RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 9 August 2023
Season 2, Episode 84, Aug 09, 2023, 08:00 AM
Clare Aldworth, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Officer shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey.
Opportunities highlighted this week included:
New RNIB See Work Differently Placement
See Work Differently is an employment initiative run by RNIB. It’s designed to help blind and partially sighted people get on that first rung of the career ladder. It could also be a great option for someone looking to get back into work after a career break. And what’s really great is that these are paid placements.
There’s a new placement live on our website for a Volunteer Administrative Assistant. This is not a volunteer role, the RNIB is looking for an administrative assistance to support our volunteering team. This job would be perfect for anyone interested in developing their customer service skills. We’re looking for someone who’s confident with IT, specifically the Microsoft applications like Word and Excel. Also someone organised, with strong communication skills and good attention to detail.
If you or someone you know would be interested in this role, you can apply on our website. The easiest way to find out more and apply is to search for RNIB Jobs in your browser which will bring up our recruitment page. Then in the search bar, just put in ‘See Work’ and the role will come up.
Campaigning Group for 18-27 Year Olds
The RNIB’s Campaigns team are setting up a group for people interested in getting involved with campaigning. They are looking for blind and partially sighted people aged 18-27 who live in the North of England.
This is a great opportunity for people with an interest in campaigning and who want to create change in your local area and beyond. Topics such as transport, employment and accessible voting. If you’re passionate about bringing about positive changes for blind and partially sighted people, this is could be for you. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet other keen campaigners, be part of a community and gain campaigning skills and experience.
If you are interested in getting involved or would like further information please email campaigns@rnib.org.uk
Ticket Office Closures - Take Part in the Consultation
Many people will have heard about the proposed closure of almost all ticket offices at train stations across England and Glasgow. We know blind and partially sighted people already face barriers to independent travel. RNIB is very concerned that the closure of rail ticket offices will have a severe impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to travel by rail. Without ticket offices, rail passengers would have no option but to purchase tickets online or using machines at the station, and neither of these options are accessible for many blind and partially sighted people. In fact, in a recent survey only 3% of people said they could use one of these machines without problems.
We’re pleased to hear that train operators are extending the time available to respond to the consultation. This announcement follows immense pressure put on the UK Government, who back the operators’ proposal, and the operators themselves. The consultation is now open until 1 September – still not a lot of time, so it’s really important that as many people as possible take part in this. We’d also encourage friends, family to get involved. You can comment about any stations you use, not just those near your home.
To find out all the ways you can get involved, visit our webpage – just search for RNIB ticket office closures.
To find out more about these Connect Voices opportunities and how you can get involved with RNIB Connect Voices do visit-
https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-voices-network/connect-voices-current-opportunities
Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo
Opportunities highlighted this week included:
New RNIB See Work Differently Placement
See Work Differently is an employment initiative run by RNIB. It’s designed to help blind and partially sighted people get on that first rung of the career ladder. It could also be a great option for someone looking to get back into work after a career break. And what’s really great is that these are paid placements.
There’s a new placement live on our website for a Volunteer Administrative Assistant. This is not a volunteer role, the RNIB is looking for an administrative assistance to support our volunteering team. This job would be perfect for anyone interested in developing their customer service skills. We’re looking for someone who’s confident with IT, specifically the Microsoft applications like Word and Excel. Also someone organised, with strong communication skills and good attention to detail.
If you or someone you know would be interested in this role, you can apply on our website. The easiest way to find out more and apply is to search for RNIB Jobs in your browser which will bring up our recruitment page. Then in the search bar, just put in ‘See Work’ and the role will come up.
Campaigning Group for 18-27 Year Olds
The RNIB’s Campaigns team are setting up a group for people interested in getting involved with campaigning. They are looking for blind and partially sighted people aged 18-27 who live in the North of England.
This is a great opportunity for people with an interest in campaigning and who want to create change in your local area and beyond. Topics such as transport, employment and accessible voting. If you’re passionate about bringing about positive changes for blind and partially sighted people, this is could be for you. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet other keen campaigners, be part of a community and gain campaigning skills and experience.
If you are interested in getting involved or would like further information please email campaigns@rnib.org.uk
Ticket Office Closures - Take Part in the Consultation
Many people will have heard about the proposed closure of almost all ticket offices at train stations across England and Glasgow. We know blind and partially sighted people already face barriers to independent travel. RNIB is very concerned that the closure of rail ticket offices will have a severe impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to travel by rail. Without ticket offices, rail passengers would have no option but to purchase tickets online or using machines at the station, and neither of these options are accessible for many blind and partially sighted people. In fact, in a recent survey only 3% of people said they could use one of these machines without problems.
We’re pleased to hear that train operators are extending the time available to respond to the consultation. This announcement follows immense pressure put on the UK Government, who back the operators’ proposal, and the operators themselves. The consultation is now open until 1 September – still not a lot of time, so it’s really important that as many people as possible take part in this. We’d also encourage friends, family to get involved. You can comment about any stations you use, not just those near your home.
To find out all the ways you can get involved, visit our webpage – just search for RNIB ticket office closures.
To find out more about these Connect Voices opportunities and how you can get involved with RNIB Connect Voices do visit-
https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-voices-network/connect-voices-current-opportunities
Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo