Volunteer roles at the Vauxhall International 2015 North West 200
As many people know the International North West 200 is supported by an 800 plus team of experienced volunteers. Some work on an annual basis, others during race week itself, with many volunteers coming from other bodies such as St. John Ambulance, British Red Cross and MCUI Marshals Association.
The role of the volunteer at the NW200 has also widened and the opportunities for anyone wishing to lend their skills as well as learn new ones has increased.
NW200 work closely with Volunteer Now, the Causeway Volunteer Centre and local groups to develop its volunteer structure and are seeking new volunteers to come on board and get involved with the event.
We have created a wide range of roles that you can get involved in, there is something for everyone. Outlined below are the roles. A brief explanation is given for each role, including:
- Purpose of the team and what it offers
- Tasks involved
- Preferred skills and experience
- Possible challenges
The volunteer roles available are defined as:
- Course Set Up/Build Team
- Marshals / Flag Marshals
- Branding Team
- Event Survey & Marketing Team
- Administration Team/ Media Team
- Health & Safety Team
- Event Coordination/ Hospitality Team
Course Set Up/Build Team
The Course Team will spend over six weeks preparing for the event setting up the race circuit with over 6 miles of security fencing and signage. In addition, the Course Hardware team installs a wide range of race safety equipment including 800+ large safety bales. It takes a further two weeks to strip down the circuit after the event. The whole emphasis is on rider and spectator safety.
Working as a team to set up course as described in the event safety plan.
Volunteers maybe involved in all or some of the tasks below:
- Erect fencing for safety around circuit
- Set up enclosures for spectators and trade stands
- Painting on course
- Erecting information and directional signs
- General maintenance
- Driving a forklift with implements on circuit placing bales
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Ability to volunteer as part of a proactive and busy team
- Good level of physical fitness
- Possible challenges may include variable weather conditions and heavy lifting
Marshalling Team
The Marshalling team is to ensure the safety of Spectators, Officials, Press, competitors and to clear the road if an accident should occur. Volunteers will be working as part of a team and involved in some or all of the tasks below:
- Closing of the roads on time
- Direct all unofficial traffic off the circuit at the nearest exit.
- Ensure all spectators are clear of course.
- barriers and road close sign in correct place before and after racing
- Move safety equipment into place as directed risk assessment
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Ability to volunteer as part of a proactive and busy team
- Good level of physical fitness
- Possible challenges may include variable weather conditions
Health and Safety Team
The primary functions of a health and safety team to work along with Club Officials and local Council Officers:
Volunteers maybe involved in all or some of the tasks below
- Monitor and implement the organisation’s health and safety policy
- Ensure the organisation is compliant with health and safety legislation
- Reduce or prevent hazards, dangers and accidents.
- Administrative tasks: keep records of daily activities.
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Good Literacy / Administration skills.
- Good People / Communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Possible challenges may include variable weather conditions
Event Coordination / Hospitality Team
Volunteers will help with the smooth running of events during race week. They will have the opportunity to meet, greet and visitors from all over the world at various visitor arrival points (including airports and train stations). The team will have the opportunity to enhance the overall experience of the NW 200 and positively influence people’s perception of Northern Ireland.
Volunteers may be involved in all or some of the tasks below
- Meeting and Greeting (for example spectators, media, sponsors)
- Signpost / orientate visitors
- Hand out relevant information to visitors
- Man information stands/office
- Mingle with visitors and assist in providing an excellent and informed event experience
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Good Literacy / Administration skills.
- Good People / Communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
Administration Team
As part of the administrative team, you will be required to carry out general administrative duties and provide support to the Event Coordinator
Volunteers may be involved in all or some of the tasks below
Answering general queries by telephone
- Photocopying documents
- Obtaining information from the computer
- Maintaining records, filing systems and computer files
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Good Literacy / Administration skills.
- Good People / Communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
Media Team
They will be at the centre of the media hub, liaising directly with national and international media.
Volunteers may be involved in all or some of the tasks below:
Assist in registering and accrediting media personnel with passes
- Helping to answer any queries
- Providing relevant information,(e.g. on Race times)
- Maintaining the media centre so that only authorised Media come into the centre
Preferred Skills/Experience
- A media / communications related qualification
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
- A positive attitude to deal with the varied demands of the role
Possible challenges are that you will be working within a potentially high-pressured and fast-paced environment. You will possibly be dealing with large volumes of enquiries which require efficient and accurate action.
Branding Team
The Branding Team will ensure everyone is aware of the NW 200. They will set up and take down branding with venues/roads as required. This may include changing signage, securing main branding at venues and assisting all visitors by pointing them in the right direction.
Volunteers may be involved in all or some of the tasks below:
- Erecting signs and banners across venues, events
- Informing / signposting participants and spectators
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Ability to volunteer as part of a proactive and busy team
- Good level of physical fitness
- Possible challenges may include variable weather conditions to contend with.
Event Survey & Marketing Team
The team will have the opportunity to enhance the overall experience of the NW 200 and positively influence people’s perception of Northern Ireland. Volunteers during race week will carry out survey into the running of events during race week. They will have the opportunity to meet, greet and visitors from all over the world and gain there input of the event.
Volunteers may be involved in all or some of the tasks below
- Meeting and interviewing (for example spectators, media, sponsors)
- Signpost / orientate visitors
- Hand out relevant information to visitors
- Mingle with visitors and assist in providing an excellent and informed event experience
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Face to Face survey work
- Good Literacy / Administration skills.
- Good People / Communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
It’s easy to get involved; just download and fill out the form below to register your interest.
NW200 Volunteers Application Form 2015 – pdf
Links & Information
www.vauxhallnorthwest200.co.uk
Race Week Festival 9th-16th May 2015
NW200 Volunteers Application Form 2015 – pdf
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