Volunteer Role Skills Assessment

Title of Volunteer Role / Mobile Interaction Volunteer
Purpose of role – What will they be doing the majority of the time? / To support the donkey assisted interaction teams to help deliver tailored sessions and activities for children and vulnerable adults with additional needs in a safe and stimulating environment (usually based at schools, equestrian centres, care, and hospice sites in the Hertfordshire / Buckinghamshire / Middlesex / North London area).
As a volunteer you will support the teams on the mobile project, under the supervision the project leader, to assist with the interaction sessions.
This role will allow you to get involved with tasks such as supporting children and adults handling and leading donkeys, equine assisted learning, as well as a range of donkey care activities enabling children and adults to ‘meet and greet’ the donkeys in a safe, fun and interactive way.
This role also includes the preparation of donkeys for each session i.e. donkey grooming, loading and unloading the donkeys, tacking up the donkeys. Volunteers are also expected to ensure strict health and safety standards are met and assist with record keeping.
Key Tasks
What I want this person to do / Key Skills
What I need them to have on day one / Resources / Training
What I need to provide for them
Act as an ambassador for The Donkey Sanctuary
Donkey Care- loading and unloading, leading, grooming, tacking up
Ambassador for DAT work
Work with people (children and adults) with additional needs
Support Equine Assisted Learning and Interaction sessions / Passionate about The Donkey Sanctuary
Experience/confidence around equines and people with additional needs.(desirable but not essential as full training given)
Customer service skills
Team player
Flexibility
Be able to work unsupervised
Be aware of the physical and mental demands of the role. / Volunteer induction packand full induction for the role
Quality time volunteer training
Safeguarding training
Health and safety training
Basic donkey care and handling
Uniform requirements for the role / Polo shirt/ sweatshirt provided
Hours / Core operational hours between 9.30am-3pm
Role Title: / Mobile Interaction Volunteer
Where: / Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, North London
When: / Mostly weekdays but occasional weekends / evenings
How often we would ideally like you to volunteer: / We are very flexible regarding days of the week, number of days a month but volunteers must be available for our core hours9.30am – 3pm.
Why we want you: / The team need further support and new ambassadors to help us build our supporter base and educate a wider audience about donkeys and Donkey Assisted Therapy. You will be supporting the ongoing work we do through our mobile DAT project and help provide our service to vulnerable adults and children with additional needs.
What you’ll gain volunteering with us: / You will be part of a unique team who are passionate about helping donkeys and people!
The skills / talents you’llneed: /
  • We are looking for experience and confidence around equines and people with additional needs. (desirable but not essential)
  • Sound customer service skills,
  • Be a team player, with the ability to work unsupervised.
  • Enjoy being flexible with your attitude to the needs of the role.
  • An ability to understand the physical and mental demands of the role.

About us: / The Donkey Sanctuary is a worldwide donkey welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. Our mission is to transform the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life enhancing relationships.
For more information, contact: / Mobile Interaction and DAT Training Facilitator on 07921 463999 or email

Volunteer Role Profile