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Policy for Volunteers

Rights and Equality Sandwell (RES) recognises the valuable contributions that volunteers make towards achieving its goals and delivering its services.

Purpose and Principles
Volunteering provides important experience and training that may help individuals secure paid employment. RES encourages volunteers to take advantage of paid opportunities when they arise.
Volunteers are not substitutes for paid staff but are used to enhance and support RES’s work.
Care is taken to avoid placing undue demands on volunteers.
Volunteers are regarded as part of the team, and their work is highly valued.
All volunteer applicants must meet the criteria outlined in the RES Equal Opportunity Policy.
Induction
All volunteers will receive an induction session upon joining RES.
This session introduces volunteers to their roles, RES’s policies, and practices, and provides an opportunity to meet staff formally.
Supervision and Support
Each volunteer will be assigned a supervisor for regular access to support and guidance.
Supervision sessions will occur at least every two weeks to discuss progress, address concerns, and provide feedback.
Volunteers can use these sessions to raise concerns about their role or tasks.
Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures
Grievance Procedure
Although the RES Grievance Procedure is not applicable to volunteers, grievances should be reported to the assigned supervisor within 7 days of the incident.
RES will attempt to resolve grievances quickly and amicably.
If the grievance involves conflicts with staff or challenges to RES’s objectives, the volunteer may be deemed unsuitable, and the placement will end immediately.
Disciplinary Procedure
The RES Disciplinary Procedure does not apply to volunteers.
If a serious incident occurs, the volunteer will be informed that their services are no longer required, effective immediately.
Volunteers may also choose to leave at any time during grievance or disciplinary matters.
Health and Safety
Volunteers are covered under the same Health and Safety legislation as paid staff.
RES is committed to ensuring a safe and risk-free environment for all volunteers.
Confidentiality
Volunteers must respect client confidentiality at all times.
Information shared by clients must be treated with strict confidence.
Clients will be informed that volunteers understand and respect their privacy.
Equal Opportunities
RES is committed to Equality of Opportunity in both employment and service delivery.
Volunteers will be introduced to RES’s Equal Opportunity Policy during the induction session.
Volunteers are required to behave in a non-discriminatory manner towards staff, other volunteers, and the public.
Notice of Leaving
Volunteers should provide written notice of their intention to leave, giving a minimum of 5 working days’ notice, if possible.
Advance notice allows RES to maintain a high standard of service and find a replacement if necessary.
Recognition
RES values the work of volunteers and will make every effort to ensure they feel appreciated and recognised.
Expenses
RES will cover volunteer expenses, including:
Travel to and from placements.
Travel required to fulfil their role.
A meal allowance.
Volunteers will receive a flat rate of £10 per day for their volunteering efforts.
Insurance
Volunteers are covered by RES’s insurance while undertaking approved and authorised voluntary work.
Volunteering Is Not Employment
Volunteering with RES does not constitute employment.
A Volunteer Agreement will outline the terms of the placement.
Volunteer Agreement
This is an agreement between Rights and Equality Sandwell and:

Rights and Equality Sandwell appreciates your services as an unpaid volunteer from:

As a Volunteer, You Agree To:
Abide by RES’s aims and objectives and follow the conditions laid out in the Policy for Volunteers.
Follow directions from the assigned staff member.
Continuously evaluate the progress of allocated tasks.
Discuss any challenges or support required with the appropriate staff member.
This agreement is binding in honour only and is not a legally binding contract. It may be cancelled by either party at any time.

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