Volunteer Agreement

While volunteering in the Real Neighbours Wythenshawe network, volunteers are expected to adhere to certain standards and behaviours as outlined below.

Reliability

  • Arrive at your volunteering opportunity on time and well-prepared.
  • If you need to cancel a volunteering appointment, inform a relevant member of staff (and your fellow volunteers where possible) promptly so that staff and volunteers can plan accordingly.

Respect for others

  • Treat other volunteers, community members and WCHG staff with respect at all times.
  • Make others feel welcome, safe and included in the group.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

  • Do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. This includes the use of discriminatory language.

Attitude and behaviour

  • Always attempt to follow instructions and provide a good service.
  • Work as a team and communicate with your fellow volunteers in a positive way.
  • Volunteers are encouraged to align with WCHG's values.

Online

  • Do not use social media to bully or harass fellow volunteers, community members or WCHG staff.
  • Use volunteering communication tools (e.g., WhatsApp group chats) appropriately. I.e., do not use them to insult fellow volunteers or initiate arguments.

Confidentiality/ Data Protection

  • Read and operate within WCHG’s Data Protection Policy.
  • Complete WCHG’s Data Protection Training.
  • Do not share another volunteer or community member’s personal information with others without their consent.
  • Do not collect or share sensitive information about another volunteer or community member without their consent.
  • Report any potential breaches of the above to a relevant member of WCHG staff.

Safeguarding

  • Read and operate within WCHG’s Safeguarding Policy.
  • Complete WCHG’s Safeguarding Training.
  • If you are concerned about someone’s safety or wellbeing, speak with a relevant WCHG staff member or other appropriate authorities.
    • You may be required to assist in the creation of an If In Doubt Shout referral.

Health and Safety

  • Read and operate within WCHG’s Health and Safety Policy.
  • Complete WCHG’s Health and Safety Training.
  • Adhere to the relevant Risk Assessment for your voluntary group.
  • Report any health and safety concerns a relevant member of WCHG or partner organisation staff so that the Risk Assessment may be updated.
  • You may be required to assist in the completion of Accident or Near Miss reports.

Training

  • Complete EDI, data protection, health & safety and safeguarding training as well as any other mandatory training which WCHG has deemed relevant to your group.

Drug-free volunteering

  • You should not volunteer while under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol.
  • You should not possess or distribute recreational drugs or alcohol while volunteering.

Political Neutrality

  • You may also not use your volunteering position to promote a political party or candidate, including yourself.
  • If you become a political candidate while volunteering, the Customer Engagement Team may ask you to leave your volunteering position.

Termination of Agreement

  • The voluntary nature of your involvement means that you can stop volunteering at any time. Where possible, please try to inform the Volunteer Coordinator of your intention to stop volunteering with at least one week’s notice.
  • WCHG may elect to terminate this agreement in the cases of consistent or severe breaches of the expectations outlined in this agreement.
  • The Volunteering Agreement can be cancelled at any time by either party – there is no legally binding contract is in place.

This agreement is an evolving document which we hope to improve wherever. Please try to re-read the document once per year. We hugely value feedback from volunteers and customers. If you have any suggestions, please send them to volunteer@wchg.org.uk.

Register as a volunteer

To register as a volunteer, please click here.