1. Guidelines Best Practice 2023

Volunteer Guidelines
The charity fully appreciates and value the time and energy that a volunteer gives to the charity and
aims to provide roles that a volunteer is proud and happy to fulfil while gaining satisfaction in
participating in a worthwhile activity. The charity will provide ongoing instruction specifying the
type of assistance needed within each role and it is important that volunteers comply with these
instructions.
In addition, the following general guidelines should be adhered to:
• Greet everyone warmly and make them feel comfortable and welcomed.
• Let the group set the tone of the session – they may not want to talk.
• Respect confidentiality and refrain from asking personal questions.
• Be careful using humour – someone may be offended.
• Be careful not to act as a counsellor do not offer medical advice.
• Accommodate all reasonable requests.
• Be the bridge between the group and the hospital team.
Accepting Gifts or Tips.
It is not appropriate to accept gifts or tips, if someone wants to donate, they can do this in the donation
box on the display table, through the website, posting it to Head Office.
Monitoring and Feedback:
The charity will provide ongoing support to volunteers, you will also be asked to complete an
evaluation sheet every 6 months.
Any significant problems encountered in any session should be reported to the charity immediately
on sharon@theswallows.org.uk
Expenses.
Reasonable out of pocket expenses, directly relating to volunteering and in line with our expenses
policy (copy available from info@theswallows.org.uk), can be reimbursed.
Possible Challenges.
You are delayed or unable to attend a meeting.
Contact the joint group lead and/or Sharon as soon as possible and keep in touch.
You are unwell.
Contact the joint group lead and/or Sharon immediately and we will try to get a cover lead for the
meeting if there hasn’t been one identified already for the group.
- cancer patients often have weakened immune systems and are very susceptible to infection.
- Volunteers must look after their own health and safety.
Doc 1 *Updated: 12 th January 2023 cc
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