Volunteer Handbook 1

Why would volunteers need a Handbook? Reference guide - backing up info given to volunteers as part of their induction’. What is a Handbook? Type of reference work, or collection of instructions, intended to provide reference (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).reference work 2

Contents Welcome and introduction (5) Parkinson’s disease (7) The Parkinson’s Disease Society Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online). 3

Contents (continued) (9) Volunteer opportunities - Local branches and support groups - Fundraising - Telephone befriending - Campaigning - Research - Board of Trustees (20 ) Getting involved and volunteer support Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online). 4

Contents (continued) (21) Policies and procedures - Confidentiality - Data protection - Dealing with concerns and problems - Equal opportunities and diversity - Expenses - Health and safety - Insurance Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online). 5

Contents (continued) (24) Frequently asked questions (26) Contacts - Volunteer opportunity contacts Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook (online). 6

What info might be useful? - Helpful Info - as part of a volunteers day to day volunteering for the organisation - How to go about claiming expenses? - Which forms to fill out? - Which finance person? - What the procedure for booking tools out is?.... 7

What info might be useful? (continued) Handbook - a good place to collect any full policies & procedures that you think volunteers should be in possession of. - a more informal guide to life as a volunteer in your organisation. 8

What info might be useful? (Continued) (a) tea making facilities, (b) practical advice on health and safety, ( c) information on the role of the Volunteer Co-ordinator (d) how volunteers will be supervised. 9

Frequently asked questions Will I get support and training? How much time do I need in order to volunteer? Do I get my expenses paid while I volunteer? Can I claim benefits while volunteering? Can I leave if I don’t like it? Include: If any of your questions have not been answered here, please get in touch with your named contact for further information 10

What should I consider when producing a Handbook? Language – clear & readable. Graphics / cartoons to break up text & make more user friendly. 11

Summary Reference guide. More informal guide to life as a volunteer. Helpful - as part of day to day volunteering. Collect any full policies & procedures. 12

Summary Handbooks are solely for the volunteers. Discuss with current volunteers what info they would like to have to hand. Induction - good place to look for likely content. Clear & readable. Use graphics & cartoons. 13

References Parkinson’s Disease Society. Your Guide to Volunteering with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Volunteer handbook. Volunteering England. Handbooks Or Policies? 14

References Volunteering England. What Paperwork Do I Need? nk Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia