Valuing Volunteer Management

Valuing Volunteer Management Logo The Valuing Volunteer Management 6 Point Promise is a Hertfordshire wide scheme aiming to raise awareness of the need for good practice in volunteer management. Organisations that involve volunteers are encouraged to self-assess their current policies, practices and procedures with an easy to use online checklist (available in hard copy).
The checklist consists of simple statements about basic volunteer management; organisations can use this to decide whether they fully/partly or not at all meet the criteria. Where gaps are identified, the Volunteer Centres will be able to help through guidance, template documents and training sessions.
Once all the criteria of the 6 Point Promise have been met, the organisation will be issued with a certificate and listed on the Volunteering Herts website.

So what are the benefits of signing up to the 6 Point Promise?

• Recognition by potential funders as taking Volunteer Management seriously
• Eligibility for the countywide Valuing Volunteer Management Award.
• Recognition by volunteers as a good organisation with which to work
• More likely to recruit and retain volunteers
• A higher profile (once 6PP is achieved you will be named on Volunteer Herts website)
• Access to further support from your local Volunteer Centre

The Valuing Volunteer Management 6 Point Promise covers the following:-

1. Planning for Volunteer involvement
    A Volunteer Policy covering all aspects of the relationship with volunteers, including role descriptions.

2. Recruitment process
    Potential volunteers are contacted quickly and recruitment processes are fair, efficient and consistent

3. Induction
    New volunteers receive thorough preparation for their tasks and have a named person for on-going support

4. Support and safety
    Volunteers are covered by insurance and included in Health and Safety policies. Out of pocket expenses are met wherever possible.

5. Training and personal development
    Volunteers motivations are met with appropriate tasks and those with extra support needs are enabled (where possible) to volunteer.

6. Involving, rewarding and recognising volunteers
    Volunteers contribute to decision making and are fully involved in the organisations activities. Volunteers receive appropriate recognition for their efforts.

Valuing Volunteer Management 6 Point Promise

Volunteer Centres in Hertfordshire encourage good practice in volunteer management. They have developed the 6 Point Promise to ensure organisations registered with the Centres are using a good basic level of management. 

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Start the process now and begin your journey to accreditation with the Six Point Promise, complete our simple self-assessment checklist below.

We have a Volunteer Policy which is understood & accepted by paid staff, volunteers and committee members/trustees
There is clarity about why we involve volunteers
Volunteer tasks are thought out thoroughly before we advertise for help
Role descriptions are produced which use language appropriate to volunteering
We think imaginatively about the tasks volunteers can do – with short term and on-going opportunities
Volunteering is open to everyone and we treat people fairly
Volunteers’ expenses are included in budgets for funding bids so that we can support their activities
Offers of help from potential volunteers are followed up promptly by phone, email or in writing
We meet potential volunteers and check that their skills, interests and availability fits our needs
Providing volunteers have the skills / experience we need, we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds
Where a volunteer is not suitable for our organisation we explain why and offer alternatives
We use an application form or some means of recording basic details of our volunteers
Appropriate references are taken up, with referees being told the nature of the voluntary work
All volunteers who will be working with vulnerable clients are interviewed by an experienced person
We have a clear policy on whether volunteers are required to undertake Disclosure and Barring (DBS) checks
New volunteers are briefed on their tasks and responsibilities
Volunteers have a named contact for on-going support
New volunteers are familiarised with health and safety, and accident and emergency procedures
Training / induction is carried out so that volunteers feel able to do the tasks they are asked to do
Tasks given to volunteers are appropriate to their interests and skills
We look at volunteers abilities and find tasks to suit
Volunteers have easy access to any information necessary to do their voluntary work
We regularly check that volunteers are happy working with us and offer regular opportunities for feedback
Volunteers’ out of pocket expenses are reimbursed with appropriate record keeping
There is a Health and Safety policy that includes volunteers
We have policies relating to Safeguarding (protection of children and/or vulnerable adults)
Volunteering activities are fully covered by insurance
There is a Problem Solving Policy and/or procedure for resolving volunteers’ concerns and complaints
All volunteering environments conform to Health and Safety at Work requirements
Volunteer’s motivations are identified during the selection process and tasks are found which match
We recognise that motivations may change as time goes by and adapt tasks accordingly
Where possible we provide extra support for volunteers with additional needs
Training is open to volunteers and paid staff
Volunteers have opportunities to give and receive feedback through informal (or formal) supervision
If volunteers are looking for paid work we offer them a reference
Volunteers know what is happening in the organisation through meetings / newsletters etc.
We have a process whereby volunteers are able to express their opinion on the work of the organisation
We aim to consult with volunteers and inform them about changes in the organisation that will affect them
Volunteers play a part in the decision making within our organisation, including team meetings etc.
The organisation expresses appreciation and recognises the contribution of volunteers. We say THANK YOU!