Volunteer Handbook
1. Health and Safety Newlife has a duty to safeguard as far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of all staff, volunteers and visitors at their place of work. Newlife will comply with all statutory requirements and codes of practice. Our comprehensive health & safety policy is available upon request. Health and Safety is a shared responsibility. Newlife has a statutory duty to provide: • Safe systems and procedures of work/volunteering • A safe place of work/volunteering • A safe environment, information, instruction, training and supervision • A competent person with responsibility for health and safety • A health and safety policy – reviewed annually Volunteers have a duty to: • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or omit to do whilst volunteering • To co-operate with the charity on health and safety matters • To inform of any shortcomings in the health and safety arrangements even when no immediate danger exists Ten golden rules for health and safety: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Always volunteer in a safe manner Always report unsafe practices Always adhere to training and instruction briefings Always report faulty equipment Always wear protective clothing where appropriate Never ignore a building emergency fire alarm (unless instructed to do so for weekly fire alarm tests) Never block emergency fire exits, routes or walkways Never make decisions out of your authority Never use equipment without authority or training Never forget that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility
2. Confidentiality We ask that volunteers endeavour to take all reasonable precautions to ensure that private and confidential information is not disclosed to a third party unless not to do so may jeopardise the health, safety, or well being of a child or vulnerable adult, or is in relation to a public interest concern. This means that you should respect any information you learn about the children and families helped by us, other volunteers or staff at the charity, suppliers, donors or supporters and about Newlife itself. Newlife request that all volunteers sign a confidentiality agreement prior to volunteering. Newlife also has a confidentiality policy and we will ensure that all volunteers receive appropriate guidance on the policy.
3. Equal Opportunities Newlife is committed to a policy of equal opportunity which respects the identity, rights and value of each individual. Newlife declares its intention to work to promote equality of opportunity in employment practices, access to services, service provision, committee structure and meetings, volunteer recruitment and training. Where additional needs are identified, reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure that our volunteer opportunities are available to all.
4. Appreciation Volunteers give their time freely and without financial reward. Newlife appreciates the time and commitment given by all volunteers helping us to make life better for children with disability or terminal illness in the UK. To recognise this commitment we offer volunteers who donate a significant number of volunteering hours a discount card for use in our retail stores. A discount of 20% is offered after 20 hours volunteered, rising to 30% after 12 months. A further discount of 40% may be offered at Newlife’s discretion. Newlife will also acknowledge and thank volunteers with “milestone� recognition badges, and with annual appreciation certificates.
5. Supervision and Support Supervision and support is provided for volunteers and a support framework will be established which meets individual and organisational needs.
6. Expenses Volunteers may claim agreed travel expenses. All expenses must be discussed and agreed with Newlife first. A pre-agreed expenses claim form should be filled in and submitted to Newlife within one month.
7. Training We recognise the importance of training and will endeavour to support any training needs of volunteers if applicable and wherever possible. Newlife may require volunteers to update or undertake additional training for new tasks.
8. Absence Volunteering for Newlife is flexible. However if a volunteer cannot attend their volunteering role or fundraising event, we would appreciate that, if possible they notify a member of staff so we may reallocate their task.
9. First Aid In the event of an accident, however small occurring whilst performing duties for Newlife either on their premises or at another location, the person must report it to the First Aid attendant as soon as possible and ensure it is recorded in the Newlife Accident Book.
10. Security Newlife cannot accept liability for the loss or damage to any person’s property or valuables however caused whilst they are carrying out Newlife duties. Vehicles which are left in the car park or any property which is left on the premises is therefore the sole responsibility of the volunteer and in no manner is Newlife in any way responsible for any damage or loss, whether total or partial or howsoever caused.
11. Resolving Problems If you are not satisfied with Newlife in some way we want you to tell us. In the first instance the volunteer should see a member of Newlife staff and every effort will be made to resolve the problem at this stage. If this is not possible (perhaps because the issue relates to that person) the volunteer should speak to the Volunteer Manager. Further information on resolving problems can be found in our Volunteer Policy document.
12. No smoking Policy Newlife operates a strict No Smoking Policy at all its premises and in public view during any public and community events.
13. Social Networking Volunteers’ personal use of social media. Volunteers are encouraged to promote and celebrate Newlife in their personal blogs or on social network accounts, but should not breach the confidentiality or dignity of staff, supporters or other volunteers. Volunteers should not use the Newlife logo(s) or corporate identity materials on personal websites, blogs or social networking accounts without permission. Volunteers may share promotional stories and articles as approved by Newlife.
14. Right to Search To safeguard you and to ensure there is no abuse with regard to the removal of company property, Newlife reserves the right to search any person or the contents of parcels or vehicles entering or leaving the premises. All searches will be conducted in the presence of a third person and you will have the right to another independent witness present if so required.
15. Resting We understand that there may be times when volunteers need to take a break from volunteering. We actively encourage this if it is in the best interest and wellbeing of the volunteer.
16. Feedback To monitor and improve our volunteer programme, Newlife encourages all volunteers to provide feedback on their volunteer experience. We would be grateful if you would assist us with this.
17. Contacting Information Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children Newlife Centre Hemlock Way Cannock Staffordshire WS11 7GF Newlife Foundation: 01543 462777 Email: volunteer@newlifecharity.co.uk If you need clarification on any of the points or polices mentioned in this booklet, please speak to a member of staff or contact the Volunteer Manager.