Scotmid Co-operative have formed a successful partnership with Police Scotland to encourage employees to volunteer to become Special Constables with store staff member Kayleigh Brown, who signed up for the scheme nine months ago, praising the experience.
Over the past year, Scotmid have been supportive of colleagues, who wish to volunteer as a Special Constable – paying staff for up to 12 eight-hour volunteering shifts per year.
Criminology student Kayleigh, who has worked for Scotmid for three years, became a Special Constable in August and says the whole experience has been hugely beneficial.
Kayleigh said: “It has been one of the best experiences of my life.
“I’ve gained so much confidence as an individual, I have also gained more skills and techniques that I can use in store such as communication skills and overall ability to provide the best customer service role.
“The role as a special constable is rewarding to yourself but also those around you and although it may seem like a lot of time to train, Scotmid will support you through this.
“Having this support helped me greatly as I was a student and working part-time in Scotmid, so having the continued support along with the financial support to complete the training has helped me a lot.”
The scheme was originally initiated in Edinburgh and individuals, who have volunteered to become Special Constables have benefited from a tailored training programme.
Scotmid Co-operative’s Head of Profit Protection, Jim McFedries said: “We’re delighted to have formed this partnership with Police Scotland – it fits really well with our core values and principles.
“Our staff can serve customers in store by day and then serve their local communities as a Special Constable by night.
“It is all part of helping our customers and staff feel safer and the Scotmid employees, who have volunteered to become Special Constables have received training in equality, diversity and conflict management; skills that are transferable into both roles.
“We’re really excited about growing the partnership and any Scotmid staff, who are interested in volunteering to become a Special Constable should get in contact with the Profit Protection team.”