Volunteer Policy

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC

Company number 17051741

Volunteer Policy

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1. Statement of Intent

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC values the time, skills and energy that volunteers bring to our work. Volunteers help us extend our reach, build community ownership and bring fresh ideas. This policy sets out how we recruit, support and work with our volunteers.

2. Our Commitment to Volunteers

We will:

• Treat volunteers fairly and with respect
• Provide a clear role description and induction
• Offer training, supervision and support
• Cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• Insure volunteers while they are carrying out their role
• Listen to feedback and involve volunteers in shaping our work
• Recognise and celebrate volunteer contributions

3. What We Ask of Volunteers

We ask volunteers to:

• Be reliable and turn up to agreed sessions
• Follow our policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety and the Code of Conduct
• Respect confidentiality
• Tell us in good time if they cannot attend
• Take part in induction, training and supervision
• Treat staff, other volunteers and participants with respect

4. Recruitment

We recruit volunteers in line with our commitment to equality and diversity. The process includes:

• A clear role description and information about the time commitment
• An application form or expression of interest
• An informal interview or conversation
• Two references
• An enhanced DBS check where the role involves regulated work with children or adults at risk
• A short trial period to ensure the role suits both the volunteer and the organisation

5. Induction and Training

All volunteers will receive:

• An induction covering our purpose, values, policies and key contacts
• Safeguarding training appropriate to their role
• Health and safety information for the sites they will work in
• Practical training in the activity they will support
• Opportunities to develop further skills and qualifications where possible

6. Support and Supervision

Every volunteer has a named supervisor who will:

• Meet with them regularly to discuss progress and any concerns
• Provide feedback and recognition
• Identify training or development opportunities
• Support volunteers after difficult or challenging sessions

7. Expenses

We will cover reasonable expenses, such as travel and refreshments, in line with our finance procedures. Volunteers should agree expenses in advance and submit receipts where possible.

8. Insurance

Volunteers are covered by our public liability and, where appropriate, employers' liability insurance while carrying out their agreed role.

9. Boundaries Between Volunteering and Employment

Volunteering with us does not create a contract of employment. Volunteers are not entitled to wages or employment rights. However, volunteering can be a good route into paid work, and we will support volunteers who wish to develop their skills towards employment, training or further volunteering.

10. Equality and Inclusion

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled volunteers, those with caring responsibilities and those returning to work or activity after a break.

11. Problem Solving

If a problem arises, we will:

• Talk it through informally with the volunteer first
• Offer additional support, training or a change of role if appropriate
• Use our Complaints Procedure or Code of Conduct procedure for more serious matters

In rare cases, we may need to ask a volunteer to step down. We will explain our reasons clearly and give them a chance to respond.

12. Leaving

Volunteers can leave at any time. We will:

• Thank them for their contribution
• Provide a reference where requested and appropriate
• Invite feedback to help us improve

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Policy Review

This policy was adopted on 14 February 2026 and will be reviewed annually, with the next scheduled review in February 2027. It will also be reviewed earlier if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or our activities.

All staff, volunteers and trustees will be made aware of any updates and asked to confirm they have read and understood the revised version.

Signed on behalf of the Board