Volunteer Policy

This Policy is issued by J100Coders Initiative Club hereafter referred to as 'the Organisation'.

Introduction

The Organisation's mission is to engage children and the youth in the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) productively, stimulating creativity, critical thinking, engendering inquisitive minds, encouraging exploratory learning and supporting individual initiatives, while celebrating every little success!

Our Objectives Are to:

Engage children to use computers and technology productively.
Use logical reasoning to enhance children's IQ levels.
Assist children to solve real life problems, through analytical thinking.
Assist children to discover themselves and build confidence.
Engender inquisitive minds of the Club Membership.
Develop the creative and innovative leaders of tomorrow, today.

The Organisation is Committed to:

Respect for "Time and Communication"
Human capacity development and skills building
Social enhancement, team effort, and common interest sharing.

The Organisation is a voluntary organisation and volunteers are at the heart of its structure - as committee members and workers. The contribution of volunteers to the work of the Organisation is especially valued and respected. Volunteers increase our capacity to fulfil our mission statement and deliver on our objectives. They keep the organisation in touch with our purpose and provide a wide range of relevant skills and perspectives that improve the work we do. This policy, which is supported by our volunteers, sets out how the Organisation intends to support its volunteers.

Types of Volunteer

The Organisation recognises three different types of volunteers.

Occasional Volunteers
These are people who volunteer at events such as fundraising planning activities or help with projects, for example by helping with campaign planning e.g. data collection, mail-outs etc. They volunteer occasionally, perhaps a few times a year.
Regular Volunteers
These are people who take on a particular task, on an ongoing basis. Regular volunteers include those undertaking administrative work such as PR/Communication roles, Office administrative role, Programming Facilitators, Scrabble and Chess Kings/Queens
Committee Members
These people hold positions of responsibility and have been elected by members of the organisation or selected on the basis of their skills and experience.

Principles

The Volunteer Policy is guided by the following principles:

The organisation and its volunteers will follow this policy.
All regular volunteers and committee members will sign the volunteer agreement.
The organisation recognises that volunteers donate their time. Their contribution should be mutually agreed.
The volunteer's role will be clearly explained and mutually agreed.
The organisation will provide induction, information, any learning and support to its volunteers appropriate to their volunteer role.
The organisation will, whenever possible, give volunteers work that is satisfying and appropriate to their interest.
Volunteers have the right to express their views within the organisational structure.
Volunteers will work together within the organisation's rules, policies and procedures.
Volunteers will treat each other and be treated with respect and courtesy.
The Organisation is committed to equal opportunities in relation to the recruitment, selection and involvement of volunteers.

Practice Guidelines

The Organisation is committed to good practice when supporting its volunteers. The Organisation will make ongoing efforts to recruit volunteers who match appropriate needs. This selection process will be based on the skills and interests of the volunteers and the current needs of the Organisation. The Organisation does not commit itself to accept all offers of help; it will give a volunteer the reasons for declining their services and, where possible, refer them to another organisation that might be better placed to make use of their services. All volunteers will be asked to complete a registration form, provide references and attend an informal interview. Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks may be essential for certain volunteering roles and will be employed where applicable. The Organisation will treat all information collected in this process with strict confidentiality and any details will be made accessible to the volunteer on written request.

Volunteer Agreement and Work Outline

Regular volunteers and committee members will be asked to sign a volunteer agreement outlining the commitment and expectations of the Organisation and the role or specific tasks that the volunteer has offered to undertake. A representative of the Management Committee will also sign this agreement. The agreement is by no means a contract; it is simply a set of guidelines to help the volunteer feel supported and clearer about their responsibilities. Volunteers will also receive a copy of the Volunteer Induction Pack to keep and refer to when necessary.

Commitment

The Organisation recognises that volunteers will often need flexible arrangements regarding the amount of time and level of commitment they are able to give. We will try to work within these constraints. Whatever the level of commitment a volunteer is able to give we will recognise and value their contribution. In return the volunteer will be expected to follow the letter and spirit of the Organisation's policies and procedures and to meet mutually agreed time commitments, or to give notice if this is not possible. Volunteers are free to leave their voluntary role at any time. We will always try to match what a volunteer feels able to undertake with our organisational needs. We will provide a warm welcome to volunteers, give adequate support and ensure that the volunteers' expectations are met when they join us.

Induction, Information and Learning

Volunteers will receive an appropriate induction, which will include information on the aims, background and organisational framework of the organisation. Additional information will be provided to help the volunteer in their work. The Organisation will strive to make information accessible and relevant. Opportunities to develop knowledge and skills will also be provided as appropriate.

Support and Supervision

Volunteers will be supported and supervised by a named contact person who may be a Management Committee member or another volunteer. This person will provide the volunteer with feedback on their work, the opportunity to discuss future work and a chance to discuss any issues that may arise.

Health and Safety

The Organisation will, as far as is practical, care for the health, safety and welfare of its volunteers. Volunteers will be provided with copies of relevant health and safety procedures and receive appropriate support and training.

Expenses

Volunteers will be reimbursed travel and other approved expenses. To claim expenses, supporting receipts must be provided.

Having a Voice

Volunteers will be given opportunities to express their views about issues concerning the Organisation and its work. You can also give us feedback through your appointed supervisor.

Insurance

Volunteers will be covered by the Organisation's insurance policy while engaged in approved work for the Organisation.

Equal Opportunities

All volunteers are required to make a commitment to equal opportunities. Volunteers will be provided with a copy of the Organisation's Equal Opportunities Policy and will be supported in its practice. Our aim is to ensure that volunteers are treated in a fair and consistent way.

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