Volunteers: The Practicalities…

Edition 5 – Wednesday 22 April

British Red Cross publishes free guide for coronavirus responders
The British Red Cross has developed a new step-by-step guide to help local charities, mutual aid groups and individuals to support people in their communities safely.

Shaun Delaney, volunteering development manager at NCVO, said: “This is a really simple and practical way for people to build their confidence … I’d recommend it to any charity or group working with the public right now.”

Practical support for organisations using volunteers
NCVO has a useful page on their website with all sorts of information regarding volunteers, including:
•    Paying for goods or services
•    Safeguarding
•    DBS checks
•    Data protection
•    Recognising and reporting scams

Volunteer insurance
If you work with volunteers, you should consider the types of insurance cover needed to protect them and your organisation.  We understand that separate guidance on NHS volunteers is that they do not need additional insurance, or even to contact their insurance companies, if they are working on Covid-19 response.

Edition 2 – Wednesday 1 April

GDPR
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) recognises the unprecedented challenges we are all facing during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  They say “We know you might need to share information quickly or adapt the way you work. Data protection will not stop you doing that. It’s about being proportionate – if something feels excessive from the public’s point of view, then it probably is.  And the ICO is here to help” See here or call the ICO on 0303 123 1113.   (In my personal experience, they are very helpful and pragmatic).

Quick videos to help volunteers
Four video animations have been produced and are available on the CVS Network website.  These videos provide bite size and accessible information on: supporting volunteers; Supporting safeguarding Practical; telephone befriending Supporting and advice for volunteers Supporting. They are each between 2 and 4 minutes long, and well worth directing people to.

Helping you to manage volunteers
Community First have written 3 documents to support you in managing volunteers during the current crisis:  Covid 19 Volunteer Handbook; Supporting Handling Money Guide Money; Volunteer Sample Risk Assessment.

Do’s and Don’ts
A good ‘do’s and don’ts sheet for volunteers and pop up groups. Supporting and practical

Edition 1 – Thursday 26 March

DBS checks
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced temporary changes to identification checking guidelines which enable ID documents to be viewed digitally, rather than having to see physical documents. This will allow necessary DBS checks to still be carried out to ensure that volunteers working with children and vulnerable people are suitable and safe to do so.