Volunteer Policy

Introduction

Cullingworth Village Hall Management Committee believes in equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We strive to deliver a varied and diverse range of activities within the Hall which promote a community spirit.

Our main objective is to make the Village Hall the social hub of our community for

everyone within the village and the local areas.

In line with this Cullingworth Village Hall seeks to involve volunteers to:

·      Provide events to the community

·      Encourage all ages within the community to be actively involved in Cullingworth Village Hall

·      Increase our contact with more people in the community

Principles

This Volunteering Policy is underpinned by the following principles:

·      Cullingworth Village Hall will ensure that volunteers are made to feel welcome and included

·      Cullingworth Village Hall is run completely by volunteers.

·      Cullingworth Village Hall expects that the committee works positively with each other and with all other volunteers.

·      Cullingworth Village Hall will actively seek to attract and involve volunteers to fill identified roles.

·      Cullingworth Village Hall recognises the value of all volunteers and appreciates their contributions.

·      Cullingworth Village Hall will provide any training required and will ensure there is a safe and pleasant environment to work in.

Practice Guidelines

Recruitment

The Cullingworth Village Hall Management Committee will ensure equality of opportunity for all volunteers. We want to take a leading role in the involvement of residents as volunteers to help deliver our services. 

We need people from all walks of life and all communities, who can bring their different skills and experiences to our work .

Volunteers bring a different perspective to the organisation, often reflecting the views of the local community. Volunteers can also help to extend the services we are able to offer.

When recruiting, the Management Committee will develop a job description        which recognises the importance of relevant experience or qualifications.

Acceptance of the Management Committee’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy is mandatory.

The volunteer role is based on trust and mutual understanding. There is no contractual obligation for the volunteer to attend or to undertake particular tasks. However, there is a presumption of mutual support and reliability and a reciprocal set of expectations:

Volunteers can expect:

·      To have a recruitment process, to include: a job description, invitation to apply for roles, an informal interview and the taking up of references, (Some roles may require further checks such as DBS checks which will be undertaken in accordance with the latest guidance)

·      To have clear information about what is and is not expected of them

·      To receive adequate support and training where required

·      To be insured and to volunteer in a safe environment

·      To be treated with respect and in a non-discriminatory manner

·      To receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses

·      To have opportunities for personal development

·      To be recognised and appreciated

·      To be able to say ‘no’ to anything which they consider to be unrealistic or unreasonable

·      To know what to do if something goes wrong

·      To hire the hall at Community hire rate

The organisation expects volunteers:

·      To be reliable, open and honest

·      To uphold the organisation’s values and comply with organisational policies

·      To make the most of opportunities given, e.g. for training

·      To contribute positively to the aims of the organisation and avoid bringing the organisation into disrepute

·      To carry out tasks within agreed guidelines

·      To adhere to CVH’s confidentiality policy at all times 

The Volunteer’s Voice

Volunteers are encouraged to express their views about matters concerning Cullingworth Village Hall and its work. Any member of the committee can be contacted and where required, the issue or suggestion will be raised at the committee meeting. Where requested, confidentiality will be maintained.

Problem Solving

We aim to identify and solve problems at the earliest possible stage. Any complaints either by or about volunteers should be raised to a member of the Committee who follow the procedure laid down in our Complaints Policy.

Prospective trustees will be asked that they are eligible to act as a trustee under the Charities Act excluding those who:

·      Are disqualified as a Company Director

·      Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud)

·      Are an undischarged bankrupt (or subject to sequestration in Scotland), or have a current composition or arrangement including an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) with creditors

·      Have been removed as a trustee of any charity by the commission (or the court) because of misconduct or mismanagement

Our Trustee responsibilities:

§ Ensure our charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

§ Comply with our charity’s governing document and the law

§ Act in our charity’s best interests

§ Manage our charity’s resources responsibly

§ Act with reasonable care and skill

§ Manage our charity’s resources responsibly

Review date: July 2025