Policy Statement

As a charity, our volunteers play a vital role in the work of Jewels. It is important therefore that we attract volunteers to help us achieve our purpose and associated goals.

We provide support and supervision to help volunteers function in their role within Jewels. We appreciate and value the significant contributions that volunteers make to our aims and objectives. We are committed to compliance with all relevant legislative obligations relating to the environment in which our volunteers carry out their role.

Eligibility

Generally, Jewels will consider involving anyone who wishes to volunteer with us. However, prospective volunteers must demonstrate a commitment to the aims of Jewels.

We provide a volunteer recruitment process, which is free from any unlawful discrimination.

Recruitment and Selection

Depending on the role to be filled, our recruitment and selection process may include the following stages:

• Preparing a Volunteer Role Description
• Preparing and placing a volunteer recruitment advertisement
• Agreeing selection criteria
• Meeting volunteer candidates, collectively or individually, to discuss the nature and expectations of the volunteer role
• Shortlisting applicants against agreed selection criteria
• Notifying interview candidates and unsuccessful applicants
• Interviewing of candidate volunteers by a suitably briefed interview panel
• Assessing candidates against agreed selection criteria
• Offering a volunteer role to the successful candidate(s)
• Notifying unsuccessful candidates
• Verifying relevant educational qualifications of successful candidate(s)
• Checking employment or other references with referees nominated by a successful volunteer candidate
• Issuing a volunteer agreement for the volunteer’s signature
• Completion of a DBS check (if applicable)
• Ratification of appointments by the board of charity trustees where required
• Providing interview feedback to unsuccessful candidates who request it.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Jewels respects the right to privacy and confidentiality of our volunteers and prospective volunteers.

Jewels may from time to time in the course of administering its business, exercising its legal rights, and performing its legal obligations in connection with the recruitment of volunteers, need to process both personal data and special categories of personal data (including, for example, information relating to health). Jewels will process such data in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation and implementing legislation. Further details in relation to what personal data is collected in relation to volunteers or prospective volunteers, and the purposes for which such data may be used are set out in Jewels data protection policy, (which may be amended or updated from time to time).

Reference Checks

References and verification checks involving contact with third parties will only take place with the volunteer’s permission once Jewels forms a clear view that it would like to recruit a volunteer. Reference checks for every candidate volunteer are carried out in the same way. It is Jewels policy to seek references as appropriate.

Training and Development

Before a volunteer commences their role, they will be invited to an induction. As part of their induction, the volunteer will be provided with their Volunteer Role Description. The Volunteer Role Description specifies the responsibilities, tasks and expectations involved in the volunteer’s role. The volunteer will have an opportunity to voice any queries they may have about their role. In addition, the volunteer will be provided with information about:

• The vision, mission and organisational structure of Jewels
• How their role fits within the broader purpose of Jewels
• The supports available to volunteers in Jewels including key contacts, information about the volunteer’s supervisor/line manager and communication channels.
• The type of commitment expected of volunteers
• The space, equipment and facilities necessary for the volunteer to carry out their role
• Health and safety, including any applicable risk assessments in respect of the volunteer’s role
• Jewels Code of Conduct for Volunteers
• Details of Jewels grievance and disciplinary procedures
• All other relevant policies and procedures of Jewels

• An appropriate level of training is offered to all volunteers to enable them to fulfil their role as effectively as possible.

Trial Period

A trial period may be set in respect of volunteer roles in agreement with the volunteer to ensure both the volunteer and Jewels are satisfied with the volunteering arrangement.

Support and Supervision

Volunteers have access to support and supervision during their trial period and throughout their volunteering period. Difficulties that arise will be dealt with in a fair, open and efficient way and when appropriate in line with Jewels grievance and disciplinary procedures. All volunteers are allocated a designated supervisor/point of contact who they should contact if they have any questions about their role or if any difficulties arise while carrying out their role.

Review of Policy

The charity trustees will review this policy at 3-year intervals or as appropriate. Unity Christian Fellowship board of trustees is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively. All staff and volunteers, including charity trustees, are expected to facilitate this process.