TOP TIPS FOR SETTING UP TOP TIPS FOR SETTING UP
A VOLUNTEERS’ GROUPA VOLUNTEERS’ GROUP
• Identify a core team to run the group – we wouldn’t
recommend one person taking on all the responsibility.
• Ensure roles are clearly identified, such as volunteer
coordinator, promoter of group, link person to other
services etc.
• Clearly set out your priorities – what do you want to do
and achieve? More importantly, what can’t you do?
• Do some research – don’t duplicate the work of other
volunteer groups covering your patch – see what’s
being done and establish what value you can add
or additional services you can provide. Speak to our
Community Engagement Managers (contact details
found within this pack). Also, take a look out our
Community Group Directory – www.wiltshire.gov.uk/
downloads/22069
• All new volunteers will be supported by group/name
organiser to ensure they fully understand their volunteer
role and the boundaries which need to be put in place
due to COVID-19, such as volunteer agreement, health
and safety, lone working, confidentiality, safeguarding,
handling money, confidentiality.
• Create a basic volunteer registration form that also sets
out the do’s and don’t’s of your group including safety
and confidentiality arrangements.
• Make your presence known to other local organisations/
services so you can coordinate resources as much as
possible – such as GP surgeries, parish councils, local
charities – people will not likely want to be bombarded
from lots of different groups.
• Get a system in place that allows remote working – set
up conference calls using FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.
• Use WhatsApp or similar messaging services – it allows
you to communicate remotely in real time – here’s a
useful guide to setting up a WhatsApp group if you have
never done it – www.tech-recipes.com/rx/63695/
how-to-create-a-group-on-whatsapp
• Create material within your local community to tell
them about the service you are providing (examples
found in the ‘templates’ section). It just needs to be a
simple, clear one-sheet of information.
• Create clear volunteer identification badges/cards distributed
from a central point so people are clear of your roles.
• Where possible set up a new interdependent email address
and a central phone number. This makes it simpler for
people. The number can be transferred to different people
at different times so it’s not just one person’s responsibility to
take all the calls.
• Create a log/spreadsheet of requests which will allow you to
manage priorities and identify gaps.
• Treat clients’ information in the strictest confidence, in line
with General Data Protection Regulations 2018.
• Provide some simple manual handling advice to your
volunteers.
• In the work you do, don’t put yourselves at risk of contracting
COVID-19.
• Have first aid procedures and ensure you keep a first aid book.
• Finally, look out for one another – this is a difficult time for
everyone so regularly check that your team members are ok
and ask if they need to talk.
VOLUNTEER GUIDANCEVOLUNTEER GUIDANCE
It’s vital your volunteers feel safe and secure in carrying out their
important role. Below is some voluntary guidance that’s been
shared with us that we hope you find useful, particularly for
when assisting anyone in self-isolation:
• Always pre-arrange visits with people – don’t ever cold call.
• No physical contact with the person (s) you are assisting –
remain two metres apart from them at all times.
• Discuss with the group organiser or person you are
supporting, the best way to exchange money (so the process
is open and transparent and can be easily scrutinised if
challenged). Try and not deal with cash.
• Do not enter their house – leave the shopping/medication at
the door (having let them know you are there).
• If a different help is being provided, such as dog walking,
agree the terms with the individual you are helping.
• If in doubt please don’t do it and never put yourself at risk.
Simply say the request for help will be passed on and we will
get back to them.
• Ensure before and after your volunteering you wash your
hands with soap and water or use hand gel.
