Volunteer Policy

Introduction

Openaid relies heavily on the unpaid work of volunteers and values their contribution highly.

Purpose

This policy is intended to ensure that volunteers working at Openaid have work that is safe, significant, fulfilling, and appreciated.

Authorisation

Executive Director
Openaid International

Policy

o All volunteers shall be treated with respect and with gratitude for their contribution.

o Volunteers shall be employed at the discretion of the management of Openaid.

o Volunteers shall carry out duties assigned by the management of Openaid.

o All volunteers shall be as far as possible protected from harm, and shall be relieved of liability for acts performed in the discharge of their volunteer functions.

Conduct with children agreement

Volunteers agree...

1. not to be alone with any child without completing the appropriate paperwork first

2. not to dive a child anywhere without first providing: proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, a record of my driving history, and writtern authorisation from the parent/guardian of the child being transported as well as Openaid management staff.

3. to escort children to the bathroom and then wait in outside room. If it is believed that the child is unsafe in the bathroom alone, then I will gointo the bathroom only if accompanied by another adult.

4. to work with a child in a room where we can easily be seen at all times, either through an inside window or an open door.

5. to refrain from inappropriate touch involving the following parts of my body and/or the child's body: genitals, buttocks, and chest. In addition, I agree not to touch any child who prefers not to be touched.

6. to refrain from kissing the child.

7. to refrain from using physical punishment with a child.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Executive Director to appoint a Volunteer Coordinator.

The Volunteer Coordinator shall be responsible for organising the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers. The Volunteer Coordinator shall report to the ED.

The Volunteer Coordinator shall assign supervisors to volunteers and shall monitor the work of the supervisor.

The appointed supervisor shall ensure that each volunteer is trained and capable of fulfilling their functions adequately.

The ED shall report to the board regularly on the Openaid volunteer program.

Procedures

Recruitment

All volunteers are subject to the screening, approval, and probationary procedures set out in the appropriate section of Openaid’s Volunteer Recruitment Policy.

Induction

All volunteers shall be offered appropriate information and training to discharge their functions, and successful completion of this training shall be a condition of carrying out these functions.

Supervision

All volunteers shall receive appropriate supervision in the exercise of their functions.