A joint commitment | Volunteering with the council

When you volunteer with us we make a commitment to you, and expect a commitment in return.

Our commitment to volunteers is to:

make sure that volunteering is rewarding for all involved
recognise the importance of high standards and effective management of volunteers
be flexible in relation to personal circumstances
support volunteers if they wish to say 'no' to additional tasks or responsibilities, or if they wish to leave
offer volunteers opportunities for personal development within the volunteer role or to assist in exploring new opportunities
provide volunteers with support and guidance through a volunteer manager
provide volunteers with an open, accessible and fair process for raising any concerns and issues
pay out of pocket approved expenses in relation to the volunteer role, as agreed by your volunteer manager
provide public liability insurance
inform volunteers about health and safety matters and make sure they have a safe volunteering environment
implement our equal opportunities policy, which provides the basis by which we develop best practices for the benefit of current and future staff as required by law

We expect our volunteers to:

perform the volunteering role to the best of their ability
attend information, relevant workshops and support sessions as appropriate to the volunteering role
volunteer within the council's priorities, aims and objectives
follow our standards for equal opportunities, health and safety, data protection, confidentiality, and any others applicable to the role – training will be given
assist other volunteers and staff as part of a team
let the volunteer manager know as early as possible if they are unable to carry out their volunteering duties
refer concerns or issues to the volunteer manager or other council staff, as appropriate
not bring the council's name into disrepute and follow the volunteers agreement
treat information about service users, staff or other volunteers in a confidential way
act at all times in the best interests of the council
promote diversity and respect for the diverse community we serve
make sure equality is at the heart of any volunteer activity conducted on behalf of the council