Thinking of volunteering?

Are you thinking about getting involved and becoming a volunteer?  Why not download our Step by Step Guide to Volunteering, and How we work with Volunteers right now.

If you are interested in the principles of Volunteering from not only the Volunteer's perspective but the Organisation's also, then why not Read More and view the Charter for Effective Volunteering ... 

Volunteers' rights 
To know if, and how, they are being selected
To be given meaningful work to do
To know what is expected from them
To be offered appropriate training
To be thanked and have their voluntary contribution recognised
To receive supervision and support
To get something out of the work for themselves
To know who to go to if there is a problem
To be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred when volunteering
To make mistakes and learn from them
To be made aware of any disciplinary and grievance procedures
To be treated fairly and not to experience discrimination
To have safe working conditions, including insurance cover
To be informed about, and given the opportunity to play an active part in, the organisation as a whole
To be able to say 'no' and to leave without feeling guilty

Volunteers' responsibilities
To respect the values and aims of the organisation
To be committed
To be reliable and give the organisation sufficient warning if unable to turn up
To be punctual
To attend essential training and support sessions
To undertake the work to a high standard
To be honest if there are problems
To respect confidentiality
To leave when asked and/or when no longer enjoying the volunteering experience

Organisations' responsibilities
To ensure the volunteering experience is a rewarding one
To ensure equal access and not to discriminate
To define clear, meaningful roles for volunteers
To have policies and procedures for volunteers
To provide all necessary information to volunteers
To be available for volunteers
To provide training where necessary
To thank and value volunteers
To provide insurance cover
To inform volunteers of any legal liabilities 
To supervise and to provide support
To reimburse out-of-pocket expenses
To provide a safe working environment

Organisations' rights 
To look for certain qualities and skills in volunteers 
To select only volunteers who are suitable for the work 
To draw up a volunteer agreement
To ask for tasks to be done in a particular way
To ask for commitment 
To ask for reliability 
To ask for punctuality
To deal with disciplinary and grievance matters
To ask volunteers to leave if their involvement hinders the organisation achieving its goals

Source: Volunteering Ireland