Volunteer Policy
Scotter Parish Council
Volunteers Policy
1. Introduction
1.1 Many of the Parish Council’s activities involve working in partnership with community and
voluntary groups, also volunteers work directly with the Council for a number of reasons:
• To increase our contact with the local community we serve
• To help ensure our services reflect the needs of our community
• To increase skills, experience, perspectives and diversity in the workplace
• To temporarily increase our skills and capacity.
1.2 We will ensure that volunteers feel part of the Parish Council structure by enabling them to
contribute to our ongoing development. We will have systems in place to involve volunteers
in staff information sessions and regular supervision.
1.3 Scotter Parish Council does not aim to introduce volunteers to replace paid staff. We expect
that staff at all levels will work positively with any volunteers and where appropriate, will
actively seek to involve them in their work.
1.4 We acknowledge that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will
seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing training for them to do their
role effectively.
1.5 Volunteers may come through community groups or direct from the community.
1.6 The following guidelines deal with practical aspects of volunteering with the Parish Council.
More information can be found on our website and in copies of policies mentioned here.
2. Recruitment
2.1 All prospective volunteers will be interviewed to find out what they would like to do, their
skills, suitability and how best their potential might be realised.
3. Volunteer Agreement and Task Descriptions
3.1 Each volunteer will have an agreement establishing what Scotter Parish Council undertakes to
provide for them. Also volunteers will be asked to agree to a written outline of the specific
work they will be undertaking. Neither of these documents is intended to form a contract.
Scotter Parish Council has no intention of creating a contract with any volunteers.
4. Expenses
4.1 All expenses must be approved first.
5. Induction and training
5.1 All volunteers will receive an induction into Scotter Parish Council and their own area of work.
Training will be provided as appropriate. Where appropriate, volunteers will be entitled to
receive additional training on the same basis as paid staff.
6. Support
6.1 All volunteers will have a named person as their main point of contact. They will be provided
with regular supervision to feedback on progress, discuss future development and air any
problems.
7. The Volunteer’s Voice
7.1 Volunteers are encouraged to express their views about matters concerning Scotter Parish
Council and its work to staff and councillors or their main point of contact.
8. Insurance
8.1 All volunteers must have received confirmation they are covered by Scotter Parish Council’s
insurance policy before engaged in any work on our behalf.
9. Health and Safety
9.1 Volunteers are covered by Scotter Parish Council’s Health and Safety Policy, a copy of which
will be provided to each volunteer.
10. Equal Opportunities
10.1 Scotter Parish Council operates an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy in respect of both
paid staff and volunteers. A copy will be provided. Volunteers will be expected to have an
understanding of and commitment to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
11. Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults
11.1 If the volunteer is to work in a regulated activity within the Council, the Council will carry out
enhanced DBS checks and ensure the volunteer is not on the barred list with the Disclosure
and Barring Service. The Council has a Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy
which will be made available to volunteers. The Council will ensure there is a proportionate
balance between civil liberties and safeguarding vulnerable groups, including children.
12. Confidentiality
12.1 Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as paid staff.
Adopted – Full Council Meeting 19/12/2022
Minute Ref: 2212/9b
Review - December 2024 or earlier if required by industry standards or legislation.