Indian Queens Victory Hall Volunteer Policy
Volunteering with Indian Queens Victory Hall
About us
The Indian Queens Victory Hall was built in 1921 for the use of the community of Indian
Queens and the surrounding area. The Hall is managed by Trustees which form a committee
of a maximum of 20.
The Hall employs a caretaker but is mostly supported by volunteers.
Purpose of our volunteer policy
Our volunteer policy has been created to show our volunteers and potential volunteers that we
have spent time and care in planning how volunteers will be welcomed at Indian Queens
Victory Hall. It also outlines that all volunteers will be treated in a fair and consistent way. It
should also help our volunteers understand what support is available to them and what they
can expect from us.
Our vision and mission for volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to share your enthusiasm, skills and ideas whilst having fun and
meeting like-minded people. By volunteering for Indian Queens Victory Hall you will be making
a positive contribution to community development in our area. Volunteers are vital to our work.
Attracting volunteers and volunteer agreement
We have a range of opportunities for volunteers to get involved in. You can look at the
Facebook page or our website for volunteering roles. All you need to do then is to complete
our very short Volunteer Registration Form. Alternatively, you can come along to any Hall
event in person and enquire about becoming a volunteer.
Once we receive a copy of your completed registration form, a member of our team will get in
touch with more information on specific opportunities and we can decide together which option
best matches your interests and time availability and also our needs. Your help will be greatly
appreciated and really will make a difference.
DBS Checks
Some volunteer roles will require a DBS check to inform Indian Queens Victory Hall of any
criminal convictions that a person wishing to volunteer may have. For example, any volunteer
position which involves regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults will be subject to a
DBS check. In this event Indian Queens Victory Hall will work with the volunteer in line with our
confidentially policy, data protection policy, and our safeguarding policy. Indian Queens Victory
Hall will pay for the check to be carried out unless the volunteer already has an in date check
which is enhanced to a sufficient standard.
Application process
Once Indian Queens Victory Hall receives a request to volunteer Indian Queens Victory Hall
will arrange for an informal interview and arrange for a DBS check if the role requires one. Any
policies including the Volunteer Policy will be made available.
Induction and training
It does not matter how much you already know, as there will be opportunities to learn, and we
have roles to suit every level of expertise.
There will be an induction prepared and delivered by one of our staff. This will include:
Some information about Indian Queens Victory Hall our vision, mission and our future plans;
the role of the volunteer;
introduction to some volunteers;
tour around our facilities and see some of our initiatives;
copy of all the relevant policies including this volunteer policy and also our Health and
Safety, Expenses, Equality and Diversity and Conflict Management;
essential procedures such as timekeeping, rota;
information about training and ongoing learning opportunities
There will be a trial period of four weeks to give Indian Queens Victory Hall and you time to
discover if you are suited to each other. A review will be made midway through the trial period
and also at the end. This is not an assessment, it is just so that we can be sure that you benefit
the most from the volunteering experience and maximise the time you are giving freely.
Support
Our Volunteer Manager/Co-ordinator will offer support to you. They will remain your key
contact throughout your volunteering with us. This will include regular meetings with you to
discuss how you are getting on, discuss any training needs and deal with issues arising. This
will also ensure that Indian Queens Victory Hall are doing all we can to make your volunteering
experience an enjoyable and meaningful one.
Recognition and reward
We could not do the work we do without our volunteers. To acknowledge this we will always
say thank you and show appreciation for a job well done. There will always be a listening ear
or shoulder to lean on.
We will hold social events each year to celebrate our achievements; this might be a certificate
presentation for volunteers or a celebration at Christmas. During these events you will get an
opportunity to meet other volunteers and supporters of our work and share in our plans for the
future.
We will take opportunities in our website and Facebook page, annual general meetings, and
local and national press to praise the achievements of our volunteers.
Insurance, health and safety, accidents and risk assessment
Indian Queens Victory Hall has a valid insurance policy so that volunteers are covered by
public liability insurance, which you are advised to read. It covers the volunteering activities
you will be doing. We will keep reminding you of our Health and Safety Policy and give simple
instructions on how to perform each task safely. We have clear procedures for accidents and
emergencies and will always have a first aider on field sites.
Resolving problems
We hope that you will have a very enjoyable experience volunteering with us. However if your
role as a volunteer does not meet with your expectations or with the commitments we have
made to you, we want you to feel comfortable about letting us know. First of all, talk to the
person who leads the team where you volunteer and he or she should be able to sort it out
with you before it becomes a problem. If you do not feel this will resolve things you can speak
to the Volunteer co-ordinator.
Confidentiality
We expect all volunteers to adhere to confidentiality guidelines which will be explained to you
before you begin volunteering with us and this also includes use of social media and contact
with any press.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Indian Queens Victory Hall is committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality and
inclusion. When representing Indian Queens Victory Hall as a volunteer we expect you to
support our commitment to promoting equality.
Volunteering whilst on benefits
You can still volunteer with us if you are receiving benefits provided that we follow the legal
guidelines. We have information from the Jobs and Benefits Department which we can talk
through with you regarding the hours you can do and what you can claim for expenses
incurred through volunteering.
This is the Volunteer Policy of Indian Queens Victory Hall
Date
It will be reviewed every ________________________ months
Date of next review____________________________
Signed___________________________________________________
Position __________________________________________________
Signed ___________________________________________________
Position __________________________________________________
Indian Queens Victory Hall Charity Number: 1187709