Essential information

For new and seasoned volunteers alike these essential details provide all you need to know about Derby Parks Volunteers (DPV) task days and how to join in with confidence.

Scheduled Activities

With significant support from Derby City Council’s Parks Department, DPV undertake a wide range activities within Derby’s Parks and Green spaces. See our Activities page for details.

What a typical Task Day looks like

A group of volunteers being taught how to sharpen a scythe blade
9:45 am

Task day starts

The Task Leader will lead a briefing on the task and safety guidance for the task of the day.

Volunteers sitting round enjoying the scenery with cows in the background
11:00 am

Coffee Break

We take a well deserved coffee/tea break. Please remember to bring your own mug and tea, coffee, milk or sugar. Hot water and biscuits are provided.

A group of volunteers having lunch under a parachute tarp
12:45 pm

Lunch Break

Time for a sit down and a natter. Bring your own lunch and water to have during your lunch break.

3 volunteers looking proud of a newly installed bench
2:30 – 3:00 pm

Task end day

We look back at what we’ve achieved for the day with satisfaction and pack up the equipment.

On your first day

You will be:

  • Welcomed.
  • Fully briefed by the task leader.
  • Encouraged to join in whatever way you feel most comfortable.
  • Provided with all the necessary tools and PPE.

You will be required to:

  • Read, understand and commit to the DPV Health and Safety policy.
  • Undertake a general tool, task and task day environment briefing.
  • Complete a registration form.

You will need to:

  • Wear / bring suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor working
  • Be prepared for the likely weather conditions and the time of year
  • Bring lunch, water, a mug and their choice of tea, coffee, milk or sugar
A volunteer in head height Balsam doing some balsam bashing

Medicine and Treatments

Volunteers should note that they are responsible for providing for their own use:

  • Any medication, prescribed or otherwise they require.
  • Medicines and treatments they require on a risk basis such as pain killers, antihistamine for allergies and sting, insect repellents and skin creams

Health and Safety Policy

Each Volunteer has a safety responsibility not only to themselves but also to their fellow volunteers, the task leader, Parks Department employees and the general public.

Safety guidance and instruction will be based upon:

  • The promotion of good safety practices based upon risk assessments.
  • The provision of task, tools and safety training and information.
  • Appropriate PPE is provided and used.
  • A First Aid Kit and First Aiders are available.
  • Training and Certificated use of Brush cutters and Chain saws only
  • A record of trained and certified volunteers.
  • The maintenance of a DPV cadre of First Aid trained volunteers.
  • Annual maintenance and checks of power tools.

DPV is Supportive of the involvement of volunteers with special needs subject to:

  • The volunteer being capable of undertsanding and following Health and Safety information, guidance and training; or
  • They are able to act safely with close supervision from a dedicated professional carer pr a competent parent.

The full details of DPV’s Health & Safety policy is provided to volunteers on their registration.


if you require any further information prior to joining us contact any of the following:

Mary-Lou (Task Leader): 07831 127432
Jon: 07812 446078
Margaret: 07768203738
or
message us on our

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