Introduction
This volunteer policy sets out the principles and practice by which we involve volunteers and is relevant to staff, volunteers, and trustees within the organisation. It aims to create a common understanding and to clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure the highest standards are maintained in relation to the management of volunteers. The volunteer handbook gives further details about the support and procedures in place for volunteers.

Our commitments
We recognise volunteers as an integral part of Team 1C. We aim to encourage and support volunteer involvement to ensure that volunteering benefits the organisation, its beneficiaries, and the volunteers themselves. 

We are committed to offering a flexible range of opportunities and to encouraging a diversity of people to volunteer with us, in line with our equality and diversity policies.
We recognise that there are costs associated with volunteer involvement and will seek to ensure adequate financial and staffing resources are available for the development and support of volunteering.
We recognise that people have a right to participate in the life of their communities through volunteering and can contribute in many ways. We recognise our responsibility to organise volunteering efficiently and sensitively so that the valuable gift of the volunteer's time is best used to the mutual advantage of all concerned.

Who is a volunteer?
Volunteers are individuals who undertake activity on behalf of our organisation, unpaid and of their own free choice. 

Volunteering,
● is undertaken freely, by choice
● is undertaken to be of public/ community benefit
● is not undertaken for financial gain

VOLUNTEER POLICY

Volunteer Policy, December 2022
Volunteers may be involved on a one-off, short term or on a longer term, regular basis. They
may be involved:
● in the direct delivery of our services
● on our board as trustees
● in community engagement to raise awareness of our work
● in fundraising activities
● in one off events and promotional activities

Volunteers are valued for:
● bringing additional skills and new perspectives to the organisation
● enabling us to be more responsive and flexible in our approach
● championing our cause within the wider community
● helping us to raise funds to continue our work
● enhancing the quality of our work and of parent and carer experiences
● promoting the wellbeing of parents and carers, staff, local communities and
themselves.

Standards of good practice
Our practice is informed by the NCVO guidance on ethical principle.

Roles and responsibilities
At present the Chair has responsibility for the development and co-ordination of voluntary activity within the organisation, including volunteering policies and procedures and the welfare of volunteers.
All volunteers will have a designated point of contact for guidance, support and supervision.
The volunteer role is based on trust and mutual understanding. There is no enforceable obligation, contractual or otherwise, for the volunteer to attend or to undertake particular tasks or for the organisation to provide continuing opportunities for voluntary involvement, provision of training or benefits.

Team 1C expects volunteers:
● to be reliable and honest
● to uphold the organisation’s values and comply with organisational policies
● to contribute positively to the aims of the organisation and avoid bringing the organisation into disrepute
● to carry out tasks within agreed guidelines

Volunteers can expect:
● to have clear information about what is and is not expected of them
● to receive adequate support and training
● to be insured and to volunteer in a safe environment
● to be treated with respect and in a non-discriminatory manner
● to receive out of pocket expenses
● to have opportunities for personal development
● to be recognised and appreciated
● to be able to say ‘no’ to anything which they consider to be unrealistic or unreasonable
● to know what to do if something goes wrong

Recruitment and selection
Equal opportunities principles will be adhered to in recruiting volunteers. Opportunities will be widely promoted, so as to attract interest from different sectors of the community. Positive action to target recruitment may be used where appropriate. Online application is encouraged but non-digital methods of application are also available. A risk assessment will be undertaken on all volunteer roles.
Recruitment will usually involve an electronic application, the taking of references and an informal interview. The recruitment process will be defined and consistent for any of our given roles. The recruitment process for trustees, regular volunteers and for volunteers for one off events will be tailored in each case and may differ from one another.

For roles which involve sustained and direct contact with young people or adults at risk, volunteers will be required to have a full DBS disclosure check which will be arranged by the organisation. DBS disclosures are dealt with in the strictest confidence. A criminal record is not necessarily a bar to volunteering.

Induction and training
Volunteers will be given induction and training appropriate to the role to be undertaken.

Recognition
Volunteers will be given the opportunity, where relevant, to share their views and opinions with the organisation's wider staff, at staff meetings etc.
Formal recognition of the contribution of volunteers is expressed through annual reports, website articles and social media.

Dealing with problems
The organisation aims to treat all volunteers fairly, objectively and consistently. It seeks to ensure that volunteers' views are heard, noted and acted upon promptly. We will attempt to deal with any problems informally and at the earliest opportunity. All volunteers will have a named person to whom they can turn in the case of any difficulty.

Volunteers will be made aware of the organisation’s complaints policy and how to use it. They will also be made aware of how inappropriate behaviour by volunteers will be addressed by the organisation. Team 1C acknowledges its responsibility to provide an open and transparent environment where everyone feels able to raise any issues or concerns. Where individuals feel uncomfortable or unable to express their concerns they should refer to the
Whistleblowing policy.

Expenses
Volunteers will be given clear information about what expenses can be claimed and how to make a claim. All information on Expenses is contained in The Expenses Policy.

Other relevant documents
The Volunteer Handbook contains the useful information for volunteers including

As well as this Volunteer Policy our other relevant organisational policies are
GDPR Policy
Equal Op Policy and Inclusion Statement
Expenses Policy
Safeguarding Policy
Code of Behaviour Policy
Whistleblowing Policy

Date policy created: December 2022 – AWAITING RATIFICATION BY BOARD

Date that next review is due: