It is recognised that with the exception of defined roles e.g. Circuit Stewards the majority of volunteer roles undertaken within the Gordano Valley Circuit operate within the remit of the local church and its management thereof. Nevertheless, the following principles, based on Methodist Church Connexional Guidance apply to all volunteers and to those responsible for their recruitment. It is anticipated such principles are followed in a way that is proportionate to the role, and that an appropriate level of pragmatism be discerned in this regard.

There is a sense in which just about every aspect of the church’s work might be regarded as undertaken by volunteers. For the purpose of this policy, a volunteer refers to someone who fulfils the criteria that would need to be set up in sections 2 and 3. Further information can be found at: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-ministers-and-office-holders/employees-and-volunteers/supporting-local-ministry/recruiting-volunteers/

1.  Recruitment of volunteers as well as staff operates within the Safer

     Recruitment Policy of the Methodist Church which should be

     referred to and followed in every instance. See:    

     www.methodist.org.uk/safeguarding                                                

2.  The establishment of a volunteer placement will follow the following

     steps:

  • identify the work that needs to be done
  • decide on the skills that the volunteer will need
  • include those in the planning who will work alongside the volunteer
  • agree how the volunteer will be supported
  • decide where to advertise for a volunteer
  • decide whether a criminal record check is needed
  • agree with the volunteer their time commitment to the work
  • agree a budget for the work i.e. training costs, car mileage
  • knowing what to do if things don’t work as expected.

3.  Recruitment for volunteers will normally include the following steps:

  • Write a Volunteer Role Outline
  • Invite candidates to complete an application form
  • Conduct a face-to-face interview
  • Take up references
  • Check the candidate’s criminal record, if applicable
  • Appoint for a probationary period
  • Provide an induction programme and initial training

4. There shall always be a member of the Church to whom the volunteer

     gives account and who is responsible for ensuring that their duties are

     performed in compliance with health and safety requirements,

     safeguarding procedures and the requirements of the Methodist Church.

     This will normally fall within the normal structure of church or Circuit

     responsibility e.g. stewards may have collective and mutual responsibility;

     volunteers operating on a church rotas may have responsibility to a team

     leader or the stewards’ team. Particular volunteer posts may be expected

     to report to the Church Council or Circuit Meeting.

5.  Concerns regarding the manner in which a volunteer is failing to fulfil their

     responsibilities or doing so in a manner which generates risk to the church

     or circuit should always be brought to the attention of the respective

     leadership team so that they are able to supportively and effectively

     address this.

6.  It is policy that volunteers should receive encouragement, review and

     constructive feedback on the work which they are undertaking together

     with constructive criticism as to ways in which they may fulfil this role with

     greatest effectiveness.