Best practice in volunteering
What you can expect as a
volunteer
Starting
Volunteering
There should be no unexplained delay
between offering your services and starting work. If you are
not suitable you should be told why and be offered
alternatives.
Induction
Full information on the
organisation and where volunteers fit in should be given at the
start.
Confidentiality
Only relevant
information should be requested from you during selection.
You should be told why it is needed. Anything in writing should be
kept confidential.
Equal
treatment
No discrimination on race, gender, sexuality,
age, class, disability or history of illness. You must not
discriminate against others.
Volunteer
agreement
You should be given a clear description in
writing of your volunteering opportunity. Hours of work
should be agreed and put in writing.
Supervision
You should be told to whom you are
responsible. You should be able to approach them to talk
through any worries or problems.
Health and safety
You should not work in unsafe or unhealthy
conditions. There should be a health and safety policy which
meets legal requirements.
InsuranceThe organisation should insure you
adequately.
Volunteering and
job substitution
Your volunteering experience should not
include:
- Working for a commercial or profit making
organisation.
- Performing tasks in statutory or voluntary
organisations that were formally carried out by paid employees
unless agreed with the union concerned.
- Performing jobs or tasks in statutory or
voluntary organisations that are still carried out by paid
employees unless agreed with the union concerned.
Clothing and
equipment
Any special clothing or equipment needed
for your work should be provided.
Time off
You should be allowed to take time
off (eg for holidays or an emergency).
Trade union
membership
You should have the right to join a trade
union.
Training
You should be given the
chance to train, to develop the skills you need. If you have
particular skills, make sure the organisation knows.
Consultation
You should be consulted
over changes in your voluntary work and involved in the general
life of the organisation.
Expenses
Reasonable, receipted
expenses incurred in your volunteering (eg travel costs, phone
calls and child care should be reimbursed).
Review and
development
Your work should be reviewed after a few
weeks, then again at regular intervals, making changes if
necessary. The review should involve you and those with whom
you work closely. Your work should develop as your skills
grow.
References
You should be able to
receive a reference on the basis of your voluntary work.
If you have a problem with your volunteering opportunity
please contact your local volunteer bureau.
This checklist has been produced by Amicus
in conjunction with NAVB (the membership network which serves and
represents member Volunteer Bureaux in England) and the National
Centre for Volunteering (an independent voluntary organisation
which promotes excellence in volunteering in England through
research, policy and development activity).
