1. Introduction
A Local Enterprise Agency, Cre8te Opportunities is a successful social enterprise that delivers award-winning services that help to regenerate local communities. From the provision of affordable property and workspace to the delivery of tailored enterprise support services, we aim to develop thriving, inclusive communities. We help aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and skills, support business growth and develop employment skills and opportunities within local communities. As a social enterprise, any surpluses we make from our trading activity are re-invested to help support our social aims.
Since Cre8te Opportunities began, it has helped over a thousand people to achieve their aims and aspirations to establish, run and expand their businesses successfully and has a long track record of delivering business development, as well as economic and social inclusion services in Edinburgh.
Cre8te Opportunities’services include:
- Business start-up and development support
- Business incubation and property management
- Economic development, employability and social inclusion services
- Social enterprise development
- Consultancy and skills development
- Property support services
- Networking opportunities
- Project development, delivery and management
- Environmental initiatives
- Partnership projects
- Business and personal mentoring
- European funding support and compliance
Cre8te Opportunities is committed to involving volunteers directly within the organisation to:
- Contribute to the delivery of our services
- Form our board of management
- Provide different skills and perspectives.
- Offer opportunities for participation by people who might otherwise be excluded.
This volunteer policy sets out the principles and practice by which we involve volunteers.
2. Recruitment
Recruitment of volunteers will generally be from all sections of the community, and will be in line with the Cre8te Opportunities’ Equal Opportunities Policy. Positive action in recruitment may be used where appropriate.
People interested in becoming volunteers with the Cre8te Opportunitieswill be invited for an informal talk with the appropriate contact person. They will be given an information pack including general information about the organisation and specific information on the volunteer post in which they are interested.
All volunteers will be asked to submit a CV appropriate to the role that they are applying for and to supply references. Where applicants are not placed in the role applied for, they will be provided with feedback and given the opportunity for their application to be held on a reserve list with Cre8te Opportunities.
This information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and will not necessarily prejudice the person being accepted for voluntary work.
4. Volunteer Agreements and Voluntary Work Outlines
Volunteers will receive a role description and volunteer agreement containing full information about their chosen area of work and a clear idea of their responsibilities and the volunteer’s responsibilities to them.
5. Confidentiality
Volunteers are required to maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality. Any disclosures of confidential information (including personal information kept on computer or other media) made unlawfully outside the proper course of duty will be treated as a serious offence and will may result in dismissal.
6. Trial Period
All volunteers are offered the opportunity for a 2 week trial period in order for them to have a taster of the volunteering role. It will also allow for Cre8te to ensure the volunteer has the right skills for the role. At this point a review will be undertaken by the volunteer support worker to agree the way forward. If both parties agree that the volunteer will continue, a Volunteer Agreement must be signed at this point.
6. Induction and Training
Volunteers will be given induction and training appropriate to the specific tasks to be undertaken.
7. Support
Volunteers will be assigned a named contact person who will provide regular support.Details of this arrangement are contained in the Volunteer Agreement.
8. The Volunteer’s Voice
Volunteers will be consulted in decisions which affect them. Cre8te Opportunities is committed to developing consultation and representational procedures for volunteers.
9. Data Protection
Minimum details will be kept on volunteers. This will include the registration form, references, placement details, crisis contact, correspondence and any other relevant information in accordance with the Cre8te OpportunitiesLimited confidentiality policy. Please see the Data Protection form for further information.
10. Expenses
Cre8te Opportunitieswill ensure that there is a clear and accessible system to enable volunteers to claim out of pocket expenses.A separate Expenses Policy is available and provided to volunteers when they start.
11. Insurance
Volunteers will be covered by insurance while carrying out agreed duties.
12. Health and Safety
Cre8te Opportunitieswill take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the volunteers’ health, safety and welfare while at work in accordance with the centre’sHealth and Safety policy.
13. Equal Opportunities
Volunteers and staff will work in accordance with the centre’s equal opportunities policy and will prevent discrimination on any grounds.
14. Monitoring and Evaluation
Cre8te Opportunities will systematically monitor and evaluate its use of volunteers with reference to this Volunteer Policy.
This policy will be reviewed annually.
15. Complaint Procedures
Cre8te Opportunities has a policy to help deal with grievances that volunteers may have. In line with this policy volunteers have the right to discuss any concerns they may have with their named contact at any time.
If the contact person is unable to resolve the problem they will refer the matter to the Chief Executive and ultimately the Board of Management, with the permission of the volunteer. (full details of the Complaints Policy is available on request)
16. Dismissal
The following acts of misconduct (which list is not intended to be exhaustive) will be treated as acts of gross misconduct justifying instant dismissal: unauthorised disclosure of confidential information in respect of Cre8te Opportunities Limited and its finances, Clients, Partners, CEO, Board, commercial operations, any Client of Cre8te Opportunities Limited or another employee and any other; violent, threatening or inappropriate behaviour or abusive language; unauthorised possession of property of Cre8te Opportunities Limited; refusal to carry out any reasonable instructions; deliberate damage to Cre8te Opportunities Limited premises or equipment; computer misuse; working whilst under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
17. Endings
When volunteers move on from their role at Cre8te Opportunities they will be asked to provide feedback on the volunteering experience by way of an exit questionnaire. They will also be given the opportunity to discuss their responses to the questionnaire more fully with their Volunteer Support Worker or a member of the management team.
On the basis of their voluntary work, volunteers can request a reference from the trainer if their permission is requested in advance. Volunteers will be supported to move on to other options.
Cre8te Opportunitieshas a policy on how it will deal with any disciplinary issue regarding a volunteer.
If the volunteer obtains employment during the course of their agreed volunteering period, they are required to give us at least 1 weeks’ notice.