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Policies & Procedures

Volunteering Policy

4.2

1. Purpose & Scope 

The Open Homes Nottingham Volunteering Program aims to provide safe and supportive emergency accommodation to young people at risk of homelessness. This policy outlines the guidelines and expectations for individuals who wish to volunteer with Nightstop. 

 

2. Eligibility & Recruitment 

All volunteers undergo a comprehensive background check as part of their onboarding. Each of the following is required prior to approval of a new Open Homes Nottingham Volunteer: 

  • Completed application form. 

  • Successful volunteer interview (at least one staff member and one current volunteer present). 

  • Receipt of two references (at least one professional reference preferred) 

  • Completion of all onboarding training materials covering Open Homes Nottingham procedures, safeguarding, confidentiality, and boundaries. 

  • Successful DBS check. 

  • Successful home assessment (prospective volunteer hosts only) 

  • Approval from member of the board of trustees (following review of all onboarding materials and discussion with staff member overseeing the onboarding pathway for the prospective volunteer in question) 

Prospective volunteers will be assessed based on their skills, experience, and suitability for the program. 

All volunteers are appropriately trained relating to the values of Open Homes Nottingham, procedures, safeguarding, confidentiality and boundaries. 

Volunteers must sign and adhere to Open Homes Nottingham’s ‘Volunteer Agreement’ (incorporated into the Volunteer Application Form) which surmises the expectations of Open Homes Nottingham volunteers.  

 

3. Roles & Responsibilities 

Open Homes Nottingham volunteers may undertake the role of Driver, or Host. 

In some circumstances, volunteers may undertake additional roles, such as being put on the on-call rota, or being an Open Homes Nottingham advocate in their community. 

Volunteers are expected to adhere to their assigned role's responsibilities, maintain professionalism, and provide a safe and respectful environment for young people. 

Volunteers should actively participate in training sessions, and communicate effectively with Open Homes Nottingham staff. 

 

4. Training & Support 

  • All volunteers are required to read the appropriate Open Homes Nottingham policies, procedures, and the specific responsibilities of their role. 

  • All volunteers are required to have a supervision every 6 months in which they will be provided feedback and guidance to ensure they are adequately supported in their roles. 

  • All volunteers are required to attend 2 training sessions per calendar year. 

  • Volunteer Hosts are required to undergo successful home assessment once a year. 

  • All volunteers have access to the Open Homes Nottingham on-call number which is available 24/7. 

  • All volunteers have access to the Open Homes Nottingham staff team for communication and additional support as required (via email, phone and in person). 

 

5. Safeguarding 

Open Homes Nottingham places the utmost importance on safeguarding the well-being of young people. Volunteers must adhere to Open Homes Nottingham’s Safeguarding Policy, which includes guidelines on appropriate behaviour, maintaining professional boundaries, and reporting concerns or incidents.  

 

6. Confidentiality 

Volunteers must adhere to Open Homes Nottingham’s Confidentiality Policy. 

 

7. Equal Opportunities and Diversity 

Open Homes Nottingham is committed to providing equal opportunities and treating all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability, with fairness and respect. 

Volunteers must interact with service users, staff, and fellow volunteers in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner. 

 

8. Health and Safety 

Volunteers must prioritise the health and safety of young people and themselves. 

Volunteers will receive guidance on health and safety practices, emergency procedures, and any necessary risk assessments relevant to their role. 

 

9. Termination of Volunteering 

Open Homes Nottingham reserves the right to terminate a volunteer's involvement if they engage in misconduct, breach Open Homes Nottingham policies, or fail to meet expected standards. 

Volunteers will have access to a clear complaints procedure to address any concerns or grievances related to their volunteering experience. 

03/06/2025
06/03/2025