ACL Ambassador Programme
Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a Parent Ambassador Volunteer. Do you have lived experience in a “parenting role”? Are you a parent, step-parent, grandparent, carer, aunt or uncle? Find out more about what it means to be a Parent Ambassador below and sign up today!
What is involved in becoming an ACL Ambassador?
ACL Ambassadors Volunteers are a valued part of ACL Essex supporting parental engagement for schools and communities, whilst developing your skills to support others. Currently focusing on the levelling up areas of Basildon, Tendring, Harlow and Colchester we aim to recruit, train and offer unique personal development opportunities to anyone in a parenting role. We really need your help to support parents in the community.
This programme is for parents, grandparents or carers who have children that attend schools in the Basildon, Harlow, Tendring or Colchester areas.
If you already have a DBS, experience of engaging with parents/families and a Level 1 certificate in Prevent and Safeguarding, we can offer a fast-track programme.
Be part of a caring and compassionate team
Gain experience that can lead to employment
Gain key skills to support others
Build your confidence, experience and knowledge
Training and day to day support provided
What skills and experience does an ACL Ambassador have?
Lived experience of parenting
Knowledge of what families need in your community
Good communication skills
A listening ear
Passion to help others
What will I be doing?
Posting information about what events/classes/services are available to families locally on social media/through your whatsapp groups.
Arranging/attending coffee mornings or events at your local school/nursery/library or community organisation.
Listening to parents and letting them know what services and support is in their local area.
Speaking to families locally their needs and whether there is an opportunity for ACL Essex to design a course to meet their needs.
Interview Assessment Information
Interview Assessments will last for the duration of 30 minutes and you will be allocated a slot.
By clicking here it will default to the first available training date, but once the interview assessment is selected and you have attended an interview with the team then they can discuss which training date would suit you best.
In addition it states that some of our accredited courses require an invigilated exam. This is a standard notice that appears for all ACL Essex courses but this does not apply to the learning, training and volunteering opportunity associated with being a Parent Ambassador.
What happens next?
Following your initial induction, you will be expected to dedicate time each week to this new and exciting role.
Step 1:
Understand that the role is voluntary, requiring as much time as you are able to give each week. That you will be supported by an ACL Ambassador Co-ordinator and supported by the wider ACL Ambassador Community and Community and Family Learning Team.
Step 2:
Undertake some paperwork related to your role, and learning with ACL Essex prior to an interview with 2 of our ACL Ambassador Team.
Step 3:
Undertake an enhanced DBS check and join the update service (there is no cost to you) and allow us to take 2 references.
Step 4:
Undertake comprehensive training (Part 1) over 4 weeks for 2hrs (8hrs total – delivered online at times in the morning/afternoon/evening). Within the training you will also undertake Safeguarding and Prevent Level 1.
Step 5:
At the end of the your initial training (Part 1) we will help you organise a voluntary placement in a community or school/nursery setting. In addition there will be training on an ongoing basis (Part 2 – normally within 3 months of completing part 1) and other learning opportunities you can undertake based on your individual journey with us.
ACL Ambassador Volunteer Fast track
This programme is for those who already have a DBS on the update service, experience of engaging with parents/families and a Level 1 certificate in Prevent and Safeguarding.
Our Community
We want our Parent Ambassadors(PA) to be part of a wider Essex Community and so we organise a yearly picnic locally, monthly catch ups, invitation to an exclusive PA Facebook page and much more.
Meet a Parent Ambassador
Why is supporting families in your local area important?
As a parent and grandparent of children who attend my local school, I’m already invested in this school and know how important the school community is. At this current time schools have worked so hard but need extra help. By signing up to be a Parent Ambassador I feel like I can really make the difference to my local school.
What have you gained from being a Parent Ambassador?
Following the Parent Ambassador programme I’ve made connections within my children’s school. I’ve learnt many skills that you can transfer to another volunteering project, gaining a new job or changing your job or even starting my own business. I now have the confidence and skills to do whatever you wish to do.
How does this fit around your family life?
This role is based around school hours. I already attend regular meetings at the school and this is an extension of those. I speak to other parents in the playground during school drop off and pick up times. This role is very flexible so any parent can make it work for them.
What have you gained from being a Parent Ambassador?
Following the Parent Ambassador programme I’ve made connections within my children’s school. I’ve learnt many skills that you can transfer to another volunteering project, gaining a new job or changing your job or even starting my own business. I now have the confidence and skills to do whatever you wish to do.
