Volunteering, Peer Leaders and Peer Tutors/ Influencers Policy

  • Revo Seccus Ltd (REVO) will ensure that volunteers (including all Peer Leaders and Peer Tutors Influencers are properly integrated into the organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to the work of REVO
  • REVO expects that trustees and staff at all levels will work positively with volunteers and, where appropriate, will actively seek to involve them in their work.
  • REVO recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.
  • REVO will endeavour to involve volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities and ensure our volunteering opportunities are as accessible as possible

Practical guidelines

  1. Recruitment

Recruitment of volunteers will generally be from all sections of the community and will be in line with the

REVO Equality and Diversity Policy. Positive action in recruitment may be used where appropriate.
All prospective volunteers will be asked to complete a simple registration form appropriate to the role they are applying for and will be interviewed to find out what they would like to do, their skills, suitability and how best their potential might be realised.

Every volunteer role will undergo a risk assessment. For volunteer roles which involve ‘regulated work’ such as care giving and/or sustained and direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, volunteers will:

  • be obligated to an Enhanced DBS Check. REVO has a legal obligation to ensure that volunteers are not barred from working with children or vulnerable groups. This information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and will not necessarily prejudice the person being accepted for voluntary work.

  1. Volunteer agreements and voluntary work outlines

Each volunteer will have a volunteer agreement establishing what REVO undertakes to provide them. In addition, they will agree to a written outline of the specific tasks they will be undertaking. Neither of these documents are a contract;

  1. Induction and training

All volunteers will receive an induction into REVO and their own area of work. Training will be provided as and when appropriate. Where possible volunteers will be entitled to receive additional training on the same basis as paid staff.

  1. Support

All volunteers will have a named person as their main point of contact. They will be provided with regular

supervision to feedback, discuss future possible involvement, and express freely about any problems.

  1. The volunteer’s/ youth voice/ parents

Volunteers are encouraged to express their views about matters concerning REVO and its work.

  1. Insurance

All volunteers are covered by REVO insurance whilst they are on the premises or engaged in any work on REVO’s behalf.

  1. Expenses

We value our volunteers and want to ensure that there are no barriers to volunteer involvement. Out-of-pocket expenses, if required, will be reimbursed, including expenses for travel. To claim expenses, an expenses form must be completed and submitted to the Forum Coordinator.

  1. Health and safety

Volunteers are covered by, and subject to, the REVO Health and Safety Policy, a copy of which is on REVO’s website.

  1. Equal opportunities

REVO operates an Equality and Diversity Policy in respect of both paid staff and volunteers. A copy is available on the REVO website. Volunteers will be expected to understand and abide by our Equal opportunity policy.

  1. Complaints

REVO will help deal with any complaints that volunteers may have in line with its Complaints Procedure. In line with this policy volunteers have the right to discuss any concerns they may have with their named contact at any time.

  1. Confidentiality

Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as paid staff.

  1. Data Protection

All information provided in the conflict of interest forms will be processed and observed within the principles and guidelines laid out in the General Data Protection Regulation.

Adopted 14 Oct  2022. To be reviewed Oct 2023