VOLUNTEERING GUIDE

More documents

Recommendations

Info

iStock/Steve Cole Expenses All agreed expenses will be reimbursed and we encourage you to claim any expenses that relate to your volunteering activity. This means that everyone is able to get involved regardless of circumstances. You can claim for travel costs to relevant and agreed activities as well as other expenses appropriate to your task and advocate that you consider electronic communications and green transport solutions wherever possible. A volunteer expense claim form should be submitted to your task manager with all relevant receipts. However, if you prefer to bear the costs of any activities, you may donate some or all of the expenses incurred back to the Woodland Trust. Please ensure that you make your task manager aware of any factors that may affect the risks posed to you. This information will be kept confidential. Any incidents occurring whilst volunteering, however slight, should be reported as quickly as possible to your task manager who will set in motion the standard reporting process. INSURANCE The Woodland Trust public liability insurance covers any authorised activity that you take part in and personal accident cover is available to you between the ages of 15 and 75. Please note: • Your personal property is not covered by the Woodland Trust insurance – you are advised to ensure your possessions are covered by your own insurance. • You may use your own car for Woodland Trust activities, but should ensure that you have informed your insurance company before carrying out any activities. If necessary arrange for ‘business use’ to be added. iStock/clearstockconcepts POLICY HEALTH & SAFETY The organisation has a legal responsibility to comply with the relevant legislation. We aim to provide safe and healthy conditions for any activity by anticipating risks and removing, or avoiding, hazards. In turn: • You must be aware of the need for complying with any instructions from your task manager • You should take care whilst carrying out activities on behalf of the Woodland Trust • Understand the basics of good health and safety practice EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The Woodland Trust strives to create equal opportunities for all volunteers. We are committed to being an organisation where volunteers are free from unlawful discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, religious/political beliefs, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or marital status. 5 6
WTPL/Karen Fisher CARING FOR OTHERS There are a few instances when you will be directly involved with people who might be perceived as vulnerable, therefore please consider the impact your actions have on those more vulnerable than yourself at all times. Full guidance is available should you require it and will be provided if it is relevant to any task you carry out. PROTECTING THE TRUST’S INTERESTS AND REPUTATION In many communities the Woodland Trust is a well known organisation. As a volunteer you often represent the organisation and should do so with a responsible, positive and professional attitude. If you receive any difficult enquiries please refer them to a Woodland Trust member of staff if available at the time or forward them to your task manager or the Volunteering Development Team to be dealt with. We do not expect you to place yourself in any difficult or uncomfortable situations and ask you to consider your own safety at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact your task manager or volunteers officer if youhave any queries. If you have any questions about your health and safety ask a member of staff for information immediately. COMPLAINTS If you wish to make a complaint about the actions of another volunteer, a contractor or a member of staff we will ask you to provide the following information. • Details of the incident and if previously reported • Any witness statements or names • Names of others who have been treated in a similar way • A preference for a solution to the incident You should keep the matter confidential and any notes made will remain confidential. Your anonymity will be protected as far as possible. NO LONGER A VOLUNTEER If you discontinue volunteering with us, we hope you feel that you have made a lasting contribution to the organisation and achieved something worthwhile. Where possible please let us know in advance if you wish to stop or change your activity so that we can offer the opportunity to someone else. WTPL/Paul O’Conner 7 8
Page 1 and 2: The Woodland Trust, Kempton Way, Gr
Page 3: WTPL/Dominic Nicholls VOLUNTEERS’

VOLUNTEERING GUIDE

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?