Volunter Policy:

Volunteers:
CLASP recognises the importance and valuable contribution which volunteers make towards achieving the aims and objectives of the organisation and the community. That is why CLASP actively encourages the involvement of volunteers. We will therefore endeavour to provide roles for volunteers which are valuable to both volunteers and CLASP.

CLASP Will Edeavour To Provide All Volunteers With:

1. Clear, mutally agreed, role-tasks description and time commitments, either verbally or in writing.
2. Induction in the work of the organisation.
3. Preparation for the task to be carried out.
4. A named person within the organisation who would be responsible for the volunteer's activities and any support or guidance required.
5. Clear information about out-of-pocket expenses and how to claim them.
6. A trial period for the benefit of both volunteers and the organisation to ensure mutual compatibility.
7. Opportunities for participation in decision-making processes, where appropriate.
8. Information on insurance cover provided.
9. Information on health and safety matters.

Training:

Volunteer workers will be able to access appropriate training opportunities. (Within the financial constraints of the organisation.)

CLASP Expect Volunteers To:

1. Complete a registration form and provide references, if required.
2. To work within the aims and objectives of the organisation.
3. Sign and adhere to the document outlining the confidential nature of areas of the projects work and in particular, work relating to welfare benefits or financial advice or any provileged information to which they may be exposed whilst serving in a voluntary capacity.
4. Keep to agreed commitments.
5. Disclose any information to their supervisor which could have an effect on the work they are involved in, their suitability to perform that task, or could affect the general integrity of the organisation.

Problem Solving:

It is recognised that problems could arise. In this event, all parties will have access to the organisations standard grievance procedures in order to resolve the problem.

Equal Opportunities:

All volunteers will be recruited on an equal opportunities basis. The main recruitment criteria will be on the volunteer's suitability to perform the required task/s, or to perform any other mutually agreeable task/s.

Records:

It is a requirement of the organisation that records are kept containing relevant information about all staff and volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to give their permission for relevant information to be placed on the organisations files, accessible to authorised personnel only.

Volunteer Expenses Disclaimer:

Any volunteer claiming and receiving expenses due as a result of work carried out on behalf of CLASP should note. It is the volunteer's sole responsibility to inform the appropriate agency of all expenses claimed i.e. Inland Revenue or the benefits agency.
CLASP will not be held responsible for providing the information to any agency.