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 About
Mission Statement
Working with us
Volunteering
Workers
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About
Volunteering
Thank you for thinking about volunteering at the Hebden Bridge
Alternative Technology Centre (ATC)
The Centre’s continued success
owes a great deal to the efforts and commitment of volunteers and we
always value their contribution. Everyone who is employed at the ATC
has been a volunteer at the Centre and most members of staff
continue to volunteer during their time with us.
We hope that all volunteers will enjoy their experiences with us.
Volunteers receive a full induction to the Centre as well as regular
support. All volunteers receive 5% off purchases made in the Green
Shop, drink as much tea as they like, and get to have their
photograph on the display board (unless they’re shy!).
Volunteer Policy
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We fulfil this mission to the best of our ability,
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New skills and perspectives are integrated into our work,
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The Centre's long term viability and existence,
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The Centre is fully involved with all members of the local community.
The ATC will ensure that:
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All volunteers are properly integrated into the organisation and are able
to play a full part in its development should they wish to do so
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The work of volunteers complements that of the paid staff within the
centre,
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A positive attitude towards volunteer staff is encouraged,
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Volunteers have satisfying and useful work to do.
There are many aspects of our work where we welcome help from volunteers.
Currently these include;
Sustainable theme based projects (such as plastics recycling, alternative
technologies, renewable energies, food, water and
transport)
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The Green Shop.
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The information and resource library.
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Demonstration gardens.
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Centre tour guides.
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Educational and training work.
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Administrative support.
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Promotional activities.
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General maintenance and construction.
We believe that volunteering should be fun and will appreciate any time that
you are able to spare to help us. Some people volunteer at certain times of
the year, others come along for a regular weekly or monthly slot. Volunteers
must give us some idea of their schedule so that we can make sure that their
time is used effectively.
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The ATC is committed to providing all volunteers with:
1. An initial interview with the volunteer link
worker to find your skills, interests and time
commitment
2. An introduction into the organisation, into your
role as a volunteer and the tasks you will be involved with
3. Support and mentoring from experienced staff at
the centre to help you integrate into the organisation
4. A volunteer agreement clearly outlining the
mutual responsibilities of you and the ATC
5. The opportunity to be involved in the development
of the Centre through representation with the volunteer link worker
6. Full Insurance and professional indemnity whilst
undertaking voluntary work agreed by and on behalf of the ATC.
7. Safe working conditions by sharing responsibility
for health and safety and through providing necessary training and
information
8. Fair and non-discriminatory working conditions in
accordance with the ATC's equal opportunities policy
9. The right to mediation and support should any
problems emerge in the course of the volunteering placement
10.A commitment to respect your confidentiality.
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Volunteer induction checklist
You will have an initial interview with the volunteer link worker where
we can get to know a little bit more about you and what your interests
might be. Together we can get a clearer picture of when you can come in
and over what period of time. You will also get a chance to find out what
we are doing. We may also ask you to fill out an application at this
point. We will always record some basic details and time availability for
all potential volunteers. All information is kept in accordance with data
protection legislation.
At this meeting the volunteer link worker will brief you about the
vacancies for volunteering. Sometimes we are 'in between' projects.
Sometimes all the volunteer vacancies are taken and this can mean that we
may not be able to offer you anything immediately. If this is the case
your details will be held on file and we will contact you when a suitable
vacancy arises.
If a volunteer vacancy exists the volunteer link worker will brief you
about the work, explain who will be supporting you (your supervisor) and
discuss the duration of the specific job. Some projects are of a set
duration, while other volunteer opportunities are not time limited.
If you are able to take on the job, we will ask you to sign a volunteer
agreement form. This document is a clear statement of your and the ATC's
responsibilities.
Having started to volunteer with us you will have a brief introduction
period of a month. This gives you the chance to see how you are getting
on.
After a month the volunteer link worker will have a brief chat with you
and your supervisor to see if you have settled in. It is also an
opportunity to check if you are clear about the structures within the ATC
and to answer any questions you might have.
Once you have settled in to the volunteering we will try to keep you as up
to date as possible on the developments of the centre.
If during your time with us you encounter any difficulties please remember
that the volunteer link worker and your supervisor are happy to talk to
you. You may want to take on other work, change your days or simply find
out about more training opportunities. Whatever the situation is please
keep us informed. We want you to get the most from your time with us.
If you decide that you can't continue volunteering or the task you are
working on has come to an end you will have another meeting with the
volunteer link worker to look at what your needs might be.
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