|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||
Volunteer Policy
• Introduction HCRC exists to empower local communities socially, physically, economically, culturally and academically, to meet the needs of the local community via training courses, workshops and working in partnerships with training providers. We firmly believe that volunteers offer a valuable contribution to our organisation. We want to recognise this commitment by setting out in this policy, what we can provide to encourage and support volunteers and also to give an idea of the kinds of areas of our service with which we need your help.
In line with our mission and our core values, HCRC seeks to involve volunteers to: • Ensure that our services meet the needs of our service users • Provide new skills and perspectives. • Increase our contact with the local community we serve.
• Principles This Volunteering Policy is underpinned by the following principle:
• HCRC will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to HCRC work. • HCRC does not aim to introduce volunteers to replace paid staff. • HCRC expects that staff at all levels will work positively with volunteers and, where appropriate, will actively seek to involve them in their work. • HCRC recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.
• Recruitment of volunteers HCRC will not recruit volunteers to replace paid staff. In general, we will recruit volunteers for specific tasks or projects. All prospective volunteers will have the opportunity to meet a designated members of staff who will enquire about what they would like to do, their particular skills, suitability and how best their potential as a volunteer might be realised. All managers within the organisation are committed to identifying opportunities for volunteers where practicable. The centre will have an identified staff member who will provide support to volunteers and help settle them into their chosen activity.
• Equal opportunities HCRC operates an equal opportunities policy in respect of paid staff and this will be applied to volunteers. We want to encourage interest in working as a volunteer with HCRC from all sectors of the community without favour or discrimination in respect of nationality, race, marital status, religious beliefs, gender or political beliefs. Our aim, throughout this policy is to ensure that volunteers and treated in a fair and consistent way.
• Finding a placement We will try to find appropriate tasks or activities for all volunteers who apply, although this will depend upon local needs
• Commitment HCRC recognises that volunteers will often need flexible arrangements regarding the amount of time and level of commitment they are able to give. We ill try to work within these constraints. Whatever the level of commitment a volunteer is able to give, we will recognise and value their contribution. We will always try to match what a volunteer feels able to take on with our service users' needs and our organisational needs.
• Enquiries from people who want to volunteer The Centre Manager at Hibbert centre will act as the first point of contact for enquiries. Volunteer Guidelines Volunteers will be asked to sign a copy of the Volunteer Guidelines which act as a safeguard both for the volunteers and for HCRC. As volunteers represent a valuable resource of the organisation, we should agree the importance of being courteous and helpful and acknowledge the importance of providing a good quality service to HCRC service users. Equally, we need to provide a warm welcome to volunteers, give adequate support and ensure that the volunteers' learning needs are met when they join us. The Volunteer Guidelines will indicate approximately how much time a volunteer is happy to give and what activities they are likely to be involved in. The Guidelines are not to be seen as a contract. HCRC has no intention of creating a contact with any volunteer.
• Induction and training When they join HCRC volunteers may wish to learn more about the organisation, what we are trying to achieve and how we work. Volunteers may also need to understand the tasks or projects in which they will be involved, some of which may need some particular skills. Much of such consideration will take place within the setting in which they will be helping. HCRC will nominate someone to act as their main point of contact who will help settle the volunteer into the team and provide support. • Support All volunteers will have a named person as their main point of contact who will provide regular informal contact – to feed back on progress, discuss future tasks and development and air any problems. HCRC aims to support volunteers by giving them the information they need about:
• What HCRC is trying to achieve • The way we work with volunteers • Where the volunteer will be located • The tasks in which the volunteer will be involved • Any learning needs of the volunteers • The guidance and support we provide • How volunteers cab raise matters about which they are concerned • How we deal with complaints from or about a volunteer • The systems we use, for example on how we reimburse expenses
• Expenses All volunteers will have their travel and other necessary expenses reimbursed.
• The volunteer's voice Volunteers are encourage to express their views about matters concerning HAWG and its work. The first contact for these views is their nominated staff member or the centre manager.
• Grievances If a volunteer has a grievance, we will endeavour to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. The volunteer should speak to their staff contact about their concerns. We will aim to respond speedily. We will adopt the same approach if a complaint is received about a volunteer. If it becomes apparent that the relationship between HCRC and a volunteer is not working out, it may be necessary to end the arrangement without notice.
• Insurance All volunteers will be covered by HCRC employers' liability insurance policy whilst they are on the premises or engaged in any voluntary work on HCRC behalf.
• Health and safety Volunteers are covered by HCRC Health and Safety Policy, a copy of which will be provided for each volunteer.
• Confidentiality Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as paid staff.
Hibbert Street, Bolton, BL1 8JG......Tel: 01204 365037
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
