LLANSANNOR COMMUNITY HALL ASSOCIATION

Policy on Volunteering

1 Introduction

This policy defines the principles for involving volunteers in the work of the Llansannor Community Hall Association (hereinafer LCHA). It was ratified by the LCHA Executive Committee on 8 May 2007 and will be reviewed biennially to ensure that it continues to reflect the work of volunteers in supporting the ongoing activities of the LCHA.

The LCHA is a registered charity whose Trustees are the currently serving members of an Executive Committee appointed annually at an AGM. The key activity of the LCHA is to manage a community hall facility efficiently and cost-effectively on behalf of local users. The LCHA has an occasional need for volunteers to help it to carry out specific duties in pursuance of its Aims.

Volunteers cannot be regarded as staff in any conventional sense, and they will normally be appointed on an ad hoc basis to carry out specific duties, usually as members of a working group set up by the LCHA Executive Committee with a clearly defined remit and a limited time duration. Individual volunteers will often be members of the LCHA, defined as "any person over the age of 18 years who is resident in Llansannor and supports the Objects of the Association, and any other person whose application for membership has been approved by the Executive Committee."

2 Commitment

The LCHA recognises the right of local people to participate in the life of their community through volunteering. It is committed to working in ways which encourage, support and develop volunteering.

3 Statement of Values and Principles

The LCHA:

• recognises the important role played by volunteers in its work and also recognises the valuable contribution made by volunteers to the local community
• attempts to utilise volunteers’ skills, knowledge and experience in ways that will meet both the volunteers’ and the LCHA’s needs.

4 Responsibilities

• all volunteer groups will have a designated leader, appointed by the LCHA Executive Committee, to offer guidance and advice enabling volunteers to carry out their tasks effectively
• the leader is responsible for ensuring that volunteers are properly prepared for the designated work
• the Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing voluntary activities within the LCHA.

5 Selection of Volunteers

• the LCHA is committed to equal opportunities and believes that volunteering should be open to all regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religious and political beliefs
• volunteering opportunities will be advertised widely in the community and included on the LCHA website
• volunteers will be selected on their suitability for the voluntary work, matching their skills, talents and interests with the needs of the LCHA
• volunteer groups will have a task description prepared by the designated group leader.

6 Support, Supervision, Training & Rewarding

• volunteers will have access to regular support and supervision within the context of their working group, and to training where appropriate. Volunteers will also be invited to attend group meetings where their views and opinions can be expressed
• the contribution of volunteers to the work of the LCHA will be formally acknowledged at AGMs and in other ways.

7 Settling Differences

• the LCHA will treat all volunteers fairly
• the designated group leader will be responsible for dealing with problems as they arise
• any disputes will be referred to the LCHA Executive Committee.

8 Volunteers’ Rights and Responsibilities

Volunteers have the right to:

• know what is expected of them
• clearly specified lines of support and supervision
• be shown appreciation
• a safe working environment
• be insured
• know what their rights and responsibilities are
• be paid any approved expenses
• be trained where appropriate
• be free from discrimination
• opportunity for personal development.

The LCHA expects volunteers to:

• be reliable
• be honest
• respect confidentiality
• carry out tasks in a way that reflects the Aims of the organisation..

May 2007