Volunteer Policy

Reach, Student Development and Activities Service, London Metropolitan University

What YOU can expect:

  • Support, supervision, training and advice when preparing to volunteer and when volunteering.
  • A choice of quality voluntary posts.
  • Able to decide when you want to volunteer and how much time you would like to give
  • Know the nature and content of any volunteering before placement and what is expected of you
  • Volunteer in a safe environment
  • A fulfilling and enjoyable volunteering experience where you will develop self-confidence and learn new skills.
  • Able to claim reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of your volunteering upon production of receipts.
  • Receive recognition for the effort you make.
  • Be insured whilst volunteering and be informed of any legal issues, especially those relevant to your project
  • Reach will endeavour to resolve any problems you encounter appropriately and efficiently
  • Able to say ‘no’ to any tasks you don't feel comfortable with.  You will never be expected to volunteer more time than you feel able to. Also, academic commitments will be taken into account.
  • Be treated fairly in accordance with Equal Opportunities policies.  Not be excluded on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability - an open access policy will be actively encouraged.
  • Should you ever be unhappy with a staff member, a co-ordinator or another volunteer, grievance procedures are in place.  These may be discussed with your project co-ordinator or a member of staff who will help you. 
  • Similarly, in the unlikely event that formal action has to be taken against you due to misconduct please refer to the Student Misconduct policy in your Student Handbook or in the case of staff your Employee Handbook.
  • Be able to withdraw from volunteering or change projects with reasonable notice
  • Reach strives to continually review the service provided based on your experiences and feedback
  • Your personal details will be treated as strictly confidential in line with relevant data protection legislation.

We expect YOU to:

  • Adhere to Reach policies at all times whilst volunteering
  • Act within the policies and regulations of the external placement organisation with whom you volunteer
  • Be reliable and clear about the commitment you can give and stick to it
  • Attend appropriate training sessions and meetings, and to assist us in arranging suitable times.   
  • Act as a representative for Reach and the University - be professional, mature and sensitive
  • Respect and understand the needs and wishes of other volunteers, Reach co-ordinators and staff.  Please support your fellow volunteers to the best of your ability
  • Inform Reach staff if you are experiencing any difficulties with your voluntary work or if you need any further support
  • Inform Reach staff if you wish to withdraw from a project
  • Treat others fairly and in accordance with Equal Opportunities policies.  Not to exclude anyone on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability.
  • Speak up if you feel your rights are not being respected
  • Speak up if you see potential danger and never put yourself or others at risk
  • Respect the confidentiality of others - but don’t promise to keep a secret unless you’re sure that it’s appropriate
  • Confidentiality of information will be adhered to at all times, unless directed otherwise by your organisations policies and procedures.
  • Reach asks all organisations who work with under 18’s and vulnerable adults to provide proof of their policies to safeguard them.  All volunteers must read and abide by these policies [1].
  • Keep Reach informed of any changes to your contact details or availability
  • Give Reach feedback to improve the service it provides.
  • In appropriate situations, corrective action may be taken following an evaluation. The action can be taken either by Reach or the external organisation. Examples of corrective action include the requirement of additional training, re-assignment of a volunteer to a new position, suspension of the volunteer, dismissal from volunteer service and, more seriously, disciplinary action. Please, refer to our Disciplinary Procedures for more information.

[1] As Reach is involved in a wide range of activities for young people we follow "Aimsafer, A Framework for Safeguarding Children & Young People in Higher Education Institutions" (http://www.londonaimhigher.ac.uk/docs/Aimsafer.pdf).

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