Volunteer Relevant Person's Representative (RPR)

East Sussex; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local advocacy organization in Eastbourne is seeking a Volunteer Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) to support vulnerable individuals by ensuring their rights are protected and voices are heard. This role involves visiting care homes, advocating for appropriate care, and building trusting relationships. Ideal candidates are compassionate and reliable, bringing their unique perspectives to the team. A minimum commitment of 10 hours a month is desired.

Benefits

Comprehensive training package

Hands-on experience with a national charity

Regular supervision and support

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate and relate well to a wide range of people.
• Commitment to upholding the rights of vulnerable individuals.
• Personal resilience and good organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Visit people in care homes to check on their well-being.
• Listen to their views and wishes, building trust.
• Write reports about visits to help monitor DoLS.
• Attend meetings with care professionals.

Skills

Compassionate

Reliable

Good communication

Empathy

Organizational skills

Job description

Volunteer Relevant Person's Representative (RPR)

When someone is unable to make decisions about their care or treatment—due to conditions such as dementia, a learning disability, or brain injury—the law requires that any restrictions on their freedom are regularly reviewed. These protections, called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), ensure care is in the person’s best interests and as unrestrictive as possible.

That’s where you come in.

As a Volunteer Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR), you’ll stand beside people who may not have family or friends to look out for them. You’ll ensure that their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their dignity is respected—helping safeguard their freedoms throughout the time they’re under a DoLS authorisation.

What you’ll do:

• Visiting people where they live, usually a care home (and on occasion phoning the home between visits), to check in on their well‑being
• Listening to their views and wishes, and building a relationship based on trust
• Writing short, factual reports about your visits to help the Local Authority monitor and review the DoLS
• Attending meetings with care professionals to advocate for the least restrictive, most appropriate care
• Working with solicitors or professional advocates to support appeals or reviews of the DoLS, where needed

What you’ll need to succeed:

We’re looking for people who are compassionate, reliable, and ready to stand up for others. You don’t need to be an expert—we’ll give you all the training and support you need. What matters most is your mindset, values, and commitment.

• Someone who can communicate and relate well to a wide range of people
• Committed to upholding the rights of vulnerable individuals
• Able to bring your own life experience and unique perspective, adding diversity and insight to our team.
• Based in Wealden, Eastbourne, Lewes District and surrounding regions.

And ideally, you’ll also have:

• A full UK driving licence and access to your own car, as visits take place in care settings (expenses will be reimbursed)
• Good verbal and written communication skills, to engage with clients and professionals
• The ability to listen with empathy and represent someone else’s views, even if they differ from your own
• A non‑judgemental, respectful approach, with a high level of confidentiality
• Basic IT and report writing skills
• The confidence to work independently, while knowing support is always available
• Personal resilience and good organisational skills, to manage your time and responsibilities
• A sincere desire to support and empower people who may otherwise go unheard.

Ideally, we would like you to volunteer 10 or more hours a month, minimum for a year, but it’s flexible—you don’t need to commit to the same days/hours each week.

What’s in it for you?

Volunteering in this role gives you the chance to grow, gain new skills, and be part of something deeply meaningful.

You’ll receive:

• A comprehensive training package to prepare you for the role
• Hands‑on experience with a respected national advocacy charity
• Regular one‑to‑one supervision and ongoing supportOpportunities to connect with professionals across health and social care
• And most importantly: the chance to make a real, lasting difference in the life of someone who needs you.

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re someone who believes in fairness, dignity, and the power of being heard, this is your chance to be a part of something that matters. Join us as a Volunteer RPR and help protect the rights and voices of people who need a champion.

Doing something in the voluntary sector for Eastbourne, Lewes or Wealden?

3VA
49 Station Road
Polegate
East Sussex
BN26 6EA