INTRODUCTION

1.1 Definition of Volunteering:

A Scottish Office Circular (15/1995) defined 'Volunteering' as: ''The commitment of time and energy for the benefit of society and the community, the environment, or individuals outside one's immediate family. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain''.

1.2 The Aberdeen International Centre AIC

The Aberdeen International Centre (AIC) is a voluntary organisation funded by the National Lottery Community Fund to work towards improving services for marginalised Ethnic* communities ( *a social group or category of the population that, in a larger society, is set apart and bound together by common ties of race, language, nationality, or culture. (Encyclopedia Britannia) in Aberdeen. Our partner organisations include representatives from the statutory, voluntary and public sectors and representation from Aberdeen's Minority Ethnic communities. The AIC is an independent organisation and is enabling Minority Ethnic people, living in Aberdeen, to receive the highest quality of services possible, taking into consideration their different cultures, religions, language and customs. The partner organisations are working to make their services accessible, appropriate and acceptable to the communities.

1.3 Volunteering with the Aberdeen International Centre

Volunteers are an essential and valued asset at the AIC. The roles that volunteers with the Aberdeen International Centre undertake are varied. In return for your commitment, the Aberdeen International Centre can offer support and an opportunity for you to build upon and/or share your skills and experience. The Aberdeen International Centre expects its volunteers to respect and adhere to its statement of volunteering and code of confidentiality. There is also an expectation that volunteers be honest, reliable, attend training and support sessions where agreed, work within agreed guidelines and remits and experience personal development through participation.

The Aberdeen International Centre's Statement of Volunteering

Volunteers and voluntary work are part of the core fabric of social and community life in Scotland. They are simultaneously an important resource and an active statement about the nature of Scottish society. Since the mid 1990's, volunteering has enjoyed a very high profile. It is increasingly acknowledged in significant areas of government policy and planning. More people than ever before are interested in voluntary work opportunities, backed up by media interest and often with support and encouragement from the workplace. Moreover, organisations which involve volunteers are more aware of the need to provide for their volunteer workforce. Whilst this recognition can bring benefits in increased status for voluntary activity and higher levels of awareness of its value and potential, it also carries risks of exploitation, manipulation and disappointment. TheAberdeen International Centre will work strictly to the undernoted statement to avoid these risks

Good Practice Guidelines

The AIC in engaging volunteers will adhere to the following principles:

2.1 General

The volunteer will:
Work within the International Centre's aims and objectives

Will attend at agreed times and give reasonable notice when unable to do so

Will give reasonable notice when withdrawing from voluntary work

Will not accept gifts from clients without discussion with his/her supervisor and not commit the organisation in any financial way.

The Aberdeen International Centre will:
Ensure paid staff identify ways in which the work of the International Centre can be extended by the involvement of volunteers and to ensure that these opportunities complement rather than supplement the work of paid staff.

Provide opportunities, where appropriate, for volunteers to represent their views at management level if operational difficulties are encountered.

Ensure that the tasks to be performed by volunteers will be clearly defined, so that all concerned with their activities are sure of their respective responsibilities. Provide a professional reference to volunteers.

Evaluate the arrangement within three months of the volunteer starting with the organisation to assess whether it is meeting the needs of the organisation and the volunteer.

2.2 Relationship with Paid Staff

Volunteers will not be asked to take on tasks formerly undertaken by paid workers whose posts have been cut, or to work in ways which facilitate a decrease in paid employment.

As far as possible, volunteers will have responsibility for carrying out particular pieces of work and will not be used simply to assist paid workers.

Steps will be taken to ensure that paid staff at all levels are clear about the role of volunteers and that good working relationships are fostered between paid staff and volunteers.