Volunteer Policy

Soul of the Junction SCIO

Charity Number: SC053656
Adopted: 09.01.2026
Review date: 08.01.2027

1. Policy statement

Soul of the Junction SCIO values the contribution of volunteers and recognises that volunteering is central to our work and community impact. We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive and supportive volunteering environment where everyone is treated with respect and feels valued.

Volunteers play an essential role in helping us deliver activities, support our community spaces and build a welcoming, resilient rural community.

2. Scope of the policy

This policy applies to all volunteers engaged with Soul of the Junction SCIO, including:

Event volunteers
Activity and session support volunteers
Community hall support volunteers
Trustees acting in a voluntary capacity

3. Principles of volunteering

We are committed to:

Equal opportunities and inclusion
Clear roles and expectations
Appropriate training and support
Safe and respectful volunteering
Recognition and appreciation

Volunteering is unpaid and based on mutual trust and shared values.

4. Volunteer roles & responsibilities

Volunteers may support:

Community events and workshops
Children’s activities, cinema sessions and soft play
Gardening and outdoor projects
Community café / kitchen initiatives
Administrative and organisational tasks

Each volunteer role will:

Have a clear description
Include appropriate supervision
Reflect safeguarding and health & safety requirements

5. Recruitment & selection

We aim to make volunteering accessible and welcoming.

Recruitment may include:

Informal conversations or expressions of interest
Role outlines
References where appropriate
PVG checks for roles involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults

Selection decisions are based on suitability, skills and commitment.

6. Safeguarding & PVG

Soul of the Junction SCIO is committed to safeguarding.

Volunteers must follow the Safeguarding Policy
PVG checks will be carried out where legally required
Volunteers are expected to report safeguarding concerns immediately

7. Training & support

We provide:

Induction and orientation
Ongoing guidance and support
Access to relevant policies
Opportunities to ask questions and share feedback

Volunteers are supported by trustees or designated leads.

8. Health & safety

Volunteers must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
Follow health & safety procedures
Use equipment appropriately
Report hazards, accidents or near misses

9. Expenses

Where possible, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed in line with agreed procedures. Volunteers should keep receipts and seek approval in advance where required.

10. Code of conduct

Volunteers are expected to:

Act respectfully and responsibly
Maintain appropriate boundaries
Treat all participants with dignity
Avoid discrimination, bullying or harassment
Represent the charity positively

11. Problem-solving & complaints

Volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns informally in the first instance. Formal concerns can be raised under the Complaints Policy.

12. Ending a volunteering role

Volunteers may end their role at any time. The charity may also end a volunteering arrangement if:

Policies are not followed
Behaviour puts others at risk
The role is no longer required

This will be handled fairly and respectfully.

13. Recognition & appreciation

We value and recognise the contribution of volunteers through:

Thanks and acknowledgements
Inclusion in communications
Opportunities to shape activities

14. Review & responsibility

The Board of Trustees is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy.

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required.

Approval

This Volunteer Policy was approved by the Board of Trustees of Soul of the Junction SCIO on:

Date: _09.01.2026
Signed: S SAVOVA
Role: Trustee