Date Adopted: 14 October 2019 (Min No: 212/19/FC)  |  Date Amended: 1 August 2022 (Min No: 031/22/F&O)  |  Review Date: August 2026

Introduction

  1. This policy sets out the broad principles for voluntary involvement on behalf of Perranzabuloe Parish Council (PPC).
  2. Volunteers are individuals or groups who offer their time, experience, knowledge and skills, without financial gain, in order to help PPC achieve its objectives or with the aim of providing a benefit to the local community. Through the encouragement and support of volunteers, PPC hopes to foster a culture of giving and to enhance the sense of pride people feel as members of the community.
  3. Volunteering can be enjoyable and can change and enrich the lives of individuals as well as having wider benefits for the community, including its beliefs and values. A range of opportunities will be provided for people of all ages to volunteer. Where required, training will be provided, some of which may be accredited.
  4. Volunteers are an important and valued part of the work of PPC. It hopes that you enjoy volunteering with us. This agreement tells you what you can expect from us, and what it hopes from you. It aims to be flexible, so please let us know if you would like to make any changes.

    Principles

  5. The PPC will:
  • provide a volunteer agreement to all volunteers (see Appendix A)
  • risk assessment to be completed by all volunteers
  • provide appropriate public liability insurance cover for all volunteers whilst they are engaged in voluntary activity
  • consult and involve volunteers on issues concerning their activities
  • offer appropriate training and support to volunteers
  • make all volunteers aware of our Health and Safety Policy and other relevant policies and procedures
  • expect all volunteers to behave reasonably and not bring the Council into disrepute.

Recruitment of volunteers

     6. Opportunities will be advertised locally, with the aim of attracting people of all ages and backgrounds from across the local area. The PPC is firmly committed to developing and maintaining a volunteer organisation in which different abilities and needs are fostered and valued, and where those with diverse backgrounds and experiences are able to participate and contribute.
7. The PPC will provide descriptions of all volunteering activities, outlining specific tasks and responsibilities, so that these can be matched to the skills, knowledge and  experience of volunteers.
8. The PPC will appoint a volunteer co-ordinator relating to the activity to manage its pool of volunteers and to act as a bridge between each volunteer and PPC.
9. The PPC reserves the right to decline an offer of service from any volunteer.

Training and development

  1. New volunteers will be given an introduction to the tasks they have volunteered for. They will also be given copies of policies they should be aware of before they begin work (e.g. Health and Safety, Risk Assessment).
  2. Training will be provided as appropriate for each task.
  3. Where practicable, such training will be accredited.

Ending Involvement

  1. Either the PPC or the volunteer can end the volunteering at any time and without notice. However, unless there is an emergency or misconduct, at least 2 weeks’ notice will be given and expected.
  2. In all cases, volunteers will be informed of the reasons why their involvement is no longer needed.

Review

  1. This Volunteer Policy will be reviewed every two years.

Accessible Formats

A copy of this document is also available in different formats such as large print, Braille, audio or in a different language. Please contact the office if this is required.

Appendix A — Volunteer Agreement

Perranzabuloe Parish Council will:

  • Provide you with the name and contact details of the volunteer co-ordinator for your project.
  • Introduce you to the project and your role in it, providing any training you need.
  • Respect your skills, dignity and individual wishes, doing our best to meet them.
  • Consult with you and keep you informed of possible changes to the project.
  • Insure you against injury you may suffer or cause due to negligence.
  • Provide a safe workplace.
  • Apply our Health and Safety and other daily working policies.
  • Give you a fair hearing if you wish to complain about anything.

I, ……………………………………………… agree to do my best to:

  • Work reliably to the best of my ability, and to give as much warning as possible whenever I cannot work when expected.
  • Follow the Parish Council’s rules and procedures.

Note: this agreement is in honour only and is not intended to be a legally binding contract of employment.

Signed: ………………………………………   Date: ………………………………………

Your co-ordinator’s name is: ………………………………………

The initial training agreed is: As required to be agreed.