Sustainability and Environmental Support Volunteer

This is a new volunteering role and will see the Sustainability and Environmental Support Volunteer support initiatives with Sussex Police through their engagement with teams and staff across the Force. The volunteer will contribute to practical and meaningful improvements that reduce waste, improve the use of resources and embed sustainable practices. The volunteer role will be based at Lewes HQ.

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

The Sustainability and Environmental Support Volunteer will have the opportunity to:

• Develop valuable skills and experience in environmental sustainability, carbon reduction, and resource management within a large public sector organisation.
• Build your knowledge by working closely with the Environmental and Sustainability Manager, as part of a supportive and collaborative Estates and Facilities Team.
• Gain a unique insight into the breadth of roles, operations, and decision‑making processes across policing, and how sustainability can be embedded within them.
• Support the team in driving an active role in driving positive environmental change and helping the organisation become greener and more efficient.
• Assist with the planning directly-to the planning and delivery of sustainable initiatives and projects that have a lasting organisational impact.

The volunteer will support the team by carrying out a variety of activities including:

• Identifying opportunities across the organisation to reduce waste, improve operational efficiencies, and lower carbon emissions.
• Supporting communications and engagement activities to encourage staff awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives.
• Assisting in the review and improvement of waste processes, while developing an understanding of different waste streams and disposal methods.
• Engaging with a range of departments to understand their day‑to‑day activities and identify practical, achievable ways to enhance sustainability.
• Supporting the oversight of utility consumption and contributing to the management of energy use and budgets across both Surrey and Sussex.
• Ensuring all work aligns with Force policies, procedures, and relevant environmental legislation.

The successful volunteer will need to demonstrate a genuine passion for the environment, sustainability and the natural world, alongside strong communication and interpersonal skills that enable them to engage positively with a diverse range of colleagues.

They will be motivated to learn and develop new knowledge and skills, showing curiosity and adaptability in their approach. The role requires someone who can work independently, take initiative and contribute effectively as part of a team.

The role will be based at Lewes HQ.

We take pride in looking after our volunteers, through volunteering you will have the opportunity to:

• Experience policing first‑hand
• Meet new people and teams
• Learn and develop your skills

We will reimburse any travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering and we have recognition schemes in place for us to formally show our appreciation for your service.

As a police support volunteer you will have access to financial and mental well‑being guidance and support, discounts for everyday spend, our on‑site gyms and a range of sports clubs. Volunteering with us will also allow you to apply for other voluntary and paid positions within the Force.

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a…