Environmental Taskforce Volunteer Policy & Agreement
Environmental Taskforce believes in the value of volunteer activity as an important expression of citizenship and an essential component of a democratic society.
We take responsibility for ensuring that volunteers within its own organisation are appropriately involved, valued for their contribution and respected as colleagues.
In adopting this volunteer policy, The Environmental Taskforce wishes to:
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Formally acknowledge and support the role of volunteers in its work
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Set out the principles governing the involvement of volunteers and provide a set of guidelines to ensure good practice in working with volunteers
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Encourage and enable, rather than restrict, the involvement of volunteers.
Volunteer Policy Statement
As an employer and engager of volunteers The Environmental Taskforce is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. This principle will apply to service delivery, recruitment, promotion, training, facilities, procedures and all terms and conditions. Volunteers will be expected to adhere to Organisation’s rules of engagement and policy.
Recruitment & Selection
The Environmental Taskforce has an Equal Opportunities Policy and will prevent discrimination particularly on the grounds of gender, marital status, disability, race, colour, religious belief, political belief, sexuality, nationality, ethnic origin, age, trade union activity, responsibility for dependents or employment status.
Recruitment of volunteers will be from all sections of the community, and will be in line with JCS Investments policy. Appropriate targeting may be used.
Initial Contact
Persons interested in becoming volunteers with The Environmental Taskforce will be invited for an informal talk with the appropriate contact person. They will:
- Be given written information to take away
- Have their role explained and how it fits in with JCS’ overall goals
- Have the next stages of becoming a volunteer with JCS outlined
Information & Training
Volunteers will receive full information about their chosen area of work and will be given a clear idea of their responsibilities to the Environmental Taskforce.
Volunteers will be given induction and training in the specific tasks to be undertaken and will also be consulted in decisions which affect them.
Support & Supervision
Volunteers will be assigned a named contact person for supervision and support.
Problem-Solving
The Environmental Taskforce recognises that problems do arise and we aim to identify and resolve these problems at the earliest stage. Volunteers who have a problem of any kind should discuss it in the first instance with their named contact person.
Certification
Volunteers who successfully complete 6 months in hours of responsibilities/ duties given to them by the Environmental Taskforce will be eligible for a volunteer certificate.
On the basis of voluntary work, volunteers will have the right to request a reference from the company.
Monitoring & Evaluation
The Envrionmental Taskforce will systemically monitor and evaluate its involvement of volunteers and volunteers assigned responsibilities with reference to this Volunteer Policy.
Records
Minimum details would be kept on volunteers. This will include the application form, references, placement details, relevant information regarding the person’s health, correspondence and any other relevant information such as emergency contact details.
Record keeping must be secure but accessible to other members of the staff. The Data Protection Act enables people to access information held about them.
Review
This policy comes into force on September 2024 and The Environmental Taskforce commits itself to review the policy as and when changes in legislation or other factors make this necessary. The policy will be subject to a comprehensive review two years after its introduction. (Review date: September 2024)