Community Group

[hannah40]

I run a group for Adults with learning disabilities. The volunteers that I have seem to be on their phones sitting down or going outside to vape. When they go outside the vulnerable members go with them.
As they are not paid am I allowed to insist that they go outside to make and take calls and when going out to vape not to take paying members with them?
Or as they volunteer there time can they do as they please?

[barry1010]

Even volunteers need to abide by clear rules.

[Old_Geezer]

As such rules seem to be being applied after they agreed to help out, just explain why it's thought necessary, and maybe phrase it in such a way as 'we are all in this together and could they please help by going outside for personal calls, and to try to avoid/dissuade members from following them out'. Perhaps they could say something like, "excuse me, but I'll be back shortly", to members before they go out. If they object, well they don't have to volunteer; and new volunteers can be made aware of the guideline when they join up.

[Maydup]

All staff and volunteers are obliged to follow clear guidelines. Just make sure they are clear and polite and most important of all, consistent.
I volunteer and regardless of what her weee paid or I unpaid we have to abide by the procedures set out by the organisation.
Just because we’re volunteers we most certainly cannot do what we like.

[Maydup]

what her weee?

Whether we

[Maydup]

It’s making me wonder if you have safeguarding policies for your vulnerable adults? I’m concerned for you if you’re not setting any boundaries for your volunteers.

Have a think about writing a Volunteer Handbook.

Here’s one for Age Uk. It’s long winded but you get the general idea.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bp-assets/globalassets/barnet/original-blocks/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-handbook-2017.pdf