Volunteer Requirements
You do not need to have any academic qualifications to become a volunteer, just a willingness to give your time and a desire to help others. Tasks are varied and include office administration, answering the telephone, assisting users of the service, participating at fundraising events, cleaning and maintenance of mobility equipment.
There is a big difference between helping your neighbour or a friend and becoming a volunteer. When you help a neighbour or friend you do so in your own way, at a time to suit you and without any expectations. Volunteering for Shopmobility means that the Charity will have certain expectations of you regarding your voluntary role.
This also means that you can now expect help and support with your voluntary role and your contribution will be valued. You will also have the opportunity to meet other volunteers and be able to influence the development of your voluntary role. Additionally, you will become a representative of Shopmobility and the charity will need to know that you are reliable and trustworthy. You may also be given information relating to the scheme, which will need to remain confidential.
Volunteer Enrolment Process
You will be asked to complete a personal details form and give the details of two referees. This is essential, as you will gain a lot of personal information about the people you will meet in connection with your role as a volunteer. Depending on your involvement with members, you may be required to provide information to enable the Scheme to perform a DBS check.
You will have an informal chat with the Coordinator prior to starting as a volunteer and this will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You should use this to gauge whether the specified role is one that you really want to take up. You should be clear as to what the role entails, what kind of organisation Shopmobility Melton Mowbray is and whether you agree with its aims, priorities and methods of working.
Volunteering whilst in receipt of benefits
You are strongly advised to declare all volunteering to the relevant authorities and/or agencies and to secure all relevant permissions, along with any other specific terms and conditions related to your volunteering, in writing, prior to commencing any volunteering with Shopmobility.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all necessary permissions, that you are not contravening any entitlement, and to comply with all terms and conditions agreed. Shopmobility will not accept any liability for loss of benefits, or any actions that may be taken against you, as a direct result of your failure to disclose your volunteering or any associated expenses to the appropriate authorities.
Your Role
Your role as a volunteer will be to support the staff in the day to day running of the service. The tasks you will be given will depend on what you agree to do during your interview.
Induction and Training
Shopmobility Melton Mowbray will provide an induction to familiarise yourself with your new role. Further training will be given to you as and when required.
Health and Safety
Shopmobility considers the promotion of the Health and Safety of its staff, volunteers and users to be of essential importance. Health and Safety issues will be highlighted throughout your induction. If you have any health and safety concerns you should speak to a member of staff immediately.
Expenses
You should always check that reimbursement is possible before incurring any expenses.
Equal Opportunities
Shopmobility Melton is an equal opportunity charity. A copy of the policy is prominent in the office and available upon request.
The charity really hopes that you enjoy volunteering for the scheme. However, in case there are any initial worries, if you want to clear up any concerns or maybe change some of the tasks you are doing then please speak to a coordinator to discuss these.