Element CU89.1 | Element CU89.2 | Element CU89.3
About this unit
This unit covers those parts of your role which enable you to encourage and show appreciation for the work of volunteers. For example, it is important to know how to give appropriate recognition to volunteers in line with their motivation to volunteer.
In order to work effectively with volunteers, it is very important that you have a full understanding of the special relationship that exists when they are working on a voluntary basis. This special relationship is a three way process – with the volunteering organisation, the client (the individual/organisation for whom voluntary work is being carried out) and the volunteer themselves. The team leader has to keep the balance between all three, and understand how they interact.
» Element CU89.1 Motivate volunteers by promoting the special ethos and values of volunteering
» Element CU89.2 Recognise voluntary effort by valuing volunteer contributions
» Element CU89.3 Explain organisational policy and practice to volunteers
Element CU89.1 Motivate volunteers by promoting the special ethos and values of volunteering
What you must be able to do:
- recognise volunteers and their commitment in ways which are likely to enhance their motivation to continue
- support volunteers in ways which match volunteer expectations, motivations and needs
- take account of equal opportunities issues as they affect volunteers
This standard covers:
A. ways:
- active listening
- providing advice
- facilitating access to resources
What you must know and understand:
- what all aspects of volunteering entails and the implications of volunteering as an exchange relationship for the volunteer, the voluntary organisation and the client
- why people volunteer and why organisations involve volunteers
- ways of assessing and confirming the needs and wishes of individuals and/or groups to help determine the starting point for their involvement
- different ways of recognising volunteer commitment and how to use them to enhance volunteer motivation
- how equal opportunities issues and values affect volunteers and volunteering and the organisation
Element CU89.2 Recognise voluntary effort by valuing volunteer contributions
What you must be able to do:
- demonstrate an awareness of individual and group volunteers abilities and aptitudes
- show appreciation of the individual contributions made by volunteers
- assess the contributions of individuals and acknowledge their value
- encourage further development of volunteers capabilities
- communicate the achievements and contribution of volunteers within the organisation
This standard covers:
A. show appreciation of the individual contributions made by volunteers by:
- providing feedback to volunteers
- communicating this information to others
What you must know and understand:
- how to respond positively to personal and group voluntary effort
- how to assess and record individual and group effort in terms of its worth and contribution to organisational objectives
- how to evaluate an individual's voluntary effort in ways which can help further his/her or a group's capabilities
- ways of recognising formally the skills and abilities shown
- how to provide feedback at an appropriate level in the organisation
Element CU89.3 Explain organisational policy and practice to volunteers
What you must be able to do:
- clearly explain organisational policies and values on volunteering to all volunteers
- check that volunteers understand, and can work within, particular organisational policies
- support volunteers using the organisational systems and procedures
- apply rewards and corrective measures to volunteers in a fair way
This standard covers:
A. organisational policies:
- volunteering
- confidentiality
- welfare
- health and safety
- volunteer insurance
- training and developing volunteers
- equal opportunities
What you must know and understand:
- the organisational policy and statements on volunteers and volunteering, including the organisation's expectations of volunteers
- organisational policy in relation to; volunteering, confidentiality, welfare, health and safety, volunteer insurance, training and developing volunteers, equal opportunities
- how to give information, support and guidance on these issues
- how the organisation gives recognition and reward to volunteers
- methods of handling difficulties with volunteer work, the organisation's procedures for dealing with problems and your role within these procedures
