Becoming a STEM Ambassador
How do you become a STEM Ambassador?
The first step to volunteering with schools and young people is to register to become a STEM Ambassador. You will then be contacted by the central support team who will send you an invitation to complete the STEM Induction training.
The STEM Induction is an access anytime training providing each new volunteer with vital information about the STEM Ambassadors programme and child safeguarding. It takes about 40 minutes to complete this training, after which you will be sent DBS Application guidance.
How do I complete a DBS Application?
The DBS checking process involves an online DBS application form followed by an ID check. The central support team will send you a DBS application link via email, you will also receive application guidance to help you complete your application. As a volunteer, all DBS services are free to access.
After you have completed your DBS check you will be asked to register your DBS certificate with the DBS Update Service. The Update Service is an online subscription service that lets you keep your enhanced DBS certificates up-to-date without additional paperwork.
How do I renew my DBS Check?
DBS Check renewals are completed every 3 years by the STEM Ambassador programme, this process is overseen by the central support team. When your DBS Check is due for renewal you will be contacted by the central support team asking if you would like to renew your DBS Check and be sent further guidance on renewal options. You may not need to complete a new DBS Application if you registered your previous DBS Check with the DBS Update Service, the central support team will be able to advise you on your DBS renewal options.
Please note; your STEM profile may be temporarily suspended if your DBS Check lapses. This is a safeguarding measure to ensure that only individuals with an appropriate DBS Check in place can view or volunteer for events. Your STEM profile will be reactivated once your DBS renewal is in place.
Who can check my ID?
There are a couple of different options for completing your ID Check, the central support team will provide you with full guidance. The primary method of ID verification is through the use of Digital ID verification, if applicants have an e-passport this is the only ID needed. Digital ID checks are accessed via the Post Office or YOTI app, and take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Applicants will need a mobile phone or tablet to access the app. Once the ID is verified the application is checked by our DBS provider and is sent to various authorities to be processed.
Please speak to the central support team if you have any concerns or questions about the ID Check requirement.
If you have any queries related to the STEM Induction Training or DBS Checks then please contact the central support team on: SARegistration@stem.org.uk
My STEM profile has been suspended, why?
There are 2 reasons why a STEM profile could be suspended:
REASON 1: DBS Approval is required.
If your DBS Check has expired, or if you didn’t complete the DBS Application process in full when you first registered, then your STEM profile would have been suspended. This is a safeguarding measure to ensure that only individuals with a valid DBS Check are accessing volunteering opportunities via the STEM Ambassador programme.
To reactivate your account and approve you as a STEM Ambassador please contact the central support team to begin the DBS approval process.
REASON 2: STEM Account is inactive.
A STEM profile may be suspended if there is no activity recorded for over 12 months, the minimum requirement to keep a STEM profile active is one STEM event a year which must be recorded on the Ambassador’s STEM profile. To reactivate your STEM profile please contact the programme team.
If you’ve forgotten to record your events then the programme team will advise you on updating your activity log. If you need help finding an event then please sign up to a Discover Session, or if you would like to build your skillset and confidence then please browse The Training Hub.
Finding STEM Events and Further Training
GETTING STARTED AS A STEM AMBASSADOR
If you have just completed your STEM Induction Training and DBS Check then we would advise that you attend a Getting Started session – this 30 minute session introduces you to the first steps to get you started with your STEM Ambassador volunteering and allows you to ask any questions you may have.
MORE TRAINING FOR ALL STEM AMBASSADORS
You can find all training and support sessions for STEM Ambassadors in The Training Hub. For those new to working with schools and young people we would recommend attending either a This is Me workshop (writing a presentation for young people) or How to explain your job to an 8 year old (communication skills and careers). Both of these training sessions contain practical hints and tips to help build your confidence and skillset, enabling you to deliver engaging presentations to young people.
DISCOVER STEM OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SOUTH-WEST
Discover Sessions are hosted by your local STEM team, and cover what’s coming up in the South West. We know that it can be daunting putting yourself forward to support an activity, and it can be tricky finding an event that would be a good fit for your STEM specialism and your schedule. We can’t tell you what event would be perfect for you, but we can give you an overview of what to expect from volunteering to help you spot that right opportunity when it comes along. Discover Sessions are 45 minutes long, with an optional Q&A afterwards.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
You can find all upcoming events via your STEM profile, to get involved all you need to do is express an interest in any activities that you would like to support. You can see more detail on the volunteering process here. We also maintain a map of STEM Opportunities to help Ambassadors find events in their locality.