Volunteering with HALOW (Birmingham)

Becoming a volunteer Commitment and expectations

Our commitment to you as a volunteer we will:

Always treat you with respect, consideration and appreciation. Ensure you know what tasks, duties and responsibilities are required of you, and give you the support, training and guidance to do them. Provide you with a induction, taster day, training and support throughout your time with us. Provide you with support through regular meetings which are held throughout the year. Provide you with fair, honest and regular feedback on your work.

What we expect from you as a volunteer:

Always treat all staff, volunteers, prisoners and visitors with respect, consideration and appreciation. To be open minded and non-judgemental To be friendly and supportive to our service users. To help provide a safe environment for all visitors . To help make the centre child friendly and welcoming.

Reliability and Commitment

It is very important that you are reliable and you stick to any arrangements you’ve made with us. If your circumstances change please let the Managers know as soon as possible. If you’re planning to go on holiday or you have alternative arrangement please let us know the date you will unavailable.

Suitable Work Wear

As a volunteer for HALOW (Birmingham) you are representing the charity HALOW (Birmingham). We aim to present a positive image to our service users and the prison. We ask that dress appropriately and suitably for the environment. If you are unsure what you should wear please ask a member of staff.

Enhanced DBS and Prison Vetting

HALOW (Birmingham) is involved in working with and supporting children, young people and vulnerable adults in a variety of ways. You will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check prior to volunteering within our centres. Furthermore, prison vetting is required dependant on the role of volunteering you choose.

Confidentially and Data Protection

This is vitally important. Volunteers must maintain confidentiality and Data Protection policies working with us. When you complete an application form with us you are also asked to sign a confidentiality and Data Protection declaration. This means that any sensitive information about our service users, prison information and charity is kept private and not discussed away from the centre.

Boundaries

Clear boundaries are important for all of our staff, volunteers and service users. It may happen that you have contact with a service user in a personal capacity. In this case please take care to avoid any apparent conflict of interests and protect yourself and others.

Security

Security is paramount in any prison setting, although the centre is not within the walls of the prison the security of the centre is as if it were. The security of the centre is in conjunction with the Prisons and Ministry of Justice security guidelines .