Introduction

Beat SCAD is a patient-led charity, founded in November 2015 and run entirely by volunteers.

Beat SCAD is dedicated to raising awareness of the rare heart condition Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), supporting people affected by SCAD, and raising funds for research.

In line with this mission Beat SCAD seeks to involve volunteers who freely choose to contribute their time, energy, skills and/or professional expertise to:

  • ensure our services meet the needs of our community
  • provide new skills and perspectives
  • increase our contact with the community we serve

Principles

This Volunteering Policy is underpinned by the following principles:

  • Beat SCAD will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to Beat SCAD’s work
  • Beat SCAD recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.

Practical guidelines

The following guidelines deal with practical aspects of the involvement of volunteers.

Recruitment

All prospective volunteers will be interviewed to find out what they would like to do, their skills, suitability and how best their potential might be realised.

Volunteer agreements and voluntary work outlines

Each volunteer will have a volunteer agreement establishing what Beat SCAD undertakes to provide them and a written outline of the specific work they will be undertaking which we will ask each volunteer to agree to. This document is not a contract.

Expenses

Volunteers may request reimbursement of reasonable expenses such as travel costs. Volunteers must seek approval from a Beat SCAD Trustee prior to incurring any costs and are requested to choose the most cost-effective option wherever possible. Receipts and tickets will be required. For any concerns or clarifications we ask that volunteers speak with their Beat SCAD contact.

Induction and training

All volunteers will receive an induction into Beat SCAD and their own area of work. Training will be provided as appropriate.

Support

All volunteers will have a named person as their main point of contact. They will be provided with regular supervision to feedback on progress, discuss future development and air any problems.

The volunteer’s voice

Volunteers are encouraged to express their views about matters concerning Beat SCAD and its work and feed back to their Beat SCAD contact.

Social media

Volunteers are expected to ensure that any information or opinions shared via personal social media accounts are not in conflict with the Beat SCAD brand. Confidentiality and data protection must be respected.

Insurance

All volunteers are covered by Beat SCAD’s insurance policy (Public Liability, Employers Liability) whilst they are engaged in work on Beat SCAD’s behalf.

Health and safety

Beat SCAD are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of volunteers whilst engaged in work on Beat SCAD’s behalf. We expect our volunteers to contribute to maintaining a safe working environment.

It’s important that volunteers:

  • Carry out duties without endangering their health and safety or that of colleagues, third parties and/or the general public
  • Comply with all relevant instructions and procedures relating to safety and follow guidance provided by Beat SCAD
  • Inform their Beat SCAD contact of any concerns or personal health and safety requirements that they may have

Equal opportunities

Beat SCAD aim to recruit volunteers with the skills, knowledge and experience appropriate for each role or task and to ensure equal opportunity for all. Beat SCAD will not condone, tolerate or ignore any form of discrimination or unacceptable behaviour.

Problem solving

We aim to identify and solve problems at the earliest possible stage. If volunteers experience a difficulty with any aspect of their role, we ask that they speak to their Beat SCAD contact as soon as possible for advice and support. All efforts will be made to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Confidentiality

Volunteers must maintain confidentiality at all times. This means that confidential information about people we support, volunteers and our work is kept private, unless sharing this information is required by law.

Financial information

Volunteers may have responsibility to handle money and /or make purchases on behalf of Beat SCAD and this may involve having access to financial information, which must be kept secure and confidential at all times.

Fraud, bribery and corruption

Beat SCAD has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards fraud, bribery and corruption. It will always seek to take disciplinary and /or legal action against those found to have perpetrated, been involved in, or assisted with fraudulent or other improper activities.

Volunteers must act honestly and with integrity at all times and to safeguard the resources for which they are responsible. Volunteers must immediately report any suspected or actual instances of fraud, bribery or corruption to a trustee.

Data protection

Before we can collect, store, or use data about an individual, the law requires us to ensure that we have that individual’s consent to do so. We will ask you to sign a Data Protection Statement which complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016/679. This is a legal act that protects people’s personal information.

Volunteers may have access to and handle the personal information of the people they are helping. It’s vital that they are aware of our policy, which their Beat SCAD contact can provide.