VOLUNTEERING POLICIES & REQUIREMENTS

VOLUNTEER POLICY GUIDE

All volunteers are requested to read and adhere to the following policies and procedures. They have been created to sustain a fair, safe and productive work environment for both the volunteers and the clients.
Volunteers who breach this “Policy Guide” will be asked to attend a review with the Coordinator to address their behavior and the possible consequences, depending on the nature of the violation. Theft or breach of confidentiality WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

SECTION 1 – PROTOCOLS

1.1 Volunteers will register with the Coordinator. Upon registration, volunteers will be asked to:

• Fill out a Registration Form
• Read and sign a Volunteer Agreement
• Attend an interview with the Coordinator

1.2 Volunteers will report for their volunteer obligations on time or notify the Coordinator immediately if they are going to be absent due to sickness, vacation or personal issues so that a suitable replacement can be found.

1.3 Volunteers must be polite in dealing with clients, customers and co-workers and will refrain from using profane or obscene language.

1.4 Volunteers are not expected to be subjected to any form of abuse from either clients or co-workers and will report such occurrences to their supervisor immediately.

1.5 Volunteers will not report to the premises under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor will they use such substances on the premises.

1.6 Knights Table is a NON-SMOKING facility.

1.7 Volunteers must not remove any item from the premises without the permission of a staff member.

1.8 Volunteers are advised to leave all valuables at home. Knights Table is not responsible for any personal property lost, damaged or stolen.

1.9 Volunteers are asked to refrain from using Knights Table’s telephones except in cases of emergency or to arrange transportation. The telephone and computer systems are for business services and the lines must be kept open as much as possible.

SECTION 2 – CONFIDENTIALITY

2.1 Volunteers must keep any information regarding clients CONFIDENTIAL.

2.2 Volunteers must not speak to the media on behalf of Knights Table. Only the Executive Director or his/her designate will handle media inquiries.

2.3 Volunteers will refrain from criticizing the organization in front of the clients and report any concerns or recommendations that they have to the Coordinator or other staff members.

2.4 Knights Table agrees to respect the privacy of volunteers. Complaints or suggestions presented by the volunteer to a member of the Management Staff will be kept confidential unless the volunteer specifically permits their disclosure.

2.5 The management of Knights Table will also ensure that the “Volunteer’s Evaluation” and “Feedback Forms” are kept confidential.

2.6 Volunteers are encouraged to listen and chat with clients but must refrain from offering counseling

SECTION 3 – ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & EFFECTIVENESS

3.1 The volunteer’s supervisor, and/or a knowledgeable volunteer will train the individual for their position.
3.2 Volunteers will receive ongoing training that is deemed necessary or beneficial by Management.
3.3 Volunteers may be asked to attend an annual review to provide Knights Table feedback regarding their experiences as a volunteer.
3.4 Volunteers are encouraged to work with the Coordinator to develop additional skills or investigate other areas of interest to them within the organization.
3.5 Volunteers will record their hours on the forms posted in their work area. This is required for insurance, public relations, funding and recognition purposes.

SECTION 4 -HEALTH & SAFETY

4.1 Volunteers will work in compliance with the provisions of the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the regulations of this organization.

4.2 Volunteers will follow all the procedures, regarding hygiene and Volunteer Protocols as outlined during the “Orientation”.

4.3 Long hair must be tied up, and hands must be washed before their shift begins and while handling food.

4.4 Aprons must be worn at all times.

4.5 Volunteers will dress neatly and modestly. Walking shorts are allowed during the summer months.

4.6 For safety reasons, open-toed shoes are not to be worn.

4.7 Volunteers must work in a manner that is both safe to themselves and to other workers. Work areas will be kept clean and orderly to protect the health and safety of all.

4.8 Volunteers will report cases of illness, injury or hazardous conditions to their supervisor.

4.9 Volunteers are advised to report to Management and Staff, any contravention of the “OHSA” or the regulations or the existence of any hazard of which he or she knows.

4.10 Volunteers will not use or operate any equipment, machine or device, or work in a manner that may endanger him/herself or any other worker.

4.11 Volunteers will not engage in any park, contest, feat or strength, unnecessary running, or rough and boisterous conduct.