2012 Volunteering Opportunity
East London Greeter
Hours: dependent on number of bookings. Hours worked will be the choice of the volunteer.
Greet individual visitors or small groups and share your passion for your local area! You can help visitors find out about the ‘hidden gems’ of Waltham Forest, the best places for families to visit, places to eat, how to use local transport or to learn more about East London's heritage, architecture and history.
Greeters need to be able to:
- Love and know their local area well
- Share personal stories and favourite locations
- Know some stories about the area’s heritage, history and/or architecture
- Greet individuals or groups of up to 6 people from all over the world
- Accept regular visits
- Have knowledge of either Walthamstow, Epping Forrest or the Upper Lea Valley, but other areas of Waltham Forest will be considered
Company: East London Greeters Tourist Information Centre, Greenwich
(a Five Host Borough partnership made up of Hackney, Greenwich,Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest Councils).
Email us at volunteering@voluntaryaction.net for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will out of pocket expenses be reimbursed?
Yes
What support can I expect?
Whilst the Greeters scheme in East London is a brand new scheme it will draw upon the experience and expertise of similar schemes around the country. The Five Host Boroughs and the LDA have extensive experience of running similar projects and their will be a nominated representative in each borough to contact as well as the overall project manager located in Greenwich. East London Greeters will be encouraged to share their experiences across the organisation to enable all volunteers to benefit from the on-going operation of the scheme.
Will I be insured?
Yes. Provided volunteer’s work within the guidelines laid down by the East London Greeters scheme all relevant insurances will be in place and no personal liability will be incurred.
How much time will I have to give?
It’s up to you. Everyone is a volunteer and will only be expected to give time to the scheme when it is practical and comfortable to do so.
Will it cost me anything?
No. Everyone in the scheme is a volunteer working, in the main, in his or her town. Any other services or products offered, as part of the meeting will be provided by the Greeters organisation. The Greeters operate a no payment and no tipping policy.
Are there any other roles besides greeting people?
Yes. Every well run organisation has backroom people and the Greeters is no exception. As the movement grows many organisational staff will be required. We are keen to get more people involved in the set up of the scheme that have the time and organisation skills available.
Will I have to talk to large groups?
No. It is a rule that a party of visitors met by a Greeter will not exceed 6 persons. The scheme is not a professional tour guide service and is not to take business from existing organisations in London.
Will I be expected to use my car to show people around?
No. All meetings take place in public places and should the need to travel further a field occur, public transport must be used. Public transport costs will be reimbursed.
Will I get any training?
No formal training, but guidance will be given to ensure that greetings follow a similar pattern; however, we do not wish to suppress individual personal enthusiasm. Part of the guidance will include an orientation session.
Can anyone join?
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities to both Greeter, and administrative roles. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that Greeters are ambassadors for their area and so an application system will be in place and acceptance for becoming a volunteer is not automatic.
Are volunteers required to speak a foreign language?
No, but our visitors will come from all over the world. The Greeter policy is that all Visitors / Greeters will be matched to ensure that both parties have an enjoyable experience and therefore any foreign language ability would be an advantage. Special needs will be identified at the time of booking.
Who administers the scheme? How is it funded?
The East London Greeters scheme is a non-profit making organisation. The scheme is managed by Greenwich Council working in partnership with the London Boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, and the London Development Agency. Set up funding has been provided by the London Development Agency.
Where else do Greeters operate?
There are now several Greeter schemes worldwide, the most successful of which can be found in New York.
