The Peter Le Marchant Trust (PLMT) recognises that volunteers are vital to the operations and success of the Trust and there can be situations in which volunteers’ help can make a significant contribution to the work and service objectives of the PLMT. This document, the PLMT volunteer policy, defines the term and sets out the principles, practices and procedures which the PLMT will follow in the appointment, management and control of volunteers.

Definition

Volunteers are described as individuals who put their experience, knowledge and skills at the disposal of an organisation, free of charge, with the primary aim of helping the organisation to achieve its objectives and bringing benefit to users of services. In this sense, volunteers are to be distinguished from students, other work placements, and secondees, where the primary aim is usually to obtain certain work experience or to carry out work or research in certain areas.

Principles

In recruiting volunteers, the PLMT will adhere to the following principles as outlined in the national VCS Compact. Volunteering:

• Is mutually beneficial (to individual and organisation) and is independently chosen and freely given;
• Is enabling and flexible wherever possible and has a community or social benefit; and
• Is offered to not-for-profit activities and volunteers will not be engaged in work which facilitates the loss of an existing employee’s post, the role of the volunteer is to support essential activities of the Trust.

Recruitment of volunteers

The Trust seeks volunteers for a range of activities including crewing, skippering, workshop/boat maintenance, gardening, office, communication & administrative support work etc. Volunteers will be selected through the following process:

Step 1

• a role description, outlining the specific tasks, responsibilities of the volunteer will be devised;
• terms and conditions including the duration, hours, expenses, insurance, etc, relating to the role will be devised.

Step 2

• The prospective volunteer will be invited to a meeting with the Trust/CEO using the role outline and the parties will engage in a two-way discussion of the proposed role, of its requirements and of each other’s expectations, with a view to assessing mutual suitability.

Step 3

• Prior to commencing volunteering at the Trust successful volunteers must provide a reference from two suitable persons attesting to their character and suitability for the position.

Step 4

• Prior to commencing their volunteering at the Trust, each successful volunteer will have a planned induction to the PLMT, regular supervision and support sessions, positive feedback on their contribution and adequate office accommodation, equipment and services to perform their tasks effectively.   

Equal opportunities

The PLMT has recently updated their equality policy and recognises that the activity of volunteering can provide a volunteer with experiences and opportunities for self and career development. In accordance with PLMT’s equal opportunity policy, volunteers at the PLMT will be therefore be open to individuals irrespective of race, gender, disability, sexuality, age or marital status.

Termination

Where appropriate, the volunteer may be terminated by the CEO in liaison with Trustees at one week’s notice, or immediately, where behaviour equivalent to gross misconduct has occurred. In all cases the volunteer will be entitled to an explanation of the decision and action taken. The CEO will report any such terminations to a meeting of the Trustees.

Discipline/Grievance/Complaints

Volunteers will not be subject to PLMT’s employee disciplinary procedures. Correspondingly, volunteers will not have access to PLMT’s employee grievance procedures. However, volunteers will be entitled to use PLMT’s complaints procedure. Where appropriate, the complaint will be investigated fully by the CEO.

Insurance

Volunteers will be covered by PLMT’s employer’s public liability and civil liability indemnity where appropriate.

Training and involvement

Volunteers will be offered appropriate training to support them in their role and where a volunteer is based at PLMT on a day to day basis s/he will be expected to be involved and included in general office/workshop activities and to have general access to PLMT offices.

Monitoring and review

It will be the responsibility of the CEO to regularly review the operation of PLMT’s volunteer policy to ensure that it is in accordance with the objectives of the Trust.

   

PDF of Volunteer Policy