This policy has been created to ensure our volunteers understand the vital role they play within the rescue. At Makants Greyhound Rescue there are many volunteer roles including, but not limited to: dog walker, kennel helper, fundraiser, home checker, admin worker, crafter.
Volunteer activities will be within the personal limitations of the volunteer and are not a replacement for paid members of staff. All volunteers must be 16 years of age and over due to insurance purposes and any volunteer drivers must be over 25 years of age and in possession of a clean driving licence.
We recruit volunteers using formal and informal procedures and any person joining the volunteer team is expected to complete a formal application for volunteering. The details on this form will be kept securely in accordance with GDPR regulations and not shared with anyone.
Depending on the role being offered volunteers can attend an informal information session on site whereby they are shown the premises and given more information about the role they have applied for. This includes opportunities to ask questions. Applicants can then decide if they wish to take their application further.
If an applicant wishes to continue their volunteer application with us as a dog walker they are invited for an trial session to assess their suitability for the role. At this point decisions can be made as to whether they can be accepted or rejected. If they are accepted they are able to access the Makants volunteer Facebook group community.
Volunteers may also join Makants under more informal circumstances (i.e. they are already known to us) but their recruitment must always be approved by a Trustee member.
Training:
Volunteers are encouraged to attend any training sessions provided by the rescue as and when they are offered.
Safety:
All volunteers should be aware of our dog walking guidelines which are posted on our website, around the kennels site, and on the dog walking rota – and which must be adhered to.
Due to insurance purposes dog walking volunteers are to walk in groups of no more than 6 greyhounds.
Due to the nature of dog walking and being in the community with the general public there may be instances and situations that cannot be foreseen. Volunteers are advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to report any suspicious activity or anything they deem dangerous or concerning in the surrounding area. This reporting must be done on return to the kennels site or if urgent reported to Siobhan by phone on 07960561988 immediately.
If our volunteers are present on other sites eg undertaking a fundraising activity, they must ensure they co-operate with members of staff and follow any instructions given to them. Health and Safety issues or any other concerns should be reported to the senior volunteer on duty who will feed back to the Trustees.
Risk assessments:
Risk assessments are in place for areas around the kennels site and for off site fundraising activities too. They are updated yearly. Policies are available for inspection in the office on the kennels site.
All incidents and accidents while volunteering for Makants Greyhound Rescue MUST be reported to the senior kennel staff member/senior volunteer on duty and recorded. Health and Safety paperwork is held securely in the office.
All volunteers are responsible for working safely and should actively participate in creating a safe volunteering environment for all. Any concerns should be reported to the senior staff member/senior volunteer at the time for further action to be taken.
Conduct and performance:
All volunteers should:
Feel equally valued and their skills and experience should be utilised effectively
Be kept up to date with the wider activities of the charity.
(The Makants volunteers’ Facebook page routinely shares useful information for all volunteers. On a once yearly basis we provide the opportunity for volunteers to comment on the work of the rescue with an anonymous questionnaire. This information is discussed at the next Trustee meeting with feedback given either via the Volunteers Facebook page or to an individual personally if contact details are given).
Be able to volunteer in an open friendly environment
Feel able to resolve any issues they may have with their volunteering duties
The rescue expects volunteers to:
Be reliable
Be honest
Respect confidentiality and the privacy of other volunteers
Make the most of any training opportunities
Always carry out duties in a way that positively reflects the aims and values of the rescue
Respect the work of the rescue and not bring it into disrepute
Comply with the rescue’s policies
Be aware of the fact that, after attempting to resolve any issues, if the relationship between Makants Greyhound Rescue and an individual volunteer has broken down, we may withdraw your right to volunteer for the rescue.
Settling differences:
We aim to treat all volunteers fairly and consistently. The rescue aims to ensure that volunteers’ views are heard noted and acted on. If a volunteers behaviour is repeatedly or seriously unacceptable they may be asked to change their role or to leave their volunteering role at the rescue.
We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying and harassment of any kind. A volunteer whose conduct is deemed grossly improper can be asked to leave immediately and be removed from any chance of volunteering in the future.
We seek to provide an environment in which all are treated equally
Insurance:
The rescues public liability insurance policy includes the activities of volunteers and liability towards them. The organisation does not insure the volunteer’s personal possessions or clothing against loss or damage.
Confidential information:
All volunteers personal information will be held securely and access will be restricted to those who need it in accordance with GDPR regulations. We will not send your information onto any other organisations without your permission.
Remember that there is a difference between keeping something confidential and keeping a secret for a member. Volunteers should never promise a member that they are able to keep any information told to them secret.
Rights and responsibilities:
All volunteers should:
Know what is expected of them
Have adequate support in their volunteering
Receive appreciation
Volunteer in a safe environment
At Makants Greyhound Rescue we recognise the time and commitment our volunteers make and greatly value their contributions, the rescue simply could not exist without them.
February 2025