Volunteer Policy

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

(1st Peter 4:10)

INTRODUCTION

Michael Moyo International's charity and church support programs exists to build the foundations of many generations.

In line with this mission, MMI seeks to involve volunteers to:

• Ensure our charity and church support programs meet the needs of the intended community.

• Provide new skills and perspectives.

• Increase our contact with the local community – especially for charity purposes.

PRINCIPLES

This Volunteer Policy is underpinned by the following principles:

• MMI will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the organizational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to MMI’s work.

• MMI does not aim to introduce volunteers to replace paid staff.

• MMI expects staff at all levels to work positively with volunteers and, where appropriate, actively seek to involve them in their work.

• MMI recognizes that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development, and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.

PRACTICE GUIDELINES

The following guidelines deal with practical aspects of the involvement of volunteers.  More detailed information, including copies of the various documents referred to, is provided in MMI’s Volunteers Handbook.

Recruitment: All prospective volunteers will be interviewed to find out what they would like to do, their skills, suitability and how best their potential might be realized. 

Volunteer Agreements and Voluntary Work Outlines: Each volunteer will have a volunteer agreement establishing what MMI undertakes to provide them.  In addition, they will agree to a written outline of the specific work they will be undertaking.  Neither of these documents is a contract; MMI has no intention of creating a contract with any volunteers.  Each volunteer will also receive a Volunteers Handbook.

Expenses: All volunteers will have their travel and other expenses reimbursed. Volunteers working a minimum of five hours per day will be able to claim expenses for lunch and other needs pertaining to their work.

Induction and Training: All volunteers will receive an induction into MMI and their own area of work.  Training will be provided as appropriate.  Where possible, volunteers will be entitled to receive additional training on the same basis as paid staff.

Support: All volunteers will have a named person as their main point of contact.  They will be provided with regular supervision to feedback on progress, discuss future development and air any problems.

The Volunteer’s Views: Volunteers are encouraged to express their views about matters concerning MMI and its work.

Insurance: All volunteers are covered by MMI’s insurance policy whilst they are on the premises or engaged in any work on MMI’s behalf.

Health and Safety: Volunteers are covered by MMI’s Health and Safety Policy, a copy of which is in the Volunteers Handbook.

Equal Opportunities: MMI operates on an equal opportunities policy in respect of both paid staff and volunteers.  Volunteers will be expected to have an understanding of, and commitment to our equal opportunities policy.

Problem Solving: We aim to identify and solve problems at the earliest possible stage.  A procedure has been drawn up for dealing with complaints either by or about volunteers.  

Confidentiality: Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as paid staff.

Charity & Social Welfare Division, MMI