment contract

Registered Charity Number: 219279
Document Reference Ref CF01005D 001

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