What is in this handbook?

Thank you for your interest in (name of your organisation). In this short handbook we cover:

Part one: Introduction to (name of your organisation)

2History of (name of your organisation)

7Organisational chart

Part two: Being a volunteer for(name of your organisation)

8Volunteer roles

Useful information for volunteers

Checklist for volunteers representing (name of your organisation)

Appendices

Appendix 1Nolan Principles for Public Life

More information is available on our web-site: (website of your organisation)

Part one: Introduction to (name of your organisation)

WHOWEARE

Description of your organisation, its aims, values, core activity etc)

HISTORY

History of your organisation

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EXAMPLEOrganisationalChart

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Part two: Being a volunteer for(name of your organisation)

Volunteers help (name of your organisation)in a variety of ways. You cando thisif you have:

  • taken part in the required training (see table 1 below)
  • signed a volunteer agreement

Volunteer Roles ( examples)

  • Helping with emergency plans
  • Admin Team
  • Events Support Team
  • Police Volunteer
  • A severe weather warden
  • Resilience Forum

All existing and new volunteers will be given the necessary training, support and expenses – and hopefully, you will take home a warm glow and sense of achievement that you really will be helping to make a difference.

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Table 1: Training Requirements (Volunteers)

Volunteer role / Training Course / Approximate Duration / Completed
All new volunteers / Basic Training: Induction: (name of your organisation)
Basic Training: Data Protection
Basic Training: Equality and Diversity / 1 day
Role specific training
  • Police Volunteer
/ Police Induction / ½ day
  • Helping with emergency plans
  • Admin Team
  • Events Support Team
  • A severe weather warden
  • Resilience Forum
/ Role Specific Data Protection
Role specific training / ½ day

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Volunteer Roles

What we need from volunteers

We need volunteers from all walks of life with close ties to their communities to help us continue our work within the community. Whether you’re planning to enter into employment from education or unemployment, or have retired and have a few hours to spare, get in touch!

We’re quite flexible about the commitment you’re able to give; if you’ve a few hours to spare a month or would like something on a regular weekly basis then we would love to hear more from you.

How will we support our volunteers?

Reasonable expenses to enable your participation will be met in the first instance by (name of your organisation).

Training and support to enable you to carry out any of our volunteer roles will be provided by (name of your organisation). We ask that you complete an initial induction day, and sign a volunteer agreement, prior to getting involved with any volunteer activity.

NB: Volunteering with us is for an unpaid role with (name of your organisation)and is not intended to form a contract of employment. Some roles may require a Disclosure Certificate (criminal records check).

An example of Role: Police Volunteer

Reporting to:

Key duties

This role covers several activities which aim to provide support to local police personnel. The Local Policing Support Volunteer Role is very versatile and allows volunteers the opportunity to get involved with lots of different activities within Devon & Cornwall police. The Local Policing Support Volunteer Role also offers the opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the many different teams and departments within the force.
Support police personnel with administration and office-based tasks
 Assist police personnel with the management of the force website, other social media outlets and newsletters
 Support local police personnel in publicising good news stories
 Assisting with local community research and take part in local crime prevention events
Requirements / Benefits
 Basic computer skills
 Good oral and writing skills
 Happy to work on their own or as part of a team
 Some social media knowledge (not essential) /  Opportunity to be part of a team
 A reference if required
 A regular ‘Feel-Good’ factor about volunteering for the Police
 Additional trained provided where needed
Additional Information
Minimum age: / 16
Maximum age: / N/A
Expenses: / Yes
Induction: / Yes
Insurance cover: / Yes
Training / Yes
Recruitment Method
 Application Form
 Full force check
 Informal Discussion
 Trial Period
Time Frame
We look forward to working with you soon but must point out that due to our force checks this might take a while. Our force checks may take up to 3 months so please bear with us!
Contact Information
Business Support Services – Citizens in Policing
Homer House
Devon and Cornwall Police
Police Headquarters
Middlemoor
Exeter
EX2 7HQ
Tel: 01392 452020
Email:
  • Role: Helping with emergency plans
  • Role: Admin Team
  • Role: Events Support Team
  • Role: Police Volunteer
  • Role: A severe weather warden
  • Role: Resilience Forum
  • Useful information for volunteers

Code of Conduct

All volunteers are asked to commit to the agreed (name of your organisation)Nolan Principles which include a statement ofDeclaration of Interest. Staff will support (name of your organisation)volunteers to demonstrate that they are able to comply with this code of conduct, helping them to develop skills and experience to achieve this, where required.

A copy of (name of your organisation)Nolan Principles is included at Appendix 1.

Training

(name of your organisation)volunteers will need to develop a range of skills to enable them to deliver their roles effectively.

(name of your organisation) staff will ensure that training and development opportunities are provided for volunteers and that you aren’t asked to carry out activities that you haven’t received appropriate training for. Staffwill also let you know about any outside training opportunities relevant to your role.

Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest need to be managed to ensure that those representing(name of your organisation)have no undeclared personal or perceived pecuniary interest in issues being discussed.

Checklist for (name of your organisation)volunteers

All (name of your organisation) Devon volunteers agree to take on an Ambassadorial role in accordance with the Nolan Principles.

If you become a(name of your organisation)volunteer you may agree to attend meetings and events on behalf of (name of your organisation).

In doing so, you commit to being:

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  • an ambassador
  • representative
  • realistic
  • independent
  • accountable

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Please regularly refer to the following questions to assist your continued participation / Tick if you agree with the statement
Am I an ambassador?
Am I
  • Familiar with the topics being discussed?
  • Sure what my role is and what I can say on behalf of the (name of your organisation)?
  • Clear about (name of your organisation) code of conduct and ground rules for meetings?

Am I being representative of the wider community?
Have I read the agenda and papers?
Am I sure I’ve asked for all the support I need?
Do I
  • Know when to talk and when to listen?
  • Understand the structure and context of the meeting I am attending?

Can I put (name of your organisation) view across clearly when it’s needed?
Have I considered how much time I can commit to this?
Do I need any support with preparation or reporting back?
If yes, have I asked for support?
Would I like training in some of the specific skills needed?
If yes, have I asked for training?
Am I independent?
Am I clear enough about (name of your organisation) view to know I will not be influenced by others?
Am I accountable?
Have I
  • Taken clear notes?
  • Can I report back to a meeting, if required?

If you are unable to tick a box in the checklist or would like further clarification, please contactuswhere a member of staff will be happy to offer further guidance.

Appendix 1: The Seven Principles of Public Life (The Nolan Principles)

Selflessness
Individuals should act in terms of the interests of promoting and supporting the community.

Integrity
Individuals should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of the agreed duties and roles.

Objectivity
In carrying out their roles for(name of your organisation), individuals should make choices on merit, upholding(name of your organisation) policies on diversity and inclusion.

Accountability
Individuals are accountable for their decisions and actions to their lead in the organisation and ultimately to the Board and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their role.

Openness
Individuals should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when other specific interests, such as commercial sensitivity or personal confidentiality, clearly demands.

Honesty
Individuals have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their duties or role and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the interests of those affected by(name of your organisation).

Leadership
Individuals, particularly Board Members, staff and volunteers should promote and support these principles by leadership and example. These principles should facilitate positive and transparent arrangements for decision-making in (name of your organisation). It is an individual’s responsibility to ensure that they adhere to these principles, identifying potential conflicts before they become problematic and seeking advice from supervisors or appropriate colleagues on the way forward.

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