Branch Chairs' Day1 July 2010

Supporting and Overseeing Volunteers

Marianne Wyles, Institute SecretaryRebecca Emmott, Assistant Institute SecretaryCheryl Myles, Head of Branch DevelopmentJenny Bristow, Chair, South Yorkshire Branch

Purpose and Outcome

• Collect your feedback, input and insights

• Produce a code of conduct/volunteer agreement and share best practice on managing volunteers

• Increase awareness of the support we can offer Branches

Background

• The Future of Branches Working Party (FBWP) identified performance management of committee members was a key challenge for Branch Chairs

• They suggested a code of conduct/volunteer agreement may assist

• Some themes of content were suggested and agreed by the group

• We are looking to understand your issuesand address any concerns

Code of Conduct vs Volunteer Agreement

• Code of Conduct – generally one-way• Describes expected standards of behaviour and provides

guidance on what may and may not beconsidered acceptable conduct

• Sometimes considered condescending• Difficult to police

• Volunteer Agreement – generally mutual• Has a statement of both parties commitment• Details the expectations of the organisation• Contains the undertakings of the individual• Sometimes incorrectly viewed as a ‘contract’

Key Themes - Volunteer

• Respect the values and principles and adhere to rules and procedures of the Branch

• Perform the role to the best of ones ability• Maintain confidentiality and data protection• Act within authorised limits• Meet commitments and standards and provide reasonable

notice where unable to do so• Do not bring the CIPD or the Branch into disrepute• Comply with all CIPD and Branch policies and procedures

Key Themes - Organisation

• Induction and training for role including information pack• Ongoing supervision and guidance for your role• Explanation of and support to achieve standards including an

opportunity to discuss progress and development• Repay reasonable expenses incurred in line with the policy• Provide support for adhering to the policies and procedures• Provide adequate insurance for work undertaken in the capacity of the

role• Ensure everyone is treated equally• Resolve fairly any problems, grievances or difficulties and provide an

opportunity to discuss any unresolved issues

Task

• You will be separated into small groups and asked to discuss and provide feedback on three questions

• Each sub-group will then be asked to feedback their two key points in relation to each question and there will be an opportunity for a further brief discussion and questions arising from the feedback

• You have 30 minutes to discuss your response to the questions

Questions

• What general challenges do you have in overseeing the volunteers in your Branch?

• What could be included in a Volunteer Agreement / Code of Conduct that would set the standards to address these?

• How could we deal with ‘disputes’?

Next Steps

• Gather any further comments from Branches by the end of July

• Prepare and consult on a draft document – mid Summer• Revise and finalise the document – early Autumn• Launch the Code/Volunteer Agreement to Branches –

October

How to Contact Us

• Marianne Wyles m.wyles@cipd.co.uk

• Rebecca Emmottr.emmott@cipd.co.uk

• Cheryl Mylesc.myles@cipd.co.uk

• Jenny Bristowbranches2@cipd.co.uk