Role Overview

The Advisory Group is a team of service users who provide invaluable feedback and suggestions to help improve and develop our services. Members of the Advisory Group use their lived experience within the community to shape our approach, ensuring that we remain service-user led. They meet periodically to discuss the current services we provide, suggest new strategies, and ensure our work aligns with the real needs of the people we support.

This role gives participants a direct voice in how services are delivered, making sure that we listen to and learn from those we serve.

Responsibilities

• Participating in periodic meetings to discuss existing services and share feedback.
• Contributing ideas and suggestions for new services or strategies that could benefit the community.
• Drawing from lived experience to provide insights on how to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of services.
• Helping to ensure that services remain community-driven and inclusive.
• Collaborating with staff and other volunteers to evaluate and develop services based on feedback.

Skills and Qualities

• Lived experience of being an asylum seeker, refugee, or other marginalised group is valued.
• Open and honest communication is key to providing constructive feedback.
• Commitment to helping others and improving community services.
• Respect for confidentiality when discussing personal or sensitive matters.
• A willingness to work as part of a team to drive positive change.

Time Commitment

• Advisory Group members meet periodically, typically every few months.
• Flexible commitment based on your availability and interest in participating.

Support & Benefits

• The opportunity to shape the future of services based on personal and community insights.
• Being part of a collaborative team focused on improving support for asylum seekers and refugees.
• Validation of your lived experience, which can have a significant impact on the future of the organisation.
• A platform to share your ideas and concerns in a safe and inclusive environment.
• References available for job applications.

Volunteer Inductions

All new volunteers are invited to attend an induction session where they will learn about SASS, our mission, and key facts about the UK asylum system. The session also provides an overview of the different volunteer roles available, helping new volunteers find a role that best suits their skills and interests.

Volunteer Wellbeing & Feedback Sessions

To ensure volunteers feel supported and valued, we hold periodic wellbeing sessions where volunteers can discuss their experiences, provide feedback, and explore new opportunities within SASS. These sessions help us improve our work while creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all volunteers.

SASS Community Drop-ins

Fridays: 4pm – 7pm – St James Parish Hall, Walters Road, Swansea. SA1 4QA
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Saturdays: 12pm – 3pm – York Place Baptist Church, 1 York St, Swansea. SA1 3LZ

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SASS Links

About SASS: www.sass.wales/about-sass/

SASS News: www.sass.wales/news/

SASS Directory: www.sass.wales/sass-directory/

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