North Devon Baby Bank Volunteer Policy.
NDBB aims to have a mutually beneficial relationship with our volunteers. Their involvement also informs and develops our work, and hopefully enables those individuals to thrive through their own personal development and sense of well-being.
1. Practical guidelines. Each volunteer will be sent a copy of all policies and NDBB objectives when they commence their volunteering. In addition to reading these documents, each volunteer is given a verbal introduction to the work they will be doing, and the tasks expected of them. Simple, written guidelines of processes are also available upon request.
2. Induction and training. All volunteers will receive support to settle in and get to know NDBB. Volunteers will be provided with an initial induction covering core policies, health and safety, safeguarding and an introduction to their role. We provide or organise the provision of any training that is needed.
3. Support. Every volunteer has a buddy volunteer assigned as their main point of contact. That person is available to the volunteer to provide support and mentoring and to answer any questions they may have. Volunteers will never be expected to work alone on our premises.
4. Being part of NDBB. We believe it is important for everyone to feel part of NDBB – our volunteers as well as people who donate items and the families who use our services. We encourage volunteers to provide feedback on any ideas that will help improve what we do and how we do it and to raise any issues they feel are important or are concerned about.
5. Expenses. We currently have no income to pay travel expenses. Any refreshments, petrol and miscellaneous expenses not pre agreed with the trustees cannot be reimbursed.
6. Health and Safety. Volunteers must read NDBB’s Health and Safety Policy and adhere to the procedures and guidance outlined in the policy. They will also be given health and safety training, where relevant to their role.
7. Equal Opportunities. NDBB is an inclusive organisation. NDBB will not condone, accept or ignore any forms of discrimination or unacceptable behaviour by volunteers, the partners or families we work with.
8. Complaints. NDBB will help volunteers resolve any grievances or complaints they have. Volunteers have the right to discuss any concerns with their named contact person at any time.
9. Volunteering and receiving support from NDBB. We encourage those who have had support from NDBB to join our volunteer team; their direct experience is hugely valuable to the improved running of our service. If a volunteer continues to require support whilst being a member of the NDBB team, we expect that support to be provided through the standard channel, that is, by another referral being made by a referring agency.
10. Confidentiality and Data Protection. Volunteers must respect the confidentiality of service users, fellow volunteers, and NDBB matters and business. Any data about volunteers or service users will comply with the Data Protection Act 2018. Data will not be shared with any third parties other than in the event of a safeguarding concern. NDBB aims to prepare and pack items required within 2 weeks of a referral being made. NDBB does not store personal details about service users once a referral has been delivered, and then address and contact details are removed from electronic systems within 5 working days. NDBB creates a data collection of items donated only, to show evidence of need on a national level.
11. Insurance. NDBB has public and employee liability insurance that covers all volunteers while they are on site or doing work for NDBB.
12. Accompanying children. No young person or child under 18 years of age is permitted to volunteer for NDBB unless accompanied and supervised by their responsible adult, at all times.
Signed: Karen Jarmarkier – Trustee October 2024
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