We take the safety of everyone within VICTA very seriously and expect that everyone, including volunteers, will work within our Safeguarding Policy. In particular, we expect that anyone who becomes aware of a safeguarding risk or actual abuse, will report it immediately to VICTA’s Safeguarding Officer. VICTA’s Safeguarding Officer is: Luke Wakefield.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those who are vulnerable. We expect all of our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure and identity check which will be renewed at least every three years.
Principles
Volunteers working with children or young adults who may be vulnerable should have a commitment to:
- treat individuals with respect
- recognise and respect their abilities and potential for development
- promote their rights to make their own decisions and choices, unless it is unsafe
- ensure their welfare and safety
- the promotion of social justice, social responsibility and respect for others
- maintaining a professional approach that ensures there is no inappropriate physical contact, avoiding inappropriate familiarity including discussing inappropriate matters
- confidentiality, never passing on personal information, except to the person to whom you are responsible, unless there are safeguarding issues of concern (e.g. allegations of abuse). Safeguarding issues of concern must always be reported to VICTA’s Safeguarding Officer, the Police or Social Care services
- not engaging in social media with participants on a VICTA activity unless managed by a member of VICTA staff e.g instant messaging groups
Key responsibilities and accountabilities
- To work with children and young adults who are blind or partially sighted in a way that meets and develops their personal and social needs, exercising active pastoral concern, developing good relationships
- To maintain a link with activity leaders
- To work in accordance with VICTA’s policy on safeguarding
- To undertake any other work that has been agreed and is seen to be appropriate
What we will provide
- A supportive, inclusive and positive environment that supports you to enjoy your volunteering and ensures that you are treated with respect and courtesy. We will organise regular meetings in order to ensure that you have everything you need in terms of resources and skills
Person specification
- Able to demonstrate an ability to work with people who are /may be vulnerable
- Able to demonstrate a willingness to develop their skills and training
- A team player with good communication skills
- Both reliable and punctual
Specific tasks
- To maintain contact details of leaders, helpers, children and young adults along with medical information
- To ensure that the children are safe by following the VICTA Safeguarding Policy
- Communicate with other team members, sharing plans and activities
- To escort the children to and from session areas
- Ensure all children / young adults have an opportunity to engage with activity if they want to, providing encouragement was appropriate
- To inform activity leaders of any incidents / issues / problems
