Volunteer Policy

This policy clarifies the responsibilities and requirements for those in a volunteering role in Handcrafted.

At Handcrafted, volunteering is at the heart of our approach. We give everyone the chance to find a role and purpose, to contribute and work together shoulder-to-shoulder in a diverse community. The residents and trainees who attend Handcrafted are regularly given the opportunity to step up and take on helping roles. This is our policy for recruiting additional people to Handcrafted as volunteers.

We draw on the time, skills, and experience of a diverse range of volunteers from all walks of life to improve our provision, develop positive social networks and promote community integration.

This policy will be reviewed as required and at least annually by the group or individual responsible for review and authorised by the Trustees as below:

Group or individual responsible for review	The HR & Wellbeing Steering Group
Last review and approval	14/7/2026

Recruitment

• We recruit volunteers in line with our policy on Safer Recruitment of Volunteers. This will include a Safer Recruitment Process, including taking up references.
• Where barriers to volunteering are identified during the recruitment process, Handcrafted will work to help volunteers overcome these barriers where possible, in line with our Equal Opportunities policy.
• We will set out our expectations for voluntary opportunities in a Volunteer Agreement.

Induction

• All volunteers will receive a structured induction period to familiarise them with the work of the Handcrafted and their specific area of work. This will follow the same principles as a normal staff induction, according to the induction checklist.
• All volunteers will receive training on:
  • Safeguarding
  • Confidentiality and disclosure
  • Health and safety
  • Handcrafted ethos and values

Support and supervision

• All volunteers will have a named member of staff as their main point of contact. Their responsibilities will be to confirm the end of their induction period, provide regular supervision to feedback on progress and discuss future developments.
• A Grievance Procedure exists to deal with any unresolved problems.
• Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they feel is appropriate. Whatever commitment volunteers can give is an asset to Handcrafted. However, we ask that volunteers consider this as a commitment and if they are unable to attend for one reason or another, to inform their main point of contact with as much notice as possible. In cases of unplanned absence, volunteers are asked to make contact at least 1 hour before their session is due to begin.  
• All volunteers are covered by the Handcrafted’s insurance policy while they are on the premises or engaged in any agreed work for Handcrafted.
• Handcrafted will reimburse any travel, parking or other out-of-pocket expenses.
• Handcrafted will ensure that volunteers are made aware of health and safety procedures and requirements, and will always work to provide a safe environment for volunteers.
• Handcrafted welcomes feedback from volunteers on matters concerning the organisation.
• Handcrafted supply a reference to any volunteer seeking other voluntary work or paid employment.

Termination

• Handcrafted reserves the right to terminate the relationship with a volunteer. This will be done in writing. Handcrafted will always try to give at least two weeks’ notice of termination of the volunteering relationship but has the right to terminate the relationship without notice at any time without prejudice.
• Any volunteer wishing to withdraw from their voluntary role is asked to give their main point of contact as much notice as possible. Handcrafted would appreciate at least two weeks’ notice of a volunteer leaving their role but recognises the volunteer’s right to withdraw at any time without prejudice. The end of a volunteer agreement will be confirmed in writing.
• Volunteers will be offered an exit interview upon leaving a voluntary role.