Are you thinking about getting involved and becoming a volunteer?
If you are interested in the principles of Volunteering from not only the Volunteer’s perspective but the Organisation’s also, then why click on Read More and view the Charter for Effective Volunteering.
Volunteers Expectations
- To know if, and how, they are being selected
- To be given meaningful work to do
- To know what is expected from them
- To be offered appropriate training
- To be thanked and have their voluntary contribution recognised
- To receive supervision and support
- To get something out of the work for themselves
- To know who to go to if there is a problem
- To be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred when volunteering
- To make mistakes and learn from them
- To be made aware of any disciplinary and grievance procedures
- To be treated fairly and not to experience discrimination
- To have safe working conditions, including insurance cover
- To be informed about, and given the opportunity to play an active part in, the organisation as a whole
- To be able to say \’no\’ and to leave without feeling guilty
Volunteers should …
- Respect the values and aims of the organisation
- Be committed
- Be reliable and give the organisation sufficient warning if unable to turn up
- Be punctual
- Attend essential training and support sessions
- Undertake the work to a high standard
- Be honest if there are problems
- Respect confidentiality
- Leave when asked and/or when no longer enjoying the volunteering experience
Organisations Expectations
- To ensure the volunteering experience is a rewarding one
- To ensure equal access and not to discriminate
- To define clear, meaningful roles for volunteers
- To have policies and procedures for volunteers
- To provide all necessary information to volunteers
- To be available for volunteers
- To provide training where necessary
- To thank and value volunteers
- To provide insurance cover
- To inform volunteers of any legal liabilities
- To supervise and to provide support
- To reimburse out-of-pocket expenses
- To provide a safe working environment
Organisations should …
- Look for certain qualities and skills in volunteers
- Select only volunteers who are suitable for the work
- Draw up a volunteer agreement
- Ask for tasks to be done in a particular way
- Ask for commitment
- Ask for reliability
- Ask for punctuality
- Deal with disciplinary and grievance matters
- Ask volunteers to leave if their involvement hinders the organisation achieving its goals
