Organisations RIGHTS

• To interview/screen and check all applicants as per organisational policies and procedures.
• To say NO to the volunteer if they are not suitable for the position.
• Select the best volunteer for the job.
• Expect volunteers to adhere to their Job Descriptions.
• Offer volunteers training and support in their roles.
• Ask that the volunteer is loyal to their organisation.
• Encourage clear and open communications from the volunteer.
• Negotiate work assignments with their volunteers.
• Evaluate volunteers on a regular basis.
• Agencies, as well as volunteers, also have rights and responsibilities.

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR VOLUNTEER INVOLVING ORGANISATIONS

To promote excellence in service and maximise the quality of volunteers’ experience, an organisation will:

• Empower volunteers to meet their own and agency needs.
• Offer volunteers work opportunities appropriate to their skills, experience and aspirations.
• Provide volunteers with clear duty statements and orientation to their work and the agency.
• Offer training and support for volunteers to achieve goals.
• Implement procedures to ensure volunteer safety and well-being.
• Offer reimbursement or other compensation to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
• Recognise volunteers as valued team members, with opportunities to participate in relevant agency decisions.
• Provide mechanisms to acknowledge the value of contributions made by volunteers.

(This CODE OF PRACTICE was developed by E Kingsley and B Tomlins for the South East Community Development Council, in conjunction with the Volunteer Centre of WA and the Lotteries Commission of WA 1992.)