Eton Dorney Ambassadors

Are you interested in volunteering for sports, arts, community events and festivals in 2012 and beyond?  Register now to become one of the growing number of Eton Dorney Ambassadors.

The London 2012 Games have particular significance for Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, with the rowing and canoe sprint events to be held at the Eton College Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake. The Olympic competitions will run from 28 July to 11 August and the Paralympic events from 1st to 3rd September.

At that stage the eyes of the world will be on this venue. 30,000 spectators are expected to attend every day, and up to 20,000 media representatives.

The Eton Dorney Ambassador Programme will provide 500 volunteers to support Olympic and Paralympic events taking place at Dorney Lake.  They will be given training to NVQ level in spectator safety and will act as meeters and greeters at 14 identified hubs including main spectator arrival points such as railway stations, park and ride sites and town centres.

The aim is to have trained personnel on hand to welcome all visitors whether they be local or from around the world.  They will provide consistent visitor information and assist with specific queries that will not necessarily be answered by the internet or guide books.  They will be well-trained and well-informed, inspiring visitors to explore the local area and take advantage of all the tourism and cultural opportunities on offer.  The Ambassador Programme will provide the integral link between visitors and the systems that are already in place to ensure that they receive the welcome and service that London 2012 has promised.

This is a perfect opportunity for the local community from across the two counties to get involved with the Games and ultimately be inspired to continue to volunteer their time at the multitude of, sporting, cultural and community events that happen in the region all year round.  The NVQ level training will also offer a stepping stone to further education and employment. 

This scheme complements the official London 2012 Games Maker volunteer scheme.

Volunteer Commitment

You must be 16 years of age by 1 July 2012.

Pre Games Training

Dependant on your existing qualifications and previous experience you will be expected to complete one of the following training courses:

NVQ Level 2 Award in Spectator safety

• One Day Training Course
• Home Study
• 3 Assessments during live events

NVQ Level 3 Award in Spectator Safety

• Completion of the NVQ 2 training course
• Home Study
• 2/3 Assessments during live training events

NVQ Assessor Award in Spectator Safety

• Completion of the NVQ Level 3 Award
• Individual training and assessment programme will be produced in line with course requirements.

Games Time Deployment

Each volunteer will be expected to commit to a minimum of four 4-hour shifts over a 14-day period.

There will be 14 “hubs” with 4 volunteers per hub.  Each hub will be provided with gazebo, radio, table and visitor information as required.

Each volunteer will be provided with branded uniform, water and sunscreen as required.

Additional information

Supervisors will work with a group of hubs to coordinate activity and manage staff deployment during the working periods.  A programme management office will be set up to coordinate all activity and liase with appropriate organisations.  A fully specified volunteer schedule will be produced once exact requirements are known.  A communications network will be established with the hubs for coordination and management.

Our Commitment

In return for your pledge to volunteer at Games time we will provide the following:

• Training to required level
• Insurance (Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead policy)
• Full risk assessments
• Volunteer uniform and equipment as required
• Supervision
• End of event celebration
• Ongoing notification of opportunities to volunteer at sporting, cultural and community events.

Still interested?

Email your name, address, telephone number (home and mobile), age and date of birth to register@eton-dorney-ambassadors.org to request a full information and application pack.