Dancefest Volunteering Policy

Dancefest Volunteering Policy

Introduction

Dancefest is the dance development organisation for Herefordshire and Worcestershire and exists to enable anyone to experience the joy of dance. In our eyes everyone is a dancer, regardless of age, ability or experience. Our work is about joining in – we run over 30 weekly classes across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, lead projects in schools, colleges and universities as well as in community settings, such as residential homes. With us, people get moving, have fun, explore their talents and are able to express themselves as they wish.

Dancefest is committed to involving volunteers directly within the organisation to:

• Contribute to the delivery of our services.
• Form our board of management.
• Make sure we are responsive to the needs of our users.
• Provide different skills and perspectives.
• Offer opportunities for participation by people who might otherwise be excluded.

 This volunteer policy sets out the principles and practice by which we involve volunteers.

2. Principles

 Dancefest

• Recognises that voluntary work brings benefits to volunteers themselves, to its participants and to paid staff.
• Will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to the organisation’s work.
• Will not introduce volunteers to replace paid staff.
• Expects that staff at all levels will work positively with volunteers and, where appropriate, will actively seek to involve them in their work.
• Recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.
• Will endeavour to identify and cover the costs of involving volunteers.
• Recognises that the management of volunteers requires designated responsibilities within specific posts.
• Will endeavour to involve volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities and ensure our volunteering opportunities are as accessible as possible.

3. Recruitment

Recruitment of volunteers will generally be from all sections of the community, and will be in line with Dancefest’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Positive action in recruitment may be used where appropriate.

People interested in becoming volunteers with Dancefest will be invited for an informal talk with the appropriate contact person. They will be given general information about the organisation and specific information on the volunteer post in which they are interested. Volunteer Board Members will be given a role specific induction and information pack.

All volunteers will be asked to complete a registration form appropriate to the role that they are applying for and to supply two references. Where applicants are not placed in the role applied for, they will be provided with feedback and given the opportunity to discuss alternative volunteering roles.

Every volunteer role will undergo a risk assessment. For volunteer roles which involve ‘regulated work’ such as sustained and direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, Dancefest has a legal obligation to ensure that volunteers are not barred from working with children or vulnerable groups. This information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

4. Volunteer Agreements and Voluntary Work Outlines

Volunteers will receive a role description and volunteer agreement containing full information about their chosen area of work and a clear idea of their responsibilities and the volunteer’s responsibilities to them.

There will be a trial period, and the volunteering agreement will be reviewed regularly.

5. Induction and Training

Volunteers will be given induction and training appropriate to the specific tasks to be undertaken.

6. Support

Volunteers will be assigned a named contact person who will provide regular support. Support sessions will provide the opportunity for ongoing dialogue about the development of the volunteering role and any advice and guidance as needed.

7. The Volunteer’s Voice

Volunteers will be consulted in decisions which affect them. Dancefest is committed to developing consultation and representational procedures for volunteers.

8. Records

Minimum details will be kept on volunteers. This will include the registration form, references, placement details, emergency contact, correspondence and any other relevant information.

9. Volunteer benefits

In exchange for your help Dancefest offers free classes, to be arranged on a one to one basis. (This does not apply to people on work placements/Arts Award/DofE Award etc).

10. Insurance

Volunteers will be covered by insurance while carrying out agreed duties.

11. Health and Safety

Dancefest will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the volunteers’ health, safety and welfare while at work in accordance with our Health and Safety policy.

12. Equal Opportunities

Volunteers and staff will work in accordance with Dancefest's equal opportunities policy and will prevent discrimination on any grounds.

13. Problems

Dancefest has a policy to help deal with grievances that volunteers may have. In line with this policy volunteers have the right to discuss any concerns they may have with their named contact at any time.

14. Endings

When volunteers move on from their role at Dancefest they will be asked to provide feedback on the volunteering experience by way of an exit questionnaire. They will also be given the opportunity to discuss their responses to the questionnaire more fully with their named contact person.

On the basis of their voluntary work, volunteers will have the right to request a reference. Volunteers will be supported to move on to other options.

Dancefest has a policy on how it will deal with any disciplinary issue.

15. Monitoring and Evaluation

Dancefest will systematically monitor and evaluate its use of volunteers with reference to this Volunteer Policy.

This policy will be reviewed bi-annually.