Volunteer Involvement Policy

Date ratified: 04/12/2024
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Date last reviewed: 29/01/2026

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the principles and guidelines for involving volunteers in the work of MS Together. Volunteers are central to the charity’s mission, and this policy ensures they are properly supported, valued, and integrated into the charity’s activities. It aims to foster a positive, safe, and mutually beneficial relationship between MS Together and its volunteers.

2. Volunteer Roles and Recruitment

2.1 Role of Volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting MS Together across a range of activities, including event planning, fundraising, administration, advocacy, and supporting service users. The charity values the time, skills, and experience volunteers contribute.

2.2 Recruitment of Volunteers

• Volunteers will be recruited through a fair and transparent process, which may
  include public calls for volunteers, outreach through partner organisations, or
  targeted recruitment for specific skills.
• All volunteers must complete a volunteer application form, providing relevant
  personal information, experience, and details of the skills they wish to contribute.
• Volunteers will be selected based on suitability, experience, and alignment with the
  charity’s values and needs.

2.3 Equal Opportunities

• MS Together is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Volunteer
  opportunities will be accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, race, disability,
  sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
• All volunteers will be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and without
  discrimination.

3. Volunteer Expectations and Code of Conduct

3.1 Volunteer Expectations

Volunteers are expected to:

• Act in the best interests of MS Together and follow guidance provided by the charity.
• Respect the confidentiality of all personal and organisational information they
  encounter, in line with data protection requirements.
• Attend relevant training sessions, meetings, and required events to remain effective
  in their role and ensure safety.

3.2 Code of Conduct

Volunteers must:

• Treat service users, staff, fellow volunteers, and members of the public with respect
  and dignity.
• Promote the values of MS Together, including integrity, honesty, and compassion.
• Avoid behaviour that could harm the charity’s reputation or undermine its work.
• Follow all relevant policies and procedures, including health and safety,
  safeguarding, and complaints policies.

4. Training and Support

4.1 Volunteer Induction

• All volunteers will receive an induction from the Volunteer Manager introducing MS
  Together’s mission, values, and activities.
• Volunteers will receive role-specific training where appropriate, including
  safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection.

4.2 Ongoing Support

• Volunteers will be supported by a designated Volunteer Manager.
• Regular check-ins will be offered to provide feedback, guidance, and address any
  concerns.
• Volunteers are encouraged to share ideas, suggestions, and feedback to help
  improve the volunteer programme.

4.3 Supervision and Mentoring

• Where appropriate, volunteers may be assigned a supervisor or mentor to provide
  guidance, support, and a point of contact for questions or concerns.

5. Volunteer Rights and Recognition

Volunteers are entitled to:

• A safe, supportive, and inclusive environment with appropriate training and
  supervision.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with the Volunteer
  Expenses Policy.
• Regular feedback and opportunities to develop skills and experience.
• The right to end their volunteering role at any time, with reasonable notice where
  possible.

5.2 Recognition

• MS Together recognises and values the contribution of its volunteers.
• Volunteers may be acknowledged through events, communications, reports, and
  other forms of recognition.
• The charity may hold volunteer appreciation activities or events to celebrate
  volunteer contributions.

6. Health, Safety, and Insurance

6.1 Health and Safety

• MS Together is committed to ensuring the health and safety of volunteers.
  Appropriate training and guidance will be provided, and volunteering environments
  will meet required safety standards.
• Volunteers must follow health and safety guidance and report any incidents,
  hazards, or concerns promptly.

6.2 Insurance

• Volunteers are covered by appropriate insurance while carrying out approved
  volunteering activities.
• This includes cover for accidents or injuries occurring during authorised volunteer
  work.

7. Safeguarding and Confidentiality

7.1 Safeguarding

• Volunteers must comply with MS Together’s safeguarding policies to protect
  vulnerable individuals and communities.
• Volunteers working closely with children or vulnerable adults may be required to
  complete appropriate background checks, including DBS checks, in line with
  safeguarding procedures.

7.2 Confidentiality

• Volunteers must not disclose personal or sensitive information relating to service
  users, staff, volunteers, or the charity unless required by law or authorised to do so.
• Volunteers may be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement as part of their
  onboarding.

8. Ending a Volunteering Role

8.1 Ending the Volunteering Relationship

• Volunteers may end their involvement at any time and are encouraged to give
  reasonable notice where possible.
• If concerns arise about a volunteer’s conduct or performance, MS Together will
  discuss these with the volunteer. In serious cases, the volunteering role may be
  ended.

8.2 Exit Feedback

• Where appropriate, volunteers leaving MS Together will be offered the opportunity
  to provide feedback to help improve the volunteer experience.

9. Policy Review

This Volunteer Involvement Policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees or a
designated committee to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Any updates will be
communicated to volunteers and stakeholders.