Policy, Data Protection, and Volunteer Information

Policy on Volunteering

1. Introduction

[Police Scotland Angels, PSA's] aim to: provide support and assistance to parties who have been failed by police processes or other official authorities. PSA's are volunteers who offer a range of services, including emotional support, practical help, and advocacy mediation. Our volunteer skills vary and come from a background in Law, Education, Ex Civil service, Lived experience, IT, Counselling, and Holistic Health. Volunteers make a vital contribution to our aims. We recognize the added value that volunteers bring to our organization and those who use our services.

PSA's aim to have a reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationship with our volunteers throughout their involvement, informing and developing our work, enabling individuals to learn skills and achieve personal development through their volunteering.

The involvement of volunteers will be guided by the following principles of good practice:

Tasks to be performed by volunteers will be clearly defined, so that everyone is comfortable with their respective roles and responsibilities.
The organization will comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 in the use of data held on all volunteers.
Volunteers will be provided with regular opportunities to share ideas/concerns with a named contact in line with our Support and guidance Policy.
All existing and future policies will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they are compliant, fair and honorable.

2. The Purpose of this Policy

By adopting this policy [Police Scotland Angels] aims to:

Highlight and acknowledge the value of the contribution made by volunteers.
Reflect the purpose, values, standards and strategies of the organization in its approach to involving volunteers.
Recognise the respective roles, rights and responsibilities of volunteers.
Confirm this organization’s commitment to involving volunteers in its work.
Establish clear principles for the involvement of volunteers.
Ensure the ongoing quality of both the volunteering opportunities on offer and the work carried out by our volunteers.

This policy provides an overview of the activities carried out by volunteers currently and

provides a basis for the expansion, if required, for the role of volunteers alongside paid staff.

This document and the associated policy, procedures and guidance provide a framework for

the involvement of volunteers.

3. Recruitment and Selection

[Police Scotland Angels ] will adhere to its equalities and diversity policy when recruiting and selecting volunteers. All potential volunteers will be asked to complete a volunteer’s application/registration form listed below. Written task descriptions will outline time, commitment, necessary skills and actual duties. Where there is specific training required this will be highlighted as part of the recruitment process. Where there is a requirement for a Disclosure Check, it will be highlighted as part of the recruitment process. All volunteers will be required to provide 2 references. Where individuals cannot be placed, we will endeavor to

refer them to another agency who may be able to support them.

4. Support and Supervision

Once placed, we will expect volunteers to comply with existing policies and procedures.

All volunteers will have an induction to their volunteering which will involve an overview of

the relevant policies and procedures. Following Induction, volunteers will have regular support and supervision meetings with a named contact to identify potential areas for development, or to discuss any issues. A record of these discussions will be held as part of the individual volunteer’s records. Volunteers can have access to their records at any time. Volunteers will be able to claim reasonable travel expenses for their volunteering. Volunteers should discuss any planned expenditure prior to incurring expenses to ensure it will be covered by the organization.

5. Problem Solving

Where a concern is highlighted – either by a volunteer or about a volunteer, this will be dealt with using the organization’s Disciplinary, Grievance and Dismissal Policy.

6. Responsibility

Overall responsibility for the implementations, monitoring, and review of the policy and

procedures lie with [police Scotland Angels assigned Admin officer ].

Implementation and adherence to this policy is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers.