We recognise and value the diversity of experience, background, skills and perspectives that volunteers bring. The use of volunteers is encouraged in all areas of the project. This policy is designed to show how volunteers will be supported and managed in that role.
Why are we using Volunteers?
To bring added value to our Project.
The Project cannot afford a paid workforce.
To help the people of Chester engage in our Project
To help Keep St John's open to Visitors and to help them enjoy are wonderful building.
Recruitment
Advertising
Through the Local Media
Through Face-to-Face Contacts
Chester Wide Church Notices
Our Website
Flyers in local centres e.g. libraries
Applications
Can be made online through the website
Chester volunteer organisations may supply some volunteers
Volunteers maybe approached through the church
Postal applications
A recruitment process applies to all new volunteers to the organization or of the centre.
Where required by the organization project manager, volunteers will have to complete a (CRB) police check form prior to starting their voluntary work..
All appointments would be at the discretion of the project management team and subject to a probationary period to ascertain the correct choice for both parties.
Training
The role for the job will be two fold, on the first hand our Volunteers will be required in the daily duties of the self service Café providing support where needed and taking any money, they will also be responsible for taking money for the shop.
Secondly if they so wish we would give our volunteers the opportunity to give guided tours around the building to visitors.
Welcome Training:
Welcome Pack
Job specific training: (on the job training)
All operational procedures
Historical teaching will be delivered by the Rector David Chesters.
All volunteers will be issued with general guidelines of what is expected of them in their voluntary capacity.
Expenses
Volunteers may be entitled to reimbursement for travelling expenses to and from their place of volunteering. If authorised by Michael Bartlett to make claims, they should use the St John's Project Expenses Form and provide receipts where possible. Please note use one claim form per calendar month.
Support and Supervision
Carol Vick will be the volunteers point of contact should they face any problems in their role, we will endeavour to have an appreciation day for our workforce towards the end of the project and we will provide feedback on the day to day running of the scheme.
Insurance
Volunteers will be covered by our Public Liability insurance policy. Volunteers who use their cars in their volunteering role must tell their insurance company.
Equal Opportunities
St Johns is first and foremost a place of worship and prayer. People from Chester and visitors from within the UK and overseas find it a place of peace, however we recognise that St Johns is also a tourist attraction and again we would wish it to remain open, aside from normal Services, to enable as many people as possible to appreciate its rich history and matchless architecture.
To this end we will reach out to volunteers from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for all to help in the running of this project.
Health and Safety
We have conducting a full risk assessment of the premises to ensure the safety of both our visitors and volunteers to the establishment, health and safety at work will also be covered as part of our welcome training. Volunteers will have the importance and method of reporting accidents and incidents.
Grievances
Our Volunteer support officer Carol Vick will be the first point of call for any grievances made against the church or the facility and all members of the St Johns project will be available should they be required.
Confidentiality
Any personal data shall be kept in strict confidentiality abiding by the Data Protection Act (1998).
