Getting Started and Volunteer Support
Where can I get more information about volunteering?
If you are interested in any of the roles listed in the volunteering opportunities part of this page then please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our volunteer coordinator on 0117 9589 306 or at kerrimann@thecareforum.org.uk.
The Care Forum is steadily growing its volunteering opportunities. So if you have any ideas of where you would like to volunteer, but there isn’t a specific volunteer role, then please do get in touch with us to give us your ideas, you never know we might be able to develop a new volunteer role.
What happens once I’ve expressed an interest?
- 1. Once you have contacted us and expressed an interest in volunteering, we will send you a volunteer application pack.
This will include:
- A Volunteer role description
- What volunteers do (applicable to the volunteer role)
- A volunteer application form
- An equal opportunities form
- Available training dates
- 2. Once your application has been received you will be invited for an informal interview - or as we like to say a casual chat. This will be a great opportunity for you to have a chat about why you want to volunteer at The Care Forum and also for you to decide whether The Care Forum is the place for you.
- 3. After this informal interview you will be invited to attend the relevant training modules for the volunteering role. This will also involve an induction into The Care Forum. We will be running our training on a rolling programme so if you miss one lot you will only have to wait a few months for the next round of training.
- 4. Once you have attended all the relevant training modules our volunteer coordinator will have a phone call or face to face chat with you about whether you have been accepted as a volunteer.
- 5. Depending on the volunteer role you may be required to carry out a CRB check the volunteer coordinator will be able to advise you on this. After this you are then a fully fledged volunteer for The Care Forum.
Will I be supported throughout my volunteering?
Yes, we have a volunteer coordinator whose role it is to support and regularly keep in contact with you. They will ensure you are enjoying your volunteer role and will offer you supervision and support meetings. If you have any questions, problems or concerns about your role then the volunteer coordinator is the person to go to for help. You will also be assigned a member of staff who will oversee and advise you about your volunteering role.
What we ask of you?
- To honour the commitment you have made to your volunteering role
- To respect all The Care Forum’s policies and procedures
- To keep us updated with your progress as you volunteer and keep our volunteer coordinator informed of anything that may affect your volunteering
- To give us adequate notice if you are unable to complete any voluntary work or if you are running late
- Not to commit to a responsibility that you know you may not be able to fulfil
- To let our volunteer coordinator know if you are having any difficulties or problems with your volunteer role
- To respect confidentiality
- To make every effort to attend training sessions
- To make every effort to attend supervisions and group support meetings
- To carry out tasks in a way which reflect the aims and values of The Care Forum
What you can expect from us!
We really value you as volunteers and appreciate that as well as us asking for your time there are things that you will want from us. Below is a list of things that you can expect from us:
- You will always be valued and respected as a volunteer
- A clear explanation of what activities you
will be expected to do in your role
- A full induction into The Care Forum along with relevant training
- Regular checks that you are enjoying your volunteering role along with guidance, supervision and support from our volunteer coordinator
- Assurance you won’t be asked to do anything or go anywhere that makes you feel uncomfortable and that you will be supported in any work you do
- Recognition of the relevant skills and experience you bring to The Care Forum
- Support with furthering your career aspirations and self development
- The right to say no or change your mind regarding a voluntary activity without feeling guilty
- The opportunity to change or take on additional volunteering roles within The Care Forum
- To have problems or concerns dealt with sensitively
