FAQ

Why become a Volunteer?

By engaging with their local community, volunteers have the opportunity to utilise their skills to make a positive contribution in the lives of others. Becoming a volunteer has many benefits including personal and professional development, improved health and the chance to develop social contacts.

Where can I volunteer?

We currently operate three programs, Pathways to Employment, Spontaneous Disaster Volunteer and Social Enterprise Cafe.

Volunteer opportunities also occurs within not-for-profit organisations and community events such as music festivals and sporting competitions. You can work in many different environments whether it be indoors or outdoors, in a group or alone and at different times of day.

Are there any special requirements?

Depending on the volunteer position you’re applying for, you may be required to undergo a police check or possess a blue card if the position includes contact with a minor.

Are volunteers covered by insurance?

Any volunteer involving organisation is strongly urged to have adequate insurance cover to protect its volunteers. It is advisable for volunteers to enquire about what forms of insurance an agency has. Common types of insurance policies are:

VOLUNTARY WORKERS PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Provides financial compensation for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by an accident which results in the injury or death of a volunteer in the course of performing authorised voluntary work.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE
Covers compensation and legal costs for claims made against an organisation for personal injury or property damage.

Will I be required to undertake any training?

All volunteers should expect to receive adequate training to complete the tasks expected of them. Any training expenses should be covered by the agency.

What are the rights & responsibilities of volunteers & agencies?

Volunteers have the right to

work in a healthy and safe environment
be interviewed and employed in accordance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation
be adequately covered by insurance
be given accurate and truthful information about the organisation for which you are working
be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the organisation for which you are working
be given a copy of the organisation’s volunteer policy and any other policy that affects your work
not fill a position previously held by a paid worker
not to do the work of paid staff during industrial disputes
have a job description and agreed working hours
have access to a grievance procedure
be provided with orientation to the organisation
have your confidential and personal information dealt with in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act 1988
be provided with sufficient training to do the job

Volunteers have the responsiblity to

be reliable
respect confidentiality
carry out the specified tasks defined in the job description
be accountable
be committed to the organisation
undertake training as requested
ask for support when you need it
give notice before you leave the organisation
value and support other team members
carry out the work you have agreed to do responsibly and ethically
notify the organisation as soon as possible of absences
adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures

Organisations have the right to

receive as much effort and service from an unpaid worker as a paid one, even on a short term basis
expect conscientious acceptance of responsibilities as to promptness, reliability and good performance
expect enthusiasm and belief in the work the organisation is doing
express opinions about poor volunteer effort in a diplomatic way and suggest a change to another job
make a decision as to where the volunteer would best fit
expect from the volunteer clear and open communication at all times
expect loyalty to the agency and only constructive criticism
expect from volunteers given leaderships responsibilities, an effective work productivity
release an unsuitable volunteer

Organisations have the responsiblity to

plan the volunteer program before recruiting volunteers
recruit, interview and select the right volunteer for the right job
provide written job descriptions and procedures for volunteer jobs
orientate volunteers by providing information about the organisation’s purpose, structure, programs, policies and procedures
provide initial training and ongoing training where necessary
include volunteers in decision making where decisions affect volunteers’ work
keep records of volunteers’ goals, training and feedback support sessions
communicate clear expectations and provide the appropriate support and supervision for volunteers
formally and informally recognise volunteers efforts in the organisation
continually evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of volunteers in the organisation