We welcome people who want to work with us in a voluntary capacity and
we have pleasure in affirming our commitment to volunteering by
reproducing our volunteer policy below.
Volunteer Policy 1.0 Purpose 1.1 These policy and our procedures are designed to
ensure the consistent recruitment of volunteers. It is acknowledged
that volunteering is a reciprocal process in which both service user
and volunteer may gain from the experience.
2.0 Policy It
is the policy of Autism Sussex to encourage the recruitment of
volunteers and to view them as potentially enhancing the quality of
life of service users.
2.1 A volunteer enters into an unpaid
formal relationship with Autism Sussex through negotiation. A volunteer
may be engaged in a range of activities, with any number of service
users in their house or in the community. These will be negotiated and
may change over time.
2.4 Autism Sussex recognises that
service users may develop informal relationships with people in their
community. These people may not need to become volunteers; the decision
depends on benefits and risks involved. Given the vulnerability of all
those with a autistic spectrum condition, it is important that
discussion of benefits and risks involved takes place at all levels
within Autism Sussex.
2.5 Volunteers also gain personally from
offering their services to service users at Autism Sussex : they are
able to obtain work experience, meet people, increase their confidence
and broaden their own life skills.
3.0 Scope: Recruitment 3.1
Any person wishing to volunteer with Autism Sussex should make an
appointment with a Manager and a meeting will be arranged. If a staff
member is approached by a prospective volunteer, they will refer them
to a Manager. This will allow them to find out more about the
organisation, to discuss their expectations of voluntary work as well
as their interests and previous experience. The Manager will ask the
prospective volunteer to fill in an application form. When appropriate,
parents or guardians may need to be contacted/ informed.
3.2
After the discussion, two written references and a CRB check will be
requested. Subject to these being satisfactory, the volunteer will be
accepted by Autism Sussex and then a letter of appointment will be
issued.
3.3 If, after the meeting, it is felt by the
prospective volunteer and/or Autism Sussex that their offer of help is
not currently suited to service users' needs, advice will be given
about other avenues for voluntary work. Voluntary work needs to be
organised in a mutually satisfactory way.
3.4 The volunteer
will then be invited to meet the service users and staff. This may take
place over a period of time. A volunteer job description agreement or
contract will be agreed and formally issued.
3.5 No offer of help will be refused in such a way as to diminish goodwill.
4.0 Scope: Duties 4.1
The duties taken on by a volunteer will be discussed at the initial
meeting and will be dependent on their age, personal interests,
experience and time commitment offered and the individual needs of the
service user(s).
4.2 Volunteers will take on duties in
conjunction with staff team members. All such duties will be
complimentary to the work of the staff team. A volunteer will not be
asked to take on any work which should be paid and they will not be
used in place of a previously paid staff member.
4.3 A
volunteer will not be expected to make any major decision or take on
major responsibility without the appropriate training and support.
4.4
All prospective duties will be discussed with the volunteer beforehand.
They reserve the right to decide not to take on such duties.
5.0 Support and Training 5.1 All volunteers will meet the manager of the appropriate service before taking on any duties.
5.2
They will be given all information necessary for them to carry out any
duties in safety and with confidence. They will also be made familiar
with relevant Autism Sussex policies and procedures. These should
include the Confidentiality Policy, Complaints Procedure, and Staff
Code of Conduct; Whistle blowing, Prevention of Abuse, Volunteers
Policy and Infectious Diseases Policy.
5.3 Volunteers will have support from members of staff. Telephone contact can also be used as a means of support.
5.4
All volunteers will be invited to attend regular meetings at which time
they will be able to exchange information and discuss issues of
interest. A member of a management team will be present, as well as a
staff team member who will act as a link person, if possible.
5.5
Training will be offered to all volunteers. Volunteers may also attend
the training element of staff meetings (to be negotiated). In some
instances, additional training within the organisation will be offered.
6.0 Expenses 6.1 Autism Sussex will pay volunteer’s
travel expenses to the service against a receipt for fares or a
completed car mileage form.
6.2 All expenses
incurred whilst volunteering will be reimbursed in full. These include
fares and entrance fees when accompanying service users on trips and
excursions.
6.3 Volunteers will be invited to join in all meals alongside the service users whilst they are volunteering.
6.4
All volunteers who are in receipt of any benefits should contact their
local benefit office to advise them of their intention to undertake
voluntary work.
7.0 Insurance 7.1 Each volunteer is covered by the insurance provided by Autism Sussex to full, part-time and "as and when" staff.
7.2 Volunteers under the age of 18 are not covered by insurance to be with service users unless a member of staff is present.
8.0 Car Drivers 8.1
Volunteers should not use their cars to carry service users or staff
whilst at Autism Sussex unless they are able to provide:
- a valid clean driving licence
- proof of the appropriate car insurance
- confirmation that the insurance company has been notified of the new driving activities
- a declaration that there is no medical reason why they should not drive.
8.2 Mileage will be paid at Autism Sussex’s rates. Staff travel expense forms are to be used.
9.0 Grievances 9.1 All complaints and grievances should be raised with the Manager or in his/her absence, the senior member of staff available.
9.2
Volunteers will be expected to recognise Autism Sussex’s Disciplinary
Rules and Regulations, Complaints Procedure and Staff Code of Conduct.
They will receive a copy from the Manager.
10.00 Accountability 10.1 All volunteers are accountable to Autism Sussex at all times.
10.2 Each volunteer is accountable to the Manager and in his or her absence, to the senior member of staff.
11.00 Confidentiality 11.1
Much information provided to volunteers whilst they are at Autism
Sussex is of a confidential nature. Volunteers are expected to adhere
to Autism Sussex’s Confidentiality policy.
11.2 Essential
information regarding service user’s health and personal needs will be
provided to each volunteer by the Manager before they take on any
duties. Additional information will always be provided to enable the
volunteer to communicate and interact appropriately with service users
at all times (this may include training on low arousal techniques).
11.3
Volunteers are advised to have Hepatitis B vaccinations and Tetanus
vaccinations. If there are any costs involved this should be discussed
with the Manager before proceeding.
