FORTH CELTIC AFC VOLUNTEER Policy Statement

 Forth Celtic AFC is committed to providing a professional and efficient service in supporting volunteers within the club.

We recognise that in order to achieve our goals we need to involve volunteers in our club. It is also essential that we present a model of good practice in volunteer management.

We regard volunteers as a valuable resource and encourage them to get involved at all levels of the club and within all appropriate activities. We aim to support our volunteers to the best of our abilities, and to act quickly and fairly if difficulties arise.

1.5 Working conditions
Volunteers are treated as full members of Forth Celtic AFC. Volunteers are provided with appropriate work sites and have access to the space, equipment and facilities necessary to volunteer effectively and comfortably.

1.6 Working/ Coaching times
Working/Coaching times are negotiated between Forth Celtic AFC committee and the volunteer and are as flexible as the tasks allow. Voluntary time commitment is never expected to match that of full-time paid staff, but unscheduled absences can create organisational problems. When expecting to be absent, volunteers should inform the club as soon as possible, so that alternative arrangements can be made.

1.7 Appropriate behaviour
Volunteers are expected to work within the policies and procedures of the Forth Celtic AFC and adhere to its ethos. As representatives of the club, they are responsible for presenting a positive image of Forth Celtic AFC to the outside world.

1.8 Representation of Forth Celtic AFC
Volunteers must seek prior approval from the committee before undertaking anything that might affect the club. This includes, but is not limited to, statements to the press, joint initiatives with other bodies, and agreements involving contractual or financial obligations.

1.9 Confidentiality
Forth Celtic AFC respects the volunteer’s right to privacy and confidentiality. In turn, volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all privileged information to which they are exposed while volunteering with Forth Celtic .AFC

1.10 Records
A system of records is maintained on all volunteers including Garda vetting and child protection training status

1.11 Service at the discretion of Forth Celtic  AFC

Any voluntary service is at the discretion of Forth Celtic AFC. Forth Celtic AFC may, at any time, and for whatever reason, decide to terminate volunteer’s relationships with the organisation. Similarly, volunteers may at any time, and for whatever reason, decide to terminate their relationships with Forth Celtic AFC  Notice of such decisions should be communicated at the earliest opportunity, preferably in writing to the committee.

Recruitment

2.2 Applications
Volunteers are recruited on a pro-active basis by Forth Celtic AFC using publicity avenues that are suitable for the roles that need to be filled. Potential volunteers may also apply speculatively. All volunteers are required to complete an application form, Garda vetting and child protection training as a minimum standard.

2.3 Interviews
If necessary, applications are short listed and suitable candidates are invited to attend an informal chat with the Forth Celtic chairperson or committee to ascertain their interest in and suitability for the role. All unsuccessful candidates are thanked for applying and encouraged to reapply for other volunteering opportunities, either current or in the future.

2.4 Checks for suitability
References are always taken up.  Other checks may also be completed (for example Garda vetting) Volunteers are always warned in advance of the intention to make these checks. If they refuse permission and cannot provide an acceptable reason, they will not be appointed.

3. Training

3.1 Induction
All volunteers receive induction when they begin voluntary work with Forth Celtic AFC. This consists of a general introduction to the organisation, as well as a specific orientation on the purposes and requirements of their volunteering role.

3.2 On-the-job training
Volunteers will receive guidance from current volunteers on fulfilling their roles as coaches and the alike.

3.4 Training

Volunteers will receive sign posting to the best and most appropriate coaching training from the FAI and in house mentoring.

 4.5 Dismissal
Volunteers who do not adhere to Forth Celtics rules or who fail to perform their volunteer assignments satisfactorily may be subject to dismissal. No volunteers’ involvement will be terminated in writing until the volunteer has had an opportunity to discuss the reasons for possible dismissal with the committee. Grounds for dismissal include, but are not limited to, the following: gross misconduct, being under the influence of drugs (including alcohol), theft, misuse of equipment and materials, abuse of clients and co-workers, breaches of confidentiality, failure to abide by Forth Celtic’s policies and procedures and failure to complete duties to a satisfactory standard.

 4.6 Concerns and grievances
If volunteers are not satisfied that issues relating to their volunteering are being handled appropriately, they are entitled to have their concerns reviewed by the committee. The committee will discuss the issue as soon as practical after receiving a written complaint, and take appropriate action. The chair of the committee makes the ultimate decision.

BY ORDER OF - FORTH CELTIC AFC COMMITTEE