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Purpose
This policy provides guidance on working with volunteers. According to the Compact Code of Good Practice on Volunteering (2005), volunteering is defined as “an activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or individuals or groups other than (or in addition to) close relatives”. Academic Services recognises that volunteers can bring specialist expertise and make a valuable contribution to its services. Volunteers do not replace paid staff but support and supplement their roles..
Reference
This Policy draws upon best practice and guidance of the ‘Love Libraries Love Volunteering Toolkit” and advice from Volunteering England.
Recruitment
Volunteer Roles
Training and Induction
Expenses
Students Services does not pay travel expenses to volunteers. Remote working can be offered where appropriate.
Insurance
Volunteers will be covered by the University’s insurance policies.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
It is the volunteer’s responsibility to report any relevant health and safety issues to their supervisor.
Equality and Diversity
The University is committed to the diversification of its workforce and actively promotes equality and diversity. Wherever possible the University will seek to make reasonable adjustments for volunteers.
Confidentiality, copyright, and data protection
The copyright of any work produced by volunteers resides within the University. Volunteers may be working with information that is sensitive, including materials which are restricted by data protection laws and copyright law. In such cases appropriate training will be provided. If information is particularly sensitive the volunteer may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Review
The Library will review this Policy every year and any significant changes will be considered and approved by the Director of Student Services.
January 2024
Review: January 2025