The following sections contains key points for all Volunteer Responders including Steward Volunteers.
Page last reviewed: 28 November 2023
The following sections contains key points for all Volunteer Responders including Steward Volunteers.
Page last reviewed: 28 November 2023
We want to make your volunteering experience with us enjoyable, rewarding and safe.
The information below outlines what we can expect from each other whilst you volunteer with us.
By agreeing to the terms and conditions in the sign-up process you are confirming that you have read and understood the requirements of the activity/ies for which you have applied for as a volunteer. This includes confirmation that you understand the boundaries and responsibilities associated with your role and know of no reason that you are unable to safely and competently perform your duties.
Page last reviewed: 20 December 2023
As our volunteer activities evolve, we want to put extra measures in place to ensure the safety of our volunteers.
We would like to invite all volunteers to provide an emergency contact to
their GoodSAM profile. We will only use this information in the event of an emergency or if our Support Teams can’t contact you when completing volunteering activity.
Page last reviewed: 20 December 2023
During your volunteering you will come across personal and sensitive information about individuals as part of the support you will offer. We want to make sure that all information stays safe and confidential in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR Regulations 2018.
We want you to treat other people’s personal information in the same way you would want yours to be treated. If you do acquire information about a person you may be supporting (for example, names, addresses and possible medical information), we ask that you maintain confidentiality and do not discuss or disclose any data or information with anyone outside of Royal Voluntary Service, or with anyone who doesn’t need to know.
Taking photographs of people is also considered personal data. We ask volunteers not to take photos of people being supported you or other organisations since this could compromise someone’s confidentiality.
We recommend that you call the person you are supporting from a withheld number. This is to protect you from unsolicited calls and to ensure safeguarding procedures are followed. To withhold your number on individual calls just dial 141[2] before the telephone number you want to call.
Page last reviewed: 16 November 2023
You will support a wide range of people in diverse communities and we ask that you make sure everyone feels supported, welcomed and valued for who they are.
We all have a part to play in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everybody, and hope the resources and links found are useful throughout your volunteering journey as a Volunteer Responder.
You might find it helpful to reflect on some of your own experiences or good practice and sharing them to benefit others. If you would like to do this, email [email protected][3]
Over the coming months we will be hosting learning opportunities via this page on a range of topics celebrating all identities and providing tips and useful resources to support you.
To get you started below are some top tips:
Our Inclusion Hub[4] includes links and resources to improve your understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Watch this short video (approx 5-6 minutes) that introduces Equality, Diversity and Inclusion[5]
Page last reviewed: 25 January 2024
At Royal Voluntary Service we place the safeguarding and wellbeing of volunteers, employees and people we support above anything else.
You may come across vulnerable adults or adults at risk of harm and they should never experience abuse of any kind. We want you to be alert to any signs or patterns of abuse or deterioration in wellbeing or anything that may concern you and always raise your suspicions.
Be assured you will always be supported by the charity and not raising your concerns is worse than raising a suspicion that is incorrect. If anyone tells you of any type of abuse then remain calm, listen and reassure them that it will be taken seriously. Don’t promise confidentiality as you will need to speak to a limited number of people once you have this information and we ask that you ALWAYS report this to the Support Team who will escalate to the Safeguarding Team.
Our Support Team is available to support volunteers with any queries or concerns. They are available between 9am – 6pm, 7 days a week 0808 196 3382.[6]
Page last reviewed: 01 April 2024
Royal Voluntary Service needs to be informed of any accident or incident, no matter how small. It ensures we are doing everything we can to make your role as safe and risk-free as possible.
Therefore, any accident or incident that happens must be reported even when the person that has been injured says they are okay. For example, a volunteer may fall coming into a building and bruise their knee, other than being a little shaken, they appear to be fine. This incident needs to be reported as the fall may have caused further damage to themselves that they may not be aware of at the time.
Page last reviewed: 03 November 2023
All volunteers who are willing to drive their own vehicles for Royal Voluntary Service must read the information below and confirm that they have the following arrangements in place:
Volunteers using their own car for voluntary purposes to support others should check the information on the Association of British Insurers website[8] before undertaking any driving or other activity with your vehicle as you may not be insured, the information includes a list of insurers who do not charge extra for volunteer driving.
If you are involved in a road traffic accident or an incident which results in damage to your vehicle, loss or damage to property or injury to any people you must tell our Support Team 0808 196 3382[7]. All incidents and accidents must be recorded and reported in accordance with the incident, accident and allegation reporting procedures.
Follow the guidance below if you are involved in a vehicle accident:
Page last reviewed: 11 March 2024
We want to make your volunteering experience with us enjoyable, rewarding and safe, and believe it’s important to make sure you’re not out-of-pocket for doing so.
We want to make your volunteering experience with us enjoyable, rewarding and safe, and believe it’s important to make sure you’re not out-of-pocket for doing so. You can find full guidance for understanding how the process works and how to claim back reasonable expenses within 1 month of the expense being incurred, such as mileage, phone calls and bus fares using our NHS and Care Volunteer Responder Expenses System.
Page last reviewed: 25 January 2024