Volunteer Policy
Recruitment
West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT) will use appropriate means to advertise for volunteers locally that take into account the principles of our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policies. The applicant will have to complete the Volunteer Application Form. Depending on the level of the volunteering role, the applicant may be given an informal interview by the appropriate WCRT Project Officer.
If appropriate, a criminal records check with the DBS will be made for a volunteer.
Induction and Training
All volunteers will receive an induction prepared and delivered by the appropriate WCRT Project Officer. This will include:
• Completing a volunteer application form (if not already completed). NB. If consent form highlights health concerns this must be discussed.
• Background and overview of the work of West Cumbria Rivers Trust, as appropriate
• Introduction of the WCRT staff, activity leaders and volunteers as appropriate
• Discuss work program and any training required, as appropriate
• Essential procedures i.e. timekeeping, H&S, Lone working etc. and copies of all relevant documents
• E-bulletin/ Newsletter sign up
• Other information as appropriate
Expenses
WCRT are unable to give volunteer expenses, however, for specific skilled roles travel expenses may be reimbursed at a rate of 45p/mile. In order to make a mileage claim, volunteers must complete the Volunteer Mileage Expenses document which should be handed to the appropriate Project Officer.
Support
• The WCRT Project Officer will offer support to the volunteers. There will be a briefing at the beginning and de-briefing at the end of each session.
• The WCRT Project Officer or Senior Management Team personnel will support all volunteers and will be available to meet with volunteers to discuss any problems or issues that may arise.
Insurance
All volunteers are covered by the WCRT insurance policy.
Under 18’s
Anyone under 18 must have a completed Parental Consent form, please email to ask for this form.
Resolving Problems
The relationship between the WCRT and its volunteer workers is entirely voluntary and does not imply any contract. However, it is important that WCRT is able to maintain its agreed standards of work for funders and the environment, and it is also important that volunteers should enjoy making their contribution to this work.
If the role as a volunteer does not meet with the organisation’s standards, the following procedures must be followed:
1. Initially a meeting will be held between the appropriate WCRT Project Officer and the Volunteer where concerns will be explained.
2. If this does not resolve the concern, then a meeting with a member of the Senior Management Team will be arranged.
3. If the volunteers work still does not meet with WCRT standards, then the WCRT will have to stop using their services.
At all times the volunteer will be able to freely state their case and will be able to have a friend accompany them.
If the volunteer is dissatisfied with any aspect of a WCRT employees work they should:
1. Initially explain their dissatisfaction with the WCRT Project Officer.
2. If that does not resolve the concern, then a meeting with the Trust Director should be arranged.
3. If after this, the volunteer’s dissatisfaction remains unresolved, and the WCRT is unable to resolve the grievance, then it would be inappropriate for that person to continue to be a volunteer.
At all times the volunteer will be freely able to state their case and can have a friend to accompany them.
