The following Policies are upheld by Volunteer Centre Craven

VOLUNTEER POLICY

Introduction and Statement of Principles
Craven Volunteer Centre recruits, supports and matches volunteers with volunteer-involving organisations in the Craven district. In addition to this, the Volunteer Centre runs its own direct service volunteering projects, currently: The Good Neighbour Scheme (befriending), the DRAG Scheme (decorating, gardening and DIY), the Home from Hospital Scheme and a partnership with Skipton Library to deliver the Home Library and Information Service (delivery of library books to the housebound).

Volunteers can be involved with the Volunteer Centre either by helping with office administration or by joining one of the above-mentioned schemes, which provide assistance to older, disabled and disadvantaged people. Volunteers are not used to replace paid staff, but to enhance the services that the Volunteer Centre provides.

Recruitment
Many of our volunteers are recruited through the Do-It website (the national volunteering website) or by calling in to the office to discuss opportunities available. The Volunteer Centre also advertises occasionally by way of posters, websites, talks and articles in the media.

All volunteers are asked to attend an interview and to complete an application form and for those working on the direct service schemes a CRB Disclosure is required for anyone over 18 years of age. Two references are taken up for every volunteer.

If a CRB Disclosure shows that offences have been committed, the Manager will call a meeting with at least 2 members of the management committee to discuss that particular application. They will consider the seriousness of the offences, the time since the offence and whether the offence is relevant to the role which is being considered. The volunteer will then be informed as to whether they have been accepted for voluntary work with the Volunteer Centre. If a volunteer is considered to be unsuitable for a particular role, they will be notified either in person or by letter, and will be offered other more appropriate opportunities.

Volunteer Role Outlines
The roles for our schemes are as follows:
Good Neighbour Scheme: befriending at home, light shopping, taking someone out in a wheelchair or helping them to access an activity. The specific role will be discussed with the volunteer and the service user when they are matched, to ensure that it meets (and does not exceed) the expectations of both parties.

DRAG Scheme (decoration, repair and gardening): this involves basic gardening – pruning, digging, weeding – in order to tidy up a garden as a one-off. Decorating may involve painting or papering one room of a house and DIY jobs can include basic tasks such as putting up shelves, hanging pictures etc. If a task is deemed too large or is more suited to a professional, it will not be accepted by the staff.

Home from Hospital Scheme: Volunteers on this scheme visit people over 60, for up to 6 weeks, when they have been discharged from hospital, if they have no support at home. Tasks might include shopping, collecting prescriptions, making a cup of tea or a snack and general befriending/checking on the person. The main objective is to restore confidence and help people to maintain or regain their independence.

Home Library and Information Service: Volunteers on this scheme work in pairs (one driver and one escort) to collect and deliver library books and tapes to housebound people, who are on Skipton Library’s list. The driver uses their own car.

Induction and Training
When all vetting is in place, volunteers will be given information about the organisation and their role will be explained to them in more detail.

Office Volunteers: the volunteer will be invited to discuss the areas in which they would most like to offer help and an agreement will be reached which suits both parties. If working in the office, they will be shown how to use various items of equipment and office procedures will be explained.

Good Neighbour Scheme: Volunteers are introduced to the service user on the first occasion and boundaries are set at this meeting. Thereafter the volunteer visits at pre-arranged times, usually on a specific day, but this can be flexible. Volunteers on this scheme need to be caring, patient, trustworthy, reliable and able to act under supervision and guidance. Whilst they need to be good listeners, the scheme would probably not suit anyone who is very quiet or finds making conversation difficult.

DRAG Scheme: Volunteers will either be accompanied to the service user’s house by a staff member to assess a task, or if the task is considered straightforward or the customer is known to the volunteer, they may attend on their own to carry out the task straight away. A supply of tools is kept in the office that the volunteers can use. Volunteers on this scheme do not need to be professionals, but a certain level of competence will be required. They also need to be reliable and trustworthy and good communication skills are useful.

Home Library and Information Service: When vetting is complete, the volunteer’s contact details are passed on to the Library who arranges the induction and introductions to their partner volunteer and the service user. All ongoing supervision is given by the Library.

Training sessions are occasionally organised by the Volunteer Centre, usually on general issues around social care, and all volunteers are welcome to attend these. Requests for specific training are also welcomed and every effort will be made to provide this, subject to funding. Information and guidance sheets are also available for the various roles.

Expenses
Craven Volunteer Centre will reimburse out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of your voluntary work as follows:
Petrol expenses at 40p per mile, bus or train fares (on production of a ticket), lunch allowance up to £3.50 if you work more than 3 hours in one session, car parking fees, entrance fees etc.

Support & Supervision
Support is available to all volunteers, who are encouraged to contact the Volunteer Centre if they have any concerns or difficulties.

Volunteers on the Good Neighbour scheme will have the extra support of the Good Neighbour Scheme Support worker, who will monitor how the befriending relationships are progressing and be available to deal with any problems as they arise.

Insurance
Volunteers are covered under the Volunteer Centre’s Public Liability and Employer’s Liability Insurance in the course of their work but Car Insurance is their responsibility. An Advice to Insurance Companies form is available from the office. Personal accident cover is in full for ages 16-69, but reduced cover for ages 12-15 and 70-79.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity
Craven Volunteer Centre welcomes applications from all walks of society and positively encourages enquiries from different ages, cultures, genders and backgrounds.

Health & Safety
Craven Volunteer Centre has a full Health and Safety policy and volunteers are welcome to have a copy of this.

Problem Solving Procedures
If a volunteer wishes to make a complaint, this should follow 3 stages:
Stage 1: Oral complaint
Stage 2 – In writing
Stage 3 – Right to appeal

If a problem should arise from the volunteer’s behaviour, this will be discussed informally with the volunteer in the first instance. If this cannot be resolved easily, the following procedure will be used:
Stage 1 – Oral discussion
Stage 2 – Written warning
Stage 3 – Right to appeal

Further details on the above procedures can be obtained from the Manager.

If a volunteer commits an act of gross misconduct, they may be dismissed immediately.

Confidentiality
All volunteers are expected to keep information confidential, when it is passed to them during their course of their voluntary work.

SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE ADULTS POLICY

This policy sets out the ways in which Craven Volunteer Centre will safeguard the vulnerable adults they come into contact with through the various schemes that they manage, i.e. the Good Neighbour Scheme, Home from Hospital Scheme and DRAG (Decoration, Repair and Gardening) Scheme. The policy refers to all vulnerable adults, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or religion. It is the duty of all employees and volunteers to follow this policy.

Who is a Vulnerable Adult?
Some adults feel less able to protect themselves than others, and some have difficulty making their wishes known. This may make them vulnerable to abuse. The broad definition of a ‘vulnerable adult’ referred to in the 1997 Consultation Paper ‘Who Decides?’ issued by the Lord Chancellor’s Department, is a person:

“Who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation”.

Many of the clients who are referred to the Volunteer Centre’s services fall under this category. Volunteers are recruited to work on the schemes mentioned above and are matched with our clients to assist with their various needs. All volunteers and staff are currently checked through the Criminal Records Bureau at Enhanced Level and two references are also taken up for anyone wanting to work on our schemes. If a CRB Disclosure shows anything that causes concern, a meeting is arranged by the Manager with at least two committee members to discuss what action to take. (Please see Rehabilitation of Offenders Policy for full details). When the new Vetting and Barring Scheme is in full operation through the Independent Safeguarding Authority in 2010, all new volunteers and employees will also be checked through this, as in accordance with new legislation.

What will we do if a volunteer suspects signs of abuse?
Volunteers are asked to report any situation they feel uncomfortable with to the staff at the Volunteer Centre. This will be followed up with a visit to the client concerned by the schemes’ Support Worker to investigate further. If after investigation, the situation does raise concerns, these will be shared, with the person’s consent, with Adult and Community Services staff on Otley Street, Skipton, (Tel: 01609 535469) and/or with North Yorkshire Police.

Examples of abuse could be:
• Signs of physical or psychological ill treatment
• Reports of money or other items going missing
• Reports of cold-callers or bogus workmen
• Vandalism or nuisance behaviour

What happens if there are allegations of abuse against
a volunteer or staff member?
The incident will be investigated by either the Support Worker, or another member of staff or a committee member (whoever is deemed the most appropriate according to the situation). A meeting will be arranged with the person who has been accused, to discuss the situation. A meeting will also be arranged with the vulnerable person to gain as much information as possible. The situation may also be discussed with Adult & Community Services if the person is known to them. If it is felt that further investigation is needed, the Disciplinary Procedure guidelines will be followed within the organisation, and if deemed serious enough the suspicions will be reported to the Police. If the allegation is proved to be substantiated, the alleged abuser will be reported to the ISA, in accordance with new legislation.

To prevent the likelihood of accusations, our volunteers will not be asked to involve themselves with any personal financial matters on our clients’ behalf, i.e. banking, pensions etc.

How will the Policy be put into practice?
All new volunteers and staff will be made aware of this Policy, which will be kept in the office, and of the requirements within it. Volunteers and vulnerable clients will be monitored and supported via the Volunteer Centre Support Worker so that concerns can be raised through regular supervision. The policy will also be obtainable from the Craven Volunteer Centre website (www.cravenvb.org.uk) .

Review of Policy
This Policy will be reviewed on annual basis. Next review July 2010.

Child Protection Policy

We at Craven Volunteer Centre are committed to a practice which protects children from harm.

Staff and volunteers in this organisation accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of issues which cause children and young people harm by –

• Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers.

• Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers.

• Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

• Following carefully the procedures for recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers.

• Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training.

We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice at regular intervals.

CODE OF PRACTICE

Statement of Intent

It is the policy of Craven Volunteer Centre to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from all forms of abuse including physical, emotional and sexual harm.

This organisation is committed to creating a safe environment in which young people can feel comfortable and secure while engaged in any volunteering activity directly managed by the Volunteer Centre. In addition to this, the Volunteer Centre will endeavour to ensure that young people who are referred to other volunteering opportunities, are placed with organisations where they can be confident that their well-being will be safe-guarded. Personnel should at all times show respect and understanding for individuals’ rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the ethos and principles of Craven Volunteer Centre.

Guidelines for all Craven Volunteer Centre staff and volunteers

ATTITUDES
Staff and volunteers should be committed to
Treating children and young people with respect and dignity
Always listening to what a child or young person is saying
Valuing each child and young person
Recognising the unique contribution each individual can make
Encouraging and praising each child or young person

BY EXAMPLE
Staff and volunteers should endeavour to
Provide an example which we would wish others to follow
Use appropriate language with children and young people
Respect a young person’s right to privacy

ONE TO ONE CONTACT
Staff and volunteers should
Not spend excessive amounts of time alone with children, away from others
In the unlikely event of having to meet with an individual child or young person make every effort to keep this meeting as open as possible
If privacy is needed, ensure that other staff are informed of the meeting and its whereabouts

PHYSICAL CONTACT
Staff and volunteers should never
Engage in sexually provocative or rough physical games, including horseplay
Do things of a personal nature for a child or young person that they can do for themselves. If such an incident arises, for example, where a child or young person has limited mobility, Craven Volunteer Centre staff should seek a member of school staff or leader of the youth organisation to deal with such an incident
Allow, or engage in, inappropriate touching of any kind

GENERAL
Staff and volunteers should
Be aware that someone might misinterpret our actions no matter how well intentioned
Never draw any conclusions about others without checking the facts
Never allow ourselves to be drawn into inappropriate attention- seeking situations such as tantrums or crushes
Never exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues or make suggestive remarks or gestures about, or to a child or young person, even in fun

SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD PROTECTION AND GOOD PRACTICE WITH CHILDREN, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Good communication is essential in any organisation. At Craven Volunteer Centre every effort will be made to ensure that, should individuals have concerns, they will be listened to and taken seriously.

It is the responsibility of the management to ensure that information is available to, and exchanged between all those involved in this organisation and its activities. Some information is confidential and should only be shared on a strictly need-to-know basis.

Children and young people

Children and young people have the right to information, especially any information that could make life better and safer for them. Craven Volunteer Centre will act to ensure that they have information about how, and with whom, they can share their concerns, complaints and anxieties.

When sharing information, Craven Volunteer Centre personnel will be sensitive to the level of understanding and maturity, as well as to the level of responsibility, of the people with whom they are sharing.

Parents

Parents/persons with parental responsibility are ultimately responsible for their children’s welfare at all times, and they should be assured that their children are involved with a credible organisation. A copy of this policy is available for parents to see on request

Staff and Volunteers

As an organisation which offers advice and guidance to young people regarding voluntary work, it is imperative that each member of Craven Volunteer Centre staff is aware of their responsibilities under the Child Protection legislation and has a working knowledge of Craven Volunteer Centre’s procedures. Each member of staff will receive updated training in Child Protection. Volunteers involved with the organisation will also be given the opportunity to attend training sessions on Child Protection.

Other Bodies

A copy of our Child Protection Policy will be made available to any other appropriate body.

SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT CONCERNS WITH AGENCIES WHO NEED TO KNOW AND INVOLVING PARENTS AND CHILDREN APPROPRIATELY

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING ALLEGATIONS OR SUSPICIONS OF ABUSE
In any case where an allegation is made, or someone at Craven Volunteer Centre has concerns, a record should be made. Details must include, as far as practical:

• Name of child or young person
• Age
• Home Address (if known)
• Date of Birth (if known)
• Name/s and address of parent/s or person/s with parental responsibility
• Telephone numbers if available
• Is the person making the report expressing their own concerns, or passing on those of somebody else? If so, record details
• What has prompted the concerns?
Include dates and times of specific incidents
• Has the child or young person been spoken to?
If so, what was said?
• Has anybody been alleged to be the abuser?
If so, record details
• Who has this been passed on to, in order that appropriate action is taken? e.g. school, designated officer, social services etc.
• Has anyone else been consulted?

ACTION TAKEN

DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION PERSONS

• For reasons of confidentiality the only person(s) who need to know this information are the following Designated Child Protection persons.

Dee Pollitt, Geoff Harmer, Mags Allen
Volunteer Centre Craven
33 Coach Street
Skipton
N Yorks
BD23 1LQ

Tel: 01756 701648

• The Designated Person(s) will inform the relevant outside organisation of the incident.

Social Services Duty Social Worker
Children’s Services Armoury House
Otley Street
Skipton
N Yorks
Tel: 01756 793042

Police Skipton Police Station
Otley Street
Skipton
N Yorks
Tel: 0845 606 0247

NSPCC Help Line Tel: 0800 800 500 – 24 hours, Freephone

Childline Tel: 0800 1111 – Freephone

RECORD-KEEPING

• All records, information and confidential notes should be kept in separate files in a locked drawer or filing cabinet
• Only the designated person(s) will have access to these files

DISCLOSURE

• Never guarantee absolute confidentiality, as Child Protection will always have precedence over any other issues

• Listen to the child, rather than question him or her directly.
Offer him/her reassurance without making promises and take what the child says seriously

• Allow the child to speak without interruption
Accept what is said – it is not your role to investigate or question
Do not overreact

• Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement

• Advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on
Explain what you have to do and whom you have to tell

• Record the discussion accurately, as soon as possible after the event
Use the child’s words or explanations – do not translate into your own words, in case you have misconstrued what the child was trying to say

• Contact the Craven Volunteer Centre Designated Person(s) for advice/guidance
The Designated Person may then discuss the concern/suspicion with the relevant organisation and, if appropriate, make a direct referral

• If the Designated Person is not available, or it is inappropriate to approach them, the volunteer/member of staff with the concern should make direct contact with the relevant organisation themselves

• Record any discussions or actions taken within 24 hours

FOLLOWING CAREFULLY THE PROCEDURES FOR RECRUITMENT & SELECTION OF STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

Each member of the Volunteer Centre staff is required to undergo an Enhanced CRB check as part of our recruitment policy. All volunteers recruited to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults on the Volunteer Centre’s direct service projects are similarly required to undergo CRB checks at Enhanced level.

PROVIDING EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT FOR STAFF & VOLUNTEERING THROUGH SUPERVISION, SUPPORT & TRAINING

Craven Volunteer Centre encourages the development of staff and volunteers through its ongoing support, supervision and training.

INDUCTION
Each new member of staff or volunteer is made familiar with Craven Volunteer Centre’s policies and procedures, including the Child Protection Policy and Code of Behaviour

APPRAISALS
Each new member of staff undergoes an appraisal after a 6 month probationary period

TRAINING
In Craven Volunteer Centre the management takes responsibility for the training needs of staff and volunteers. The individual, however, also plays a part in identifying areas in which they feel they require training

ANNUAL APPRAISAL
There is an official annual appraisal for each member of staff