1

Volunteer Handbook

2

Why would volunteers need a Handbook?

Reference guide - backing up info given to volunteers as part of their induction’.

What is a Handbook?

Type of reference work, or collection of instructions, intended to provide reference (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

3

Contents• Welcome and introduction

• (5) Parkinson’s disease

• (7) The Parkinson’s Disease Society

Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online).

4

Contents (continued)• (9) Volunteer opportunities• - Local branches and support groups• - Fundraising• - Telephone befriending• - Campaigning• - Research• - Board of Trustees

• (20 ) Getting involved and volunteer support

Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online).

5

Contents (continued)• (21) Policies and procedures• - Confidentiality• - Data protection• - Dealing with concerns and problems• - Equal opportunities and diversity• - Expenses• - Health and safety• - Insurance

Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online).

6

Contents (continued)

• (24) Frequently asked questions• (26) Contacts

- Volunteer opportunity contacts

Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online).

7

What info might be useful?

- Helpful Info - as part of a volunteers day to day volunteering for the organisation

- How to go about claiming expenses?

- Which forms to fill out?

- Which finance person?

- What the procedure for booking tools out is? ....

8

What info might be useful? (continued)

• Handbook - a good place to collect any full policies & procedures that you think volunteers should be in possession of.

- a more informal guide to life as a volunteer in your organisation.

9

What info might be useful? (Continued)

(a) tea making facilities,

(b) practical advice on health and safety,

( c) information on the role of the Volunteer Co-ordinator

(d) how volunteers will be supervised.

10

Frequently asked questions

• Will I get support and training?

• How much time do I need in order to volunteer?

• Do I get my expenses paid while I volunteer?

• Can I claim benefits while volunteering?

• Can I leave if I don’t like it?

Include: If any of your questions have not been answered here, please get in touch with your named contact for further information

http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/pdf/Volunteer_handbook.pdf

11

What should I consider when producing a Handbook?

• Language – clear & readable.

• Graphics / cartoons to break up text & make more user friendly.

12

Summary

• Reference guide.

• More informal guide to life as a volunteer.

• Helpful - as part of day to day volunteering.

• Collect any full policies & procedures.

13

Summary

• Handbooks are solely for the volunteers.

• Discuss with current volunteers what info they would like to have to hand.

• Induction - good place to look for likely content.

• Clear & readable.

• Use graphics & cartoons.

14

References

• Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook. http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/pdf/Volunteer_handbook.pdf

• Volunteering England. Handbooks Or Policies? http://www.volunteering.org.uk/011

15

References

• Volunteering England. What Paperwork Do I Need?

http://www.volunteering.org.uk/resources/goodpracticebank

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handbook