The Volunteer Charter sets out the Rights of student volunteers, and the responsibilities they have. This charter is influenced heavily by the work of Cumbria Council who use a similar model to ensure the communities they support work in ways which enable volunteers rather than exploiting them.
Volunteers’ Rights
- To be given a clear description of their role as a volunteer and responsibilities within the organisation.
- To be given the name of someone in the organisation that will look after their interests whilst they volunteer, and who will offer them appropriate induction, training and support and regular supervision.
- To be assured that any information shared with the organisation is kept confidential and is in compliance with the data protection act.
- To be given the same consideration under health and safety as permanent staff.
- To ensure that there are clear problem solving procedures
- To be offered opportunities for training and skills development, appropriate for their role and tasks as a volunteer.
- Not to be exploited – volunteers should not:
- Be used to replace paid workers
- Have unfair demands made on their time
- Be asked to do something which is against their principles or beliefs
- To be given the chance to play a part in decision making within the organisation.
- To be paid out-of-pocket expenses such as travel and lunch whilst doing voluntary work.
- To be able to take a break from or cease to volunteer.
Volunteers’ Responsibilities
- To accept the organisation’s aims and objectives and work within agreed policies and procedures.
- To do what is reasonably requested of them, to the best of their ability.
- To treat information obtained whilst volunteering in an appropriate confidential manner and adhere to the organisation’s confidentiality policies.
- To recognise that they represent the organisation and therefore need to act in an appropriate manner at all times.
- To honour any commitment made, to the best of their abilities, notifying the organisation in good time should they be unable to keep that commitment.
- To be willing to undertake appropriate training as necessary for the voluntary work undertaken.
- To recognise the right of the organisation to expect quality of service from its volunteers.
- To share suggestions for changes in working practices with the Volunteer Organiser.