Bradford Council Volunteering Handbook

Welcome

Our vision is for Bradford is to be an attractive place where people are prosperous, healthy, and safe, supported by excellent services, a place where we value everyone being different and through our actions demonstrate that everyone matters. Bradford Council believes that our volunteers are a crucial part of working towards this vision.

Volunteering with the Council is not about replacing paid staff, but about complementing and adding value to the work we already do. Volunteers bring specialist knowledge and skills to their roles and the Council recognises that some of the work it does would not be possible if it were not for volunteers.

The Council is committed to a high standard of volunteer management and as a volunteer you will be valued as a member of a team and by the Council as a whole.

We hope you will find that the Council is a place where you will feel that your views will be heard, your ideas valued and where you think you can make a difference.

Finally, thank you for choosing to volunteer with Bradford Council and by donating your time to deliver services for the people of the district, you will enjoy your time with the authority and welcome to the team.

Introduction

This handbook is designed to be a guide on the basics of volunteering with Bradford Council and to support you in your volunteering activities. It will inform you of what you can expect from us and what we expect from you.
You may also receive additional specific information not mentioned in this handbook, relating to the volunteering roles you undertake.

Bradford Council wants to demonstrate its appreciation of your volunteering with us and show our commitment to making sure your volunteer experience with the Council is positive and rewarding.

This handbook guidance is not intended to be legally binding or to create a contractual relationship with our volunteers.

Safeguarding

2.1	The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

2.2	Your Volunteer Supervisor will provide you with any information on safeguarding relating to your area of activities. They will also be able to provide you with copies of the Council’s Safeguarding policy and where appropriate give you access to the e-learning basic awareness training course on this subject.

2.3 If you will be working with children, young people and adults at risk, or handling money whilst performing your volunteering role, you will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check. You will be required to complete the relevant form and supply necessary paperwork in order for the check to take place. Please note that you will not be able to begin your role until the relevant certification has been received. There is no charge for volunteers to be checked.

2.4	If at any time you have any safeguarding concerns relating to individuals or groups you are working with or supporting, you should raise these with your Volunteer Supervisor in the first instance.

Equality

Bradford Council believes that volunteers should reflect the diversity of the district and they have the right to volunteer in an environment which is free from discrimination.

3.2	If you experience any form of discrimination or harassment whilst volunteering with the Council you have the right to raise a complaint with your Volunteer Supervisor in the first instance or via the Council’s corporate complaints procedure.

3.3	When representing Bradford Council as a volunteer we expect you to support our commitment to equality. Your Volunteer Supervisor will provide you with a copy of the Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy and where appropriate have access to the Council’s e-learning training course on this subject.

4. Health and Safety

4.1	The Council has a duty to maintain the health, safety and welfare of all its employees and others who are not employed by the authority which includes volunteers.

4.2	Risk assessments will be carried out by the relevant Council Officer for all project tasks that individual volunteers or groups undertake. Volunteers will be notified of the key points and safe working procedures at the beginning of each volunteering session. Risk assessments will be readily available for any volunteer to read.

4.3	Where it is appropriate to activity, the Council will provide protective equipment (such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, etc.) and the Volunteer Supervisor will ensure it is worn correctly. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are wearing suitable clothing at all times – if you are unsure speak with your Volunteer Supervisor.
Any tools provided by the Council to undertake tasks will be in working order and fit for purpose. Any equipment provided to you must be returned at the end of the volunteering activity. If you intend to use your own tools and equipment they must be fit for purpose, available for inspection by the Council and the volunteer be able to offer proof of training and competence, if appropriate.

4.4	As part of your induction you will receive information on Health and Safety relating to the activities you will undertake, which should include safe working, hazard reporting, emergency arrangements and limitations of your role. If you have any queries speak with your Volunteer Supervisor.

4.5 Any injuries or near misses sustained during your time volunteering should always be reported to your Volunteer Supervisor, to ensure they are formally recorded and investigated.

5.	Expenses

5.1 Your Volunteer Supervisor will advise you of the expenses you can claim as a result of your volunteering activities, should you wish to do so. Please note you might be classed as an employee or worker if you receive any other payment, reward or benefit in kind. This includes any promises of a contract or paid working opportunities in the future.

5.2 Expenses (Out of pocket) will only be reimbursed against receipts in accordance with limits set for paid staff.

5.3	Vehicle mileage expenses will only be payable once relevant documentation has been seen, including driving licence and evidence of appropriate insurance cover. Rates will reflect those set by HMRC.

6.	Supervision and Training

6.1 You will have a named ‘Volunteer Supervisor’ who will be your first point of contact whilst carrying out your activity.

6.2	You will have an induction into your volunteering role, where your Volunteer Supervisor will provide information on the role and responsibilities, levels of supervision, health and safety requirements and provide you with access to the relevant Council policies and procedures.

6.3	Your Volunteer Supervisor will arrange one-to-one or feedback sessions with you. This is an informal opportunity to discuss your role, reflect on work carried out and look at future activities.

6.4	Much of the training will take place ‘on the job’ from Council staff and volunteers are advised never be afraid to ask if you are unsure what you are doing or have been asked to do.

6.5 You will receive the appropriate training required to fulfil your volunteering role. All our training is provided to you free of charge. If you believe that you require additional training, please speak with your Volunteer Supervisor.

7.	Volunteering with us – Code of Conduct

7.1 Bradford Council hopes that you enjoy your time volunteering with us and we do value the time that you are able to give. However, there are certain guidelines that we expect volunteers and staff to follow to make sure that volunteering is a positive experience for all.

As a volunteer you agree to adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

Make sure you know what you are doing and what is needed of you. Please don’t be afraid to ask!

Take responsibility for yourself and ensure that you are physically able to do the work

Look after yourself and others you are volunteering or working with

Inform your supervisor if you cannot attend an agreed volunteering session

Inform your supervisor if you have any medical conditions that might affect your volunteering

Turn up with appropriate clothing for task and weather

Use equipment and tools only for the task for which they are designed and report any damage to a supervisor

Do not discriminate against fellow volunteers, staff or members of the public

Treat others with the respect and courtesy that you would expect to be treated

Respect any requests made by the Volunteer Supervisor

Notify the Volunteer Supervisor immediately if you become involved in any investigations by Social Services or the Police

People will not be allowed to volunteer if under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances and will be asked to leave

7.2 On occasion we may have to speak to volunteers who cause concern to staff and volunteers through their behaviours, actions or because of a breach of health and safety. If the concern cannot be dealt with on site informally or it becomes continuous, the Council will deal with it in the following manner:

A meeting between volunteer and role supervisor to discuss the issue.

If behaviour and concerns persist a meeting with the manager of the team/ service.

If a solution cannot be reached the volunteer will be unable to continue their duties with the Council. This decision may be taken at point a) above.

Feedback

During your volunteering journey we will ask you periodically to give us feedback on your experience. We will use this information to further develop our volunteering procedures and opportunities. However, if you want to give us your thoughts at any other time please speak to your Volunteer Supervisor for a Feedback Form.

Key Contacts

Use the space below to make a note of your Volunteer Supervisor and any other useful contacts appropriate to your role. Your Volunteer Supervisor will be able to help with this.

Contact 1	Contact 2	Contact 3
Name
Job Title
Tel Number
Email Address