Volunteering charter

We will:

• endeavour to match skills to the service area
• provide an induction to the work of the service will be provided
• clearly defined outline of the tasks we would like volunteers to undertake will be provided
• provide effective supervisory structures will be put in place to support and develop volunteers and the activities they undertake
• provide volunteers with access to appropriate training and development to be able to carry out their activities
• provide a safe, secure and healthy environments that are free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, violence and discriminatio
• provide access to a complaints/dissatisfaction procedure and will have a clear process for the resolution of any problems
• comply with the Data Protection Act's rules on the processing of volunteers personal data

While volunteers should not normally receive or expect financial rewards for their activities, they should receive reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Our responsibilities to professional staff in relation to volunteers

The involvement of volunteers will complement and supplement the work of professional staff, and will not be used to displace staff or undercut their pay and conditions of service.

Volunteers will not be used to undertake the work of professional staff during industrial disputes.

Volunteers will not be used to cover the work of professional staff during sickness absence.

Professional staff will not be expected to engage in volunteer activities within the service area as a form of unpaid overtime.

Any proposed new volunteer roles will be introduced in consultation with trade union representatives.

Responsibilities of volunteers

We will expect that our volunteers will: 

• complete an application to enable us to match skills to opportunities
• undergo a DBS check where the service requires
• attend an induction session and training
• work within the defined volunteer task profile
• recognise and contribute to the Council’s aims and objectives
• be reliable and committed to the Council
• Show honesty and integrity
• raise any issues or problems immediately with the volunteer supervisor
• notify us of any medical conditions that may affect their ability to perform certain volunteer activities
• abide by the Council’s Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Code of Conduct and Confidentiality policies
• respect the supervisors and other volunteers and strive to develop effective working relationships
• provide reasonable notice of their intention to stop volunteering with us