Volunteer Policy
STARS volunteers can help in a number of ways, including:
- Raising awareness.
- Fundraising.
- Representing STARS at functions/conferences etc.
- Presentations to relevant organizations.
- Increasing awareness with the local community and medical professionals.
For the purpose of definition, everyone who works for STARS is identified as either ‘paid employees’ or ‘volunteers’. Although it is clear that the Trustees of STARS are also volunteers, for ease of clarity within this document they will be referred to separately.
The Trustees of STARS support the use of volunteers and through its officers will ensure that:
Volunteers
- are properly integrated into the organizational structure enabling them to contribute effectively to its work
- will not be used to replace and reduce the work of paid employees
Paid employees
- at all levels, will work positively with volunteers
- will, where possible, provide work for volunteers that is satisfying. Those paid employees involved will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing access to relevant training for them to carry out their work effectively.
Equal Opportunities
STARS operates as an Equal Opportunity organization in respect of paid employees and volunteers. A copy of this document is available from the STARS office for all volunteers and paid employees.
Role of the Volunteer
Volunteers are individuals who work to help STARS achieve their objectives for no financial reward. Volunteers are vital to the function of STARS mission and goals. Volunteers, paid employees and the Trustees work in partnership to help STARS achieve its objectives.
On-going Support
STARS will ensure that volunteers are supported in their work and provide training if necessary. The organizations Volunteer Coordinator will assist in this area and will always be available to discuss any developments, concerns, ideas etc. Paid employees from will attend local volunteer events when possible.
Expectations and Responsibilities
The Trustees of STARS expect its volunteers to be realistic in their commitment. Volunteers are expected to give as much or as little time as they consider appropriate to them and as agreed by the organization. Once the commitment has been made, STARS expects volunteers to fulfil this unless otherwise negotiated.
STARS will ensure that volunteers have the opportunity to express their views via volunteer meetings, email/telephone contact at any time.
Recruitment and Selection
The Trustees of STARS believe that volunteering should be open to all and welcomes applications from anyone who wishes to volunteer. However, it is important that correct procedures are followed and that volunteers should complete an application form and provide two references, in line with the expectations of paid employees.
Confidentiality
Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as paid employees. Volunteers and paid employees will be asked to read and sign our Confidentiality Contract of which a copy will be provided.
Insurance
STARS Liability Insurance includes volunteers and employees while on the premises or working on behalf of STARS in respect of Legal Liability. Therefore, volunteers and employees of STARS are covered while acting for or on behalf of the organization (when applicable). However, before any claim can be settled, the organization has to be found guilty (legally liable) for any incident/accident that has occurred as a result of a volunteer or employee’s actions. Every volunteer must inform the STARS Volunteer Coordinator of the event they will be conducting.
For questions or more information contact Rebecca Smith, Executive Director (843) 785-4101 or email info@stars-us.org