Volunteer Charter

Volunteers Rights

To be given a clear idea of their tasks and responsibilities within the organisation
To be given the name of someone in the organisation who will look after their interests and who will offer them appropriate support and supervision on a regular basis
To be assured that any information shared with the organisation is kept confidentially
To be given the same protection under health and safety regulations and public liability as paid employees
To be offered opportunities for training and skills development, appropriate for the voluntary tasks involved
To not 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 not be out of pocket through doing voluntary work. Travel and other expenses should be offered by all funded organisations

To accept the organisations aims & objectives
To do what is reasonably requested of them, to the best of their ability
To treat information obtained whilst volunteering in a confidential manner – this can be information about clients or other workers, paid & unpaid
To recognise the right of the organisation to expect quality of service from all its staff, paid & unpaid
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 e.g. for holidays
To be willing to undertake appropriate training with respect to Health & Safety issues, Insurance liability and general good practice as necessary for the voluntary work undertaken
To share suggestions for changes in working practices with the Volunteer Co-ordinator