Our volunteer policy

We recognise and value the diversity of experience, background, skills and perspectives that volunteers bring. The use of volunteers is encouraged in all areas of the organisation.  This policy is designed to show how volunteers will be supported and managed in that role.

All volunteers will be made aware that Faithworks Wessex is a Christian charity but that the preaching or proselytising of any faith is not permitted.  Faithworks Wessex acknowledges its role in supporting service users in their choice of spirituality matters.

All volunteers will be given:

1. A clear role; see FOCUS Volunteer Specification and Do’s and Don’ts for examples.

2. A designated mentor/supervisor to offer the appropriate level of supervision and support.  Volunteers will be told who is responsible for them and to whom they are accountable.

3. A regular review, the timing of which will be determined by the project lead.

A recruitment process applies to all volunteers:

1. Potential volunteers must have completed an application form e.g. the Volunteers Referral Form.

2. Potential volunteers must be interviewed.

3. Potential volunteers must give two references, which will be taken up.

Where required by the project lead, volunteers will have to complete a (CRB) police check form prior to starting their voluntary work unless they already have a current one endorsed by an appropriate body.

All volunteers will be issued with a form of identification i.e. Badge or Card. This should be worn or carried at all times whilst at work in a voluntary capacity.

Volunteers may be entitled to reimbursement for travelling expenses to and from their place of volunteering. If authorised by the project lead to make claims, they should use the Faithworks Wessex Expenses Form and provide receipts where possible.

All volunteers will be issued with general guidelines of what is expected of them in their voluntary capacity, for example the FOCUS Guidelines for Volunteers. These may be supplemented with specific instructions from individual project leads.

Volunteers will be treated in the same way as paid employees in respect of Health and Safety, confidentiality etc.

Volunteers are required to take up specific training opportunities as directed by the project leads.

Volunteers will be covered by our Employers Liability insurance policy.

Volunteers will have to abide by Faithworks Wessex’s policies on confidentiality, abuse and whistle blowing.

Volunteers will have the importance and method of reporting accidents and incidents explained to them by their project lead.

Volunteers who use their cars in their volunteering role must tell their insurance company.