Volunteer Yard Facilities Assistant

About FareShare

FareShare is a national charity which fights food poverty by tackling food waste.
We source food which is surplus to requirements from food retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help redistribute this to local Community Food Members (CFMs), who, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people.

FareShare’s Greater Manchester regional centre, based on New Smithfield Market, has been run by the sustainability charity EMERGE 3Rs since 2008.

The Yard Facilities Assistant role will help FareShare Greater Manchester ensure the safe movement of vehicles entering and leaving the site.

Location: EMERGE, Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw M11 2WJ

Hours: 8am - 3pm (minimum requirement of a 4 hour shift). Flexibility considerations apply.

Days: Tuesday, Thursday Friday.

Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

• Using a radio to inform the Yard Controller of customers or delivery vehicles arriving for offloading or collection.
• Using a radio to inform the FareShare Plus team of customer arrivals.
• Controlling the safety barrier to the site, allowing access to customers, according to pre-arranged time slots.
• Guiding all personnel and visitors on foot to use the Maynard House pedestrian walkways.
• Guiding customers and visitors of Touch Wood to use the correct walkways.
• Making sure high visibility jackets are worn by all users of the workplace yard at all times.
• Sorting and storage of roll cages and bread trays ready for collection by various suppliers.

Supervised by: Yard Controller

Our Requirements

• Positive attitude, friendly and personable; able to interact well with different people.
• Interest in the work of FareShare and our values.
• Ability to follow safety and operational procedures and instructions.
• Able to perform physical tasks, including lifting and loading.
• Available to commit to an agreed session/day.

What you can expect from the volunteer role

Training

• Volunteer Induction.
• Health and Safety and Manual Handling techniques.
• Radio operation and communication etiquette.

After satisfactory settling-in period: 

• Banksman’s activity – practical session, controlling vehicle movements within the yard using banksman-recognised signals.

If applicable:

• Work experience to add to your CV.
• A work reference for those who have satisfactorily committed to at least 3 months.

Expenses

• Expenses for travelling to and from FareShare, up to £6.00 per day.
• Lunch is provided, or we give reimbursement of up to £3.00 if you have dietary requirements.

You will be required to complete introductory sessions before you are confirmed in the role.