3.6 Volunteer and Student Placements

Contents

1. Definition of a Volunteer
2. Selection Process
3. Children's Centre Commitment to Volunteers and Student Placements
4. Volunteers and Student's Commitment to the Children's Centre

1. Definition of a Volunteer

A volunteer is a person who undertakes agreed activities on behalf of the Children's Centre, without financial expectations or a contract of employment, for their own benefit and that of the service.  Volunteers can be involved in routine work, though are more commonly directed towards particular projects are activities.

Volunteers add value to the Children's Centre and are not seen as a cut costing cutting replacement for existing staff.  They are a valued part of the workforce, extending is range of ages and cultures, bringing new skills, experience and enthusiasm that enhance the Children's Centre.

The minimum age of a volunteer is 16 and there is no upper age limit. Younger people may be taken onto student placements when sponsored through a school or education establishment.

2. Selection Process

Volunteers should complete an application form giving full details of experience and skills relevant to their role, and with two personal references, the Manager will contact these references.

All volunteers will complete a CRB form, as they will be working with children and families. Staff should read the Milton Keynes Council HR Recruitment Procedures for more details regarding the completion of a CRB Form.

Volunteers and the Manager should agree a start date and the mutual obligation regarding their role and involvement in the Children's Centre.

3. Children's Centre Commitment to Volunteers and Student Placements

The Manager should ensure that the Volunteer or student should have the following information:

• Volunteers should be introduced to all staff in the Children's Centre
• Given relevant administration documentation e.g. Timesheets
• Volunteers should be informed of all house keeping and their environment
• Induction Pack
• Volunteers should read all relevant procedures and policies
• Volunteers should have the same opportunity as staff to undertake training and development.

The Manager is ultimately responsible for volunteers working in the Children's Centre. They may appoint another member of staff as the Line Manager, who will be point of contact and provide the necessary guidance.

Volunteers should have the same opportunities as staff in the Children's Centre and will have Staff Supervision.

4.Volunteers and Student's Commitment to the Children's Centre

Volunteers should adhere to the entire Children's Centres procedures and policies.

They should be committed to delivering the Children's Centres services in a professional manner.

Volunteers should respect confidentiality.

Attend relevant induction and training programmes and takes part in any feedback procedure if necessary.

Volunteers should inform the Children's Centre if unable to undertake agreed activities, and to give adequate notice if resigning earlier than indicated.

End