Could you be Filling Good's next DofE coordinator?
Updated: Oct 1
Each year, Filling Good welcomes DofE students to its store and community. Behind the scenes, a key volunteer makes it all happen: our DofE Coordinator. And we're looking for a new one.
Filling Good is part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme, offering shop-floor volunteering opportunities that help young people develop essential skills while becoming part of Maidenhead’s environmental community.
Elaine has been our Volunteer DofE Coordinator for three years and has found the role very rewarding: “You play a small part in helping shape the course of these students’ futures.” Now working full time, Elaine is handing over the reins, and Filling Good is looking for a new volunteer DofE coordinator to join us.
The Coordinator’s Role
Filling Good offers Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE volunteering opportunities and accommodates up to 15 students at a time, each staying 3 (Bronze), 6 (Gold) or 12 (Gold) months. The coordinator reviews the applications we receive and arranges a store visit and chat so the student can get an idea of what the role involves.
Once a student is placed, the coordinator sends out links to Filling Good’s online training, which they need to complete before starting their first shift in store. At the end of each placement, the coordinator makes sure the feedback and reports are completed so students can receive their certificates and badges.
“It’s a role you can pick up quickly,” Elaine reassures. She spends roughly three hours a week on her coordinator tasks, which she does remotely, using her transferable work skills like organisation, planning, admin and communication.
Each student is assigned set one-hour volunteering slots during the week after school as well as on weekends. They’ll be signed up on Filling Good’s rota, and the coordinator has some oversight of this too.
Elaine also has past experience working on Filling Good’s shop floor, so she’s very familiar with what the DofE volunteer role requires and the value it offers. “It’s a fantastic introduction to how retail works in a friendly, volunteer-run environment.” But, she points out, Filling Good is also much more than a store.
Developing Skills, Inspiring Change
Filling Good is a community benefit society, bringing the people of Maidenhead together to reduce waste and help nature. As Elaine puts it, “Change is all about people talking to people, and the DofE volunteer roles at Filling Good give students the practice of meeting people, finding out what brought them into the store, and starting conversations about the benefits of refilling – from saving money to eliminating single-use plastic.”
We’re also active beyond the store, taking part in community events and hosting talks and workshops. Students can get involved in organising events, getting the word out, and inspiring others to take steps like refilling that cut waste and protect nature.
As a mum to two boys, Elaine knows what it’s like to find the right volunteering or work experience role for your child. Her youngest volunteered at Filling Good, completing his Bronze level this year: “It was a really great opportunity for him to build confidence and be part of something important.”
Meet Gold DoFE Student, Chloe
Chloe joined Filling Good in 2022, and her volunteering has grown into a part-time paid role. You’ll often find her in store on Sundays, and she’s so experienced with all the aspects of running it that newer students now learn from her.
“When I first started, I was immediately welcomed by the volunteers, who showed me the ropes and gave me loads of independence,” she says. “I’ve grown so much over the years, becoming more comfortable with customers as my experience and confidence have grown. Moving from being a DofE student myself to training the students has been really rewarding – I still remember what it was like when I was in their position, which helps a lot.”
“My interactions with customers are the highlight of my day,” she adds. “I talk to people of all generations, and because I have a lot of repeat customers, I get to know them and really enjoy a chat when they come in.”
The DofE coordinator helps make experiences like Chloe’s possible.
Over To You
Interested in the coordinator role? Email our co-founder, Sophie, at sophie@fillinggood.co.uk.
Know a young person looking for DofE volunteering? Visit the official DofE website or email our rota director, Astrid, at astrid@fillinggood.co.uk.
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