Volunteering is a rewarding relationship when all participants in the relationship have a mutual respect and desire to co-operate in meeting designated needs. To provide everyone with a clearer view of his/her role, the following identifies the rights and responsibilities of the volunteer at Bentleigh Bayside Community Health and of the staff the volunteer works with and endeavours to assist.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND TRUST
The Volunteer’s...
Right to privacy and confidentiality from staff
Responsibility to treat all information about a client as confidential, regardless of the source of information.
The Organisation’s...
Responsibility to respect the privacy of the volunteer and to treat all information as confidential
SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION
The Volunteer’s...
Right to receive support from the Centre through:
- Orientation
- Training Programs
- Regular meetings for Inservice Training and socialisation
- Availability of staff to discuss issues related to volunteer work.
Right to be kept informed of any relevant changes or information related to his/her volunteer work.
Right to know that his/her work is appreciated and effective and how if necessary it may be improved.
Right to have his/her voluntary work recognised with:
- Thankyou letter where appropriate
- Certificates of Service
- References where required
- Verbal feedback.
Right to be able to offer suggestions and recommendations to staff if these might increase the effectiveness of the program.
Responsibility to give support and commitment to the Centre.
Responsibility to notify the Centre if unable to fulfil his/her commitment so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Responsibility to be considerate and to respect the members of the team.
The Organisation’s...
Responsibility to give necessary information and appropriate feedback to the volunteer worker.
Responsibility to demonstrate appreciation and the effectiveness of the work done by the volunteer, and to communicate any ways where changes need to be made.
Responsibility to plan and co-ordinate the work to avoid wasting the volunteer’s time
Right to expect teamwork, reliability and co-operation from the volunteer.
KEEPING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES AND KNOWING THE TASK
The Volunteer’s...
Right to know what is involved in the task and to accept only as much responsibility as he/she wishes.
Right to refuse tasks, which do not suit, which may be too difficult or which may interfere with the volunteer’s lifestyle or well being.
Right to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses.
Responsibility to be aware of the consequences of being over - involved so that it becomes a burden rather than a pleasure.
Responsibility to be aware of his/her motives and needs regarding the voluntary work and to stipulate any limitations.
Responsibility not to undertake extra tasks for a client other than those defined, without prior consultation with appropriate team members.
The Organisation’s...
Responsibility to inform the volunteer as much as necessary about the work involved and to accept if the volunteer does not wish to do all or some aspects of that work.
Right to expect honesty from volunteers regarding their intended commitment and attitude to the task, and any problems that may be encountered.
Responsibility to be frank with volunteers regarding the extent of the commitment required and the nature of the tasks.
INSURANCE
The Volunteer’s...
Right to Personal Accident Insurance Cover and Public Liability Cover whilst working for the Centre.
Responsibility to only do the job requested by the Centre and of which the Centre is aware.
Responsibility to complete an Incident Report Form after any accident or mishap.
The Organisation’s...
Responsibility to assist the volunteer in the completion of an Incident Report Form should an accident or injury occur.
Responsibility to inform the volunteers of their right for Insurance Cover and to offer necessary support in the event of a mishap.