Your Role

Rights and Responsibilities

As a Volunteer, You Have the Right To:

• Be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness
• Serve in a safe, healthy, and positive environment
• Receive a proper induction and any necessary training
• Have a clear role description and agreed-upon working hours
• Be given access to all policies relevant to your volunteer role
• Be assigned tasks that align with your skills, interests, and experience
• Be provided with any tools, materials, or resources needed to carry out your role effectively
• Receive regular supervision, encouragement, and feedback
• Know who to turn to with questions, concerns, or support through clear communication channels
• Raise concerns or complaints with your supervisor in a safe and supportive space
• Choose to step back or withdraw from your role at any time
• Be covered by appropriate volunteer insurance
• Work in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation
• Have your personal and confidential information treated with care and in accordance with The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018

As a Volunteer, You Are Responsible For:

• Supporting the mission, vision, and values of the diocese
• Adhere to the Church in Wales’ dignity charter and the code of conduct outlined later in this document
• Treating all people, clergy, staff, other volunteers, project users and the public with respect
• Conducting yourself in a courteous and professional manner
• Carrying out your assigned tasks as outlined in your role description
• Taking part in training when required or offered
• Adhering to diocesan policies and procedures and seeking clarification when needed
• Working as part of a team
• Keeping personal information confidential
• Maintaining healthy and professional boundaries in all relationships
• Helping to create and uphold a safe working environment
• Being mindful of your own safety and that of others
• Reporting hazards, accidents, or near misses to your supervisor
• Informing your supervisor of any changes to your contact details
• Being reliable and, where possible, committing to regular attendance
• Letting your supervisor know if you are unable to fulfil your duties as planned
• Being open and honest in your communication, offering feedback that may help improve the volunteer experience and the wider ministry

Your Ministry Area and Diocese Has the Right To:

• Expect volunteers to represent the ministry area and diocese positively and respectfully
• Expect volunteers to fulfil their roles to the best of their ability
• Discern each volunteer’s gifts and place them in ministries where they can flourish
• Offer encouragement, supervision, and constructive feedback
• Expect open and respectful communication
• Require volunteers to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information related to clergy, laity, staff, volunteers, and the wider community

Standards for Volunteer Involvement

The Diocese of Swansea and Brecon recognise and values all those called to their volunteer roles. We are committed to investing in our volunteers and employing best practice of engagement, embedding those principles in this handbook and other tools and resources to support volunteering in the diocese.

There are 6 standards addressing the key areas of volunteer involvement:

1. Vision for Volunteering — Volunteering is embedded within the overall vision, values, culture and aims of the diocese and its impact is recognised and communicated. The diocese and its ministry areas understand why they involve volunteers.
2. Planning for Volunteers — People, policies and procedures have been put in place to ensure volunteering is well-managed.
3. Volunteer Inclusion — There is a positive approach to inclusion, equity and diversity and a proactive approach to making volunteering accessible.
4. Recruiting and Welcoming Volunteers — It is easy for people to find out about opportunities, explore whether they are right for them, and get involved.
5. Supporting Volunteers — Volunteers feel supported at all times, that they are a part of the organisation and that their contribution makes a difference.
6. Valuing and Developing Volunteers — Volunteers are valued and there are opportunities for volunteers to develop and grow through their experience.