This Charter has been developed by volunteers from the city of Salford with input from local volunteer-involving organisations. The Charter sets out the commitment of organisations in Salford to acknowledge the rights and responsibilities of volunteers. By signing up to the Charter organisations are sending out a clear statement that people volunteering in Salford do so within a positive and supportive environment.
Definition of VolunteeringThis Charter is based on the following definition of volunteering:
Salford Charter Volunteering PrinciplesThis Charter recognises the following basic principles:
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Volunteer Rights
This Charter maintains that volunteers have the following rights:
- Volunteering is open and inclusive to all and every effort should be made by organisations to understand volunteers’ needs and try to offer an appropriate opportunity
- Recruitment procedures should be fair, efficient and consistent
- Volunteers have a clear understanding of their tasks and responsibilities
Volunteers have access to initial and ongoing training and development opportunities - Volunteers have support from a named supervisor throughout their volunteering
- Volunteers are provided with ongoing support and supervision appropriate to need
- Volunteers are aware of how to raise a concern and how it will be handled
- Volunteers should not be put under any moral pressure to do work that is against their principles, or for which they are not adequately trained
- Volunteers should be given the same protection under health and safety regulations and relevant insurance policies as paid staff
- Volunteers should not be used to replace paid staff
- Travel and other out of pocket expenses are reimbursed wherever possible
- Volunteers have influence in their organisation and are informed about organisational issues
- Volunteers are treated fairly and should not be discriminated against
Volunteers contribution is appreciated, valued and recognised - Volunteering should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience
Volunteer Responsibilities
This Charter maintains that volunteers have the following responsibilities:
- To speak up if they feel their rights aren’t being respected
- To treat information obtained whilst volunteering in a respectful, confidential manner
- To be reliable, carrying out their agreed role and attending on time and to give proper notice of change of circumstances
- To be sensitive to users wants and needs
- To inform their named supervisor of any serious incidents or potential dangers
- To ask questions if they are unsure
- To recognise that they represent the organisation and therefore to act in an appropriate manner at all times
- To attend regular relevant training and support sessions
- To support other volunteers and staff in their organisation
- To accept the organisation’s aims and objectives
- To keep activities safe and in-line with policies on legislation
- Seek to be enthusiastic, positive & committed
Sign up to the Charter here.