Volunteer

 

Cleveland Fire Support Network has been set up as a new volunteering organisation, which will assist and work alongside Cleveland Fire Brigade in promoting and delivering issues related to community safety and well-being within communities.  As part of the development and structure of the Network there will also be future initiatives such as ‘After Fire Care Support’

Volunteers are at the forefront of the Cleveland Fire Support Network within the community.  We seek to encourage, develop and support our volunteers’ with their involvement in the diversity of our work, recognising that volunteers complement but do not replace employees. Our aim is to provide a variety of opportunities for active citizenship.

Purpose for Adopting the Charter
The Cleveland Fire Support Network has adopted this charter to:

  • Highlight and acknowledge the value and contribution made by volunteers
  • Recognise the respective roles, rights and responsibilities of volunteers and the Cleveland Fire Support Network
  • Confirm our commitment to involving volunteers in our work and tasks
  • Describe our principles for the involvement of volunteers
  • Encourage best practice in volunteer management
  • Recognise the need for continuous improvement in the development of quality volunteering opportunities

 Volunteer

Our Principles of Best Practice in Volunteering

  • Best practice in volunteering management will be promoted throughout the organisation and will continually be evaluated and revised
  • The tasks to be performed by volunteers will be clearly defined, so that all concerned understand and are aware of their respective roles and responsibilities
  • Volunteering opportunities will complement rather than replace the work of employees
  • Volunteers will have the means to representation at management and Trustee level wherever possible with the opportunity to have consultation on matters directly concerning them

Recruitment & Selection

  • The Cleveland Fire Support Network Equality & Diversity Policy will be adhered to at all times
  • Cleveland Fire Support Network’s volunteering opportunities will be widely publicised
  • Volunteers will be accepted into the Network upon completion of an application form, two satisfactory references and a full CRB enhanced disclosure
  • Written volunteer task descriptions will show necessary skills and actual duties as well as an expectation of time commitment required
  • All volunteering applications will be dealt with as efficiently and quickly as possible
  • Individuals’ skills, abilities and interests will be matched to identified tasks and agreed with the respective volunteer

Rights & Responsibilities
In engaging with volunteers, the Cleveland Fire Support Network is striving to ensure volunteers:

  • Are given identified tasks, clear information, induction and training to meet their individual needs or requirements
  • Have defined lines of support and supervision
  • Are valued for their volunteering contributions
  • Have safe working conditions in terms of Health & Safety legislation
  • Are insured for personal accident & public liability subject to insurance terms and conditions
  • Are reimbursed for all ‘out of pocket’ expenses in relation to their volunteering roles
  • Are informed and consulted on any decision which may effect them directly
  • That the volunteer may withdraw from their respective volunteering role when they decide to
  • May request a reference based on their volunteering experience within the Network
  • And, are free from discrimination

The Cleveland Fire Support Network Volunteers are required to:

  • Carry out their tasks to the aims and values of the Network
  • Comply with the Network’s policies & procedures, which include health & safety, attend mandatory training and meetings as required
  • Be reliable and show commitment to the volunteer role, give adequate notice for holidays and where ever possible pre-notification of ceasing to volunteer
  • Inform either the Network Manager or Coordinator of their decision to withdraw as a volunteer and arrange collection of uniforms and identification badges
  • Respect at all times the confidences of others and that of the Network as detailed in the ‘Confidentiality Policy’
  • Respect and acknowledge the diversity of others, those internally and externally to the Network, promoting a positive attitude at all times

The Cleveland Fire Support Network will support Volunteers with:

  • Investing in the management of the volunteers
  • Providing an induction period and a review session for volunteers to assess their roles and review and revise any identified issues promptly
  • Providing ongoing appropriate training to meet individuals’ roles
  • Providing information identifying what expenses may be claimed and the processes to follow
  • Providing insurance cover which gives protection to all volunteers whilst performing their roles within the Network
  • Information on current legislation, policies & procedures which are relevant to the volunteering role, such as;
    • Health & Safety (1974)
    • Equal Opportunities and Diversity (Equality Act 2006)
    • Child Protection (Children’s Act 2004)
    • Vulnerable Adults (Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006)
    • Positive about Disabilities (DDA 2005)
    • Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures (Employment Act 2002)
    • Confidentiality & The Data Protection Act (1998)

Working Relationships

  • The Cleveland Fire Support Network will ensure that employees and volunteers are clear about their respective roles and responsibilities, that will compliment and foster good working relationships

Partnership

  • The Cleveland Fire Support Network will develop strong relationships with other voluntary groups both locally and nationally and were possible form partnerships

Responsibility

  • The overall responsibility for compliance with this Charter rests with the Cleveland Fire Support Network Management and Trustee’s

Download volunteering_charter_-_minimum_hours_included.doc
Download Vol_Equal_opps_&_monitorin_form.doc
Download volunteer_application_form.doc