Home Energy Volunteer

Home Energy Volunteer

Tendring Community Energy is looking for a small group of friendly, practical people who would like to help local households feel warmer, reduce energy costs and understand problems such as condensation, damp and mould.

You do not need previous experience. We will provide training, equipment, supervision and accompanied visits while you develop your skills and confidence.

What you could be doing

• Accompanying trained TCE staff on household visits
• Listening to residents and helping them understand their energy use
• Sharing practical, low-cost energy-saving advice
• Helping to identify draughts, heat loss, condensation and ventilation issues
• Learning to use equipment such as thermal-imaging cameras, moisture meters and temperature and humidity monitors
• Recording clear information from visits
• Referring anything outside your training or competence to an appropriately qualified person
• Supporting occasional community events and advice sessions

How the role develops

Nobody will be sent into somebody’s home with a clipboard after a quick induction.

You will begin with training and observation, followed by accompanied visits and supervised practical experience. You will only carry out activities independently when both you and TCE are confident that you are competent to do so.

The role will not involve electrical work, building surveys, retrofit design, professional diagnosis or anything else requiring specialist qualifications.

Who we are looking for

You do not need to be an energy expert. We are more interested in finding people who:

• Are approachable, patient and good listeners
• Care about helping people in their community
• Can explain things in straightforward language
• Are willing to learn and follow clear boundaries
• Can handle residents’ information sensitively
• Are dependable and comfortable working as part of a team

What you will gain

• Practical training in household energy efficiency
• Experience using professional diagnostic equipment
• Supported experience of working with residents
• Skills in thermal imaging, condensation, ventilation and household energy use
• References and evidence of the training and experience you complete
• A possible pathway into further training, community-energy work or related employment
• The satisfaction of helping local households

Location and commitment

The role will be based from the Tendring Community Energy office at 16 Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, with activities taking place across Tendring.

We can discuss availability with each volunteer. Some daytime availability will be useful for household visits, but we want the opportunity to be accessible and flexible.

Because this role involves visiting residents in their homes, appropriate safeguarding procedures, checks and supervised working arrangements will apply.

What skills do I need?

No previous experience or technical knowledge is required. We are looking for people who are:

• Friendly, patient and approachable
• Good listeners and able to communicate clearly
• Interested in helping local households
• Willing to learn and follow guidance
• Reliable and comfortable working as part of a team
• Able to handle personal information sensitively
• Comfortable using basic digital equipment or willing to learn

Training in household energy efficiency, thermal imaging and diagnostic equipment will be provided.

Interests

• Employment, Education and Training
• Environment
• Health and Social Care
• Homeless and Housing
• No specific interest

Activities

• Administration and Office
• Advice and Information
• General Helping
• Practical Skills
• Supporting People and Befriending
• Teaching and Training