Types of volunteering

The Society currently has around 100 volunteers but always has room for more. Our volunteers are people like you, people who love the outdoors and are passionate about the footpath network in our region. We work hard to ensure the network is available for all to use, ensuring it will still be there for our children and grandchildren who will enjoy them in the future. Not only do we work hard but we enjoy ourselves and take time to socialise after our labours.

The majority of our volunteers join us as Footpath Inspectors which involves walking the paths in a defined area, identifying problems and reporting them either directly to the Highway Authority or to Taylor House for action. Whether you are in full time employment or retired this is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors and give time to ensure the long term future of the footpath network in your patch. For more details see the Inspectors Handbook.

Another great opportunity for outdoor lovers is working with our signpost team. The work ranges from planting our signpost, inspecting them and refurbishing them. Our Signpost Officer is seen here adding the final coat of paint to one of our signs.

For people who can commit to a few hours a week on a regular basis the Society has many opportunities for general administration, office functions, computer work, promotions and others too numerous to list. One very important area is to look after and keep up to date the Society’s footpath archive; this is an invaluable asset that is constantly referred to.

We also have opportunities on a one of project basis. These are ideal for people who are not able to commit to regular long term work. Currently we have a number of projects that could be run from home, as and when you have the time to commit. They are as follows:

1) Review of our current insurance arrangements. The aim being to rationalise the number of policies and brokers we deal with ** NOW FILLED **

2) Building maintenance. Taylor House like any building needs regular maintenance. The project involves identifying essential repairs, obtaining quotations and recommending, to the Officers, the best options.

3) We have recently had a Fire Risk Assessment, the report a indicates a number of key issues that require addressing. These range from arranging for an electrical installation check to the supply and maintenance of fire extinguishers. Again this involves obtaining quotations and recommending the best options.

4) Review of our IT requirements. Our current IT equipment is reaching the end of its useful life. The project will assess our current and future needs, produce a detailed plan and budgets for recommendation to the Officers. ** NOW FILLED **

5) Publicity Material Placement. There are two elements to this project, the first and simplest is to take a number of our Membership Forms and ask that they be displayed in Public Libraries, Tourist Information Centres, Cafes frequented by walkers etc. The second element is to arrange for suitable locations for the erection of our display stands whilst they are not in use at shows.

We have recently advertised for new volunteer footpath inspectors in the Special Edition quarterly news letter published by the Countryside Jobs Service. You can view the on-line newsletter here which contains our advert and several articles on rights of way issues.

If you have an interest in volunteering for any of the above please use our contact us form or telephone Taylor House. You can expect a prompt response from our Chairman for any offers of help.