We’ve had a fantastic response with nearly 2,000 people stepping up to support the NHS and help their community. We will all be in this for a while yet and really appreciate and value our volunteers. We’re adding more roles all the time, so do register and get on the training so you’re ready to join us and play your part in history by protecting the community and saving lives.

We’re Community Action Network, a local infrastructure charity with a mission to empower the voluntary sector, enable volunteering and involve communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We’re working in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset who inspire and support people to  volunteer in the Dorset Council area.

The NHS in Dorset have asked us to help them make sure people coming for their vaccinations feel welcomed, comfortable and safe.  We’re recruiting, training, deploying and supporting Volunteer Marshals to help make this happen.

Who can volunteer?

At the BIC

The opportunity is open to anyone aged 16 years to 79 years. Under 18’s will need parental consent. 

Community and GP settings 

The minimum age is 18 years.

For all roles, you will need to complete a Covid risk assessment – it takes five minutes and will indicate if you are in the Low, Medium or High risk category. Sadly, if you are HIGH RISK it is not safe for you to volunteer. If you are high risk, please consider further volunteering opportunities on our volunteering hub if you haven’t already done so.

Where can I volunteer?

At the large scale site in Bournemouth and at community and GP settings right across Dorset. Please register to find out about opportunities as they arise.

What will I be doing?

As a marshal you will help the NHS provide a seamless, safe and efficient vaccination service for local people. Marshals will help in so many ways, from providing a friendly welcome to vaccination sites, and escorting people to vaccination points.

What about my safety?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. Once signed up and training completed, volunteers will be included in the NHS staff vaccination programme. The NHS programme is being prioritised using the same criteria as the public, to ensure the more at risk staff are vaccinated first.

Are my expenses covered?

Local travel costs will be paid if you are volunteering at the BIC 

What is the commitment?

At the BIC all we ask is a minimum commitment of 24 hours spread over the next three months or so with shifts available seven days a week covering 8am - 8pm. We'll have team members to support our volunteers, so you'll always have someone on hand to help.

How CAN we help you?

• Frequently Asked Questions to help you book training and shifts – please read before contacting us if at all possible thank you.
• Volunteer Marshal Task Description – details the tasks, skills and qualities we need
• Induction Pack jointly developed with our NHS colleagues for staff and volunteers - everything you need to know about the day to day practicalities. Please read as the pack contains lots of useful information. If you see a reference to ‘Doris’ that is the internal NHS system for staff, CAN and VCD are here to support you.
• Volunteer agreement we ask all our Volunteer Marshals to sign up to an agreement that sets out what you can expect from us and what we expect from you.
• Coming soon - take a virtual tour of the BIC large scale site What to expect when you volunteer at the BIC

How do I signup?

We have an online shift booking system to make your offer to help easy for you (and us!) to manage.

Register Here             

Sign me up for my Induction! - If you are currently unable to book onto an induction, there will be further sessions added shortly.

There you’ll provide your details and you’ll be required to attend an online training / information session delivered via Zoom for around one hour  - if you’ve not used Zoom before here’s a user friendly guide. Once you’ve attended the training, you’ll be able to book yourself onto as many shifts as you wish to complete. We’ll acknowledge your booking and remind you when you have a shift coming up.

I have already Registered

If you have already registered, please log in. The Maximum number of shifts you can book is 6, over a 3 month period.

Login Here

Our values

CAN values aspire to NCVO Charity Ethical Principles. They underpin our vision and mission and demonstrate the behaviour we expect from ourselves and others. You will see us being collaborative, compassionate and inspirational, and acting with integrity and respect.

Support for volunteers       

We are here to support you in your volunteering role – every step of the way

At the BIC there will be a CAN Senior Volunteer Coordinator member of staff to support you – they will be on site seven days a week.

At the community sites there will be a member of staff to support you.

We are also here at the end of the phone to provide friendly professional advice and support, alongside a listening ear based on our extensive knowledge and experience of volunteering.

Call us any time Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm on 01202 099474. Outside these times leave a message and we’ll get back to you within 2 working days

Or drop us an email to [email protected] – we’ll respond within two working days.