This is a new role that encompasses all non-exec branch roles. The focus of the role is to promote community engagement and awareness of SSAFA within the local community. The role description for Community Engagement Volunteers is purposefully broad to enable branches to adapt the role to best suit their local community engagement plan and available resources.

For all non-exec branch roles (excluding caseworkers and visitors) you will see your role title change to Community Engagement Volunteer when your branch moves into NDP - please be assured that you are still able to carry on with your current volunteering activities. The adaptable CEV role ensures that branches have the scope and flexibility to utilise individual’s skills and interests to best aid the branch and provide an enjoyable and fulfilling volunteer experience.

Here are two examples:

• If you are currently a volunteer with a special interest in fundraising, you will still be able to focus on this as a CEV, and you will now be able to call upon the expertise of your Regional Marcomms Manager should you wish to.

• Where your role is currently that of Branch Recruitment Coordinator you will be able to remain doing what you enjoy alongside the Community Engagement Manger - attracting and progressing new branch volunteers through the recruitment process.

The Digital Marketing Volunteer (DMV) role is currently under review. While this review is underway, existing DMVs will move into the Community Engagement Volunteer (CEV) role. Once the updated DMV role is finalised and reinstated, their role profiles will be updated accordingly. We’ll continue to share updates with all DMVs throughout the process.

This smaller number of more manageable roles gives branches time to adapt to the NDP model and reduces the pressure to fill multiple specialised roles. We recognise that, in the future, there may be a requirement to create additional roles to fill gaps or target the retention/recruitment of volunteers with a specific skill set, as demonstrated by the current re-development of the DMV role. Any new volunteer roles will be created and formed in close collaboration with branch volunteers.

After feedback from CEVs in the current NDP regions of East Midlands and Wales, it was identified that some branches would appreciate support in this area. Our thanks go out to those of you who answered our recent email requesting volunteer input to help mould the first draft of our Community Engagement Strategy.

Although the focus groups are already setup, you are still able to provide your views and expertise which will help form the final version. If you wish to take part then please email [email protected] no later than Friday, 11 July and we will send you the information and a link to a short questionnaire to capture your feedback.

For general NDP information please read the NDP Frequently Asked Questions document, which is a collection of questions that have been posed during and since the trials.

For detailed NDP processes and procedures go to The Volunteer Knowledge Base – accessible to all volunteers and employees.

If you are looking for a wide variety of information and wish to view video clips from NDP Caseworkers and previously recorded presentations about the NDP then the place to be is the NDP Information Hub on SSAFAnet.

If you no longer have access to SSAFAnet, you will already be on GA, so please refer to the NDP file in the document hub or head to the Volunteer Knowledge Base.