Code of Practice - Volunteer Organisations

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR VOLUNTEER ORGANSIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH
VOLUNTEERING NORTH QUEENSLAND INC.

THIS CODE HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY VOLUNTEERING AUSTRALIA INC.

In order to enhance the volunteer's experience and comply with legislation and duty of care, a voluntary organisation agrees to:

• Interview and engage volunteer staff in accordance with anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation;
• Provide volunteer staff with orientation and training;
• Provide volunteer staff with a healthy and safe workplace;
• Not place volunteer staff in roles that were previously held by paid staff or have been identified as paid jobs;
• Differentiate between paid and unpaid roles;
• Define volunteer roles and develop clear job descriptions;
• Provide appropriate levels of support and management for volunteer staff;
• Provide volunteers with a copy of policies pertaining to volunteer staff;
• Ensure volunteers are not required to take up additional work during industrial dispute or paid staff shortage;
• Provide all staff with information on grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures;
• Acknowledge the rights of volunteer staff;
• Not ask volunteers to work in a voluntary capacity for more than 16 hours per week;
• Ensure that the work of volunteer staff complements but does not undermine the work of paid staff;
• Offer volunteer staff the opportunity for professional development;
• Reimburse volunteer staff for out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the organisation;
• Treat volunteer staff as valuable team members, and advise them of the opportunities to participate in agency decisions;
• Acknowledge the contributions of volunteer staff;
• Ensure all voluntary work is undertaken on a voluntary basis and without coercion;
• Offer volunteers work opportunities appropriate to their skills, experience and aspirations;
• Maintain written policies and implement procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of volunteers, including maintaining appropriate current Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance and Public Liability Insurance which includes volunteer workers;
• Maintain policies and implement procedures in compliance with all legislation pertaining to volunteer workers. In particular the Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995, Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, and any other legislation that is relevant to volunteer workers.
• Ensure tasks and activities undertaken by volunteers benefit the community and that volunteers do not derive financial gain themselves.

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