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Volunteers' rights and responsibilities

The rights and responsibilities of volunteers.

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Volunteers have the right to…


  • an adequate orientation to the organisation;
  • a clearly-written job description;
  • be assigned to a job that suits their personal preferences, motivation, skills, experience and qualifications;
  • be trained to do their job;
  • a suitable place to work;
  • a satisfying job;
  • know their supervisor or coordinator and know how to contact them;
  • be provided with adequate guidance;
  • protection, safety and insurance when carrying out their assigned tasks;
  • have their personal information held confidentially;
  • have their out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed;
  • be involved in decisions that affect their areas of responsibility;
  • have their complaints and concerns heard;
  • be respected by co-workers, club members and staff;
  • feedback about their performance;
  • be recognised for contributing their time, experience, ideas and skills;
  • say ‘no’; volunteers should not be coerced into doing tasks against their wishes or that they do not feel qualified to do;
  • take time off for a holiday or personal reasons;
  • resign from their positions.

Volunteers have the responsibility to…

  • ensure they have the time necessary to take on a volunteer position;
  • work within the policies and rules of the organisation;
  • respect the privacy of staff, clients, members and other volunteers;
  • be reliable and dependable;
  • complete agreed hours and tasks;
  • inform the organisation when they will not be available to volunteer;
  • be loyal to the organisation;
  • speak up about important issues and concerns;
  • attend orientation and training sessions where required;
  • follow directions given by supervisors or volunteer coordinators;
  • be a team player and support staff and other volunteers;
  • be considerate about the views of staff, clients or members and other volunteers;
  • identify their limitations and expectations;
  • be accountable and to accept constructive criticism.


 
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