Volunteering with Ceartas

Ceartas welcomes volunteers and the difference that they can make in the life of the organisation and the people we support. If you want to assist the organisation in this way then feel free to contact us and we can discuss what it means to be a volunteer at Ceartas and some of the roles available.

Opportunities exist for the following roles:

• Administration
• Assisting in the collation and dissemination of information
• Advocacy
• Promotion of service to the wider community
• Recruitment of other volunteers
• Peer support
• Supporting group work
• Producing newsletters
• Encouraging membership
• To assist the organisation at events

Here are some the most frequently asked questions…

Do I need qualifications?

No formal qualifications are required for volunteering with Ceartas, but it is essential to have patience, and interest in people, and of course a sense of humour! Our expectations of a volunteer are for someone who is reliable, a good timekeeper and trustworthy in whatever role they commit to in the organisation.

How much time do I need to commit?

This depends on the role and the time you can give to Ceartas. Most volunteers commit 2-3 hours each week, however some do this on a fortnightly basis. We will certainly try to ensure that all volunteer roles are flexible and can fit around your time and commitments.

What if I can’t manage?

Remember that we do realise that life is hectic and circumstances can change unexpectedly. If you are unable to volunteer on the day, please notify Ceartas, leaving a message with a member of staff. Please let us know if you need to take extended time off from your volunteering role or if you feel unable to continue as a volunteer. It would be appreciated if you can give us advance warning. It is better to plan an "ending" rather than stopping suddenly.

Where will I be volunteering?

This is dependent upon the role that you are involved in, some task maybe entirely office based others may take place in your local area and throughout East Dunbartonshire.

Are there expenses?

Ceartas believes that the cost of travel or taking part in activities should not prevent you from volunteering. All volunteers will receive their travel expenses reimbursed for their volunteering activities or any other events organised by Ceartas. For volunteers who use public transport, a receipt must be submitted. Other out of pocket expenses will also be reimbursed also on the production of a receipt. A mileage rate is paid to car drivers.

I'm on benefits is that a problem?

Your rights to benefits will not normally be affected if you do voluntary activity but in some circumstances they could be. Ceartas recommends that if you are in doubt then you take guidance from the Department of Work and Pensions and/or Job centre plus or your local CAB or Volunteer Centre.

What about references?

All volunteers are required to provide the details of two people (not relatives) from whom references can be sought in order for us to get to know you better. For nearly all volunteer roles, a disclosure will be necessary. Any volunteer who refuses permission for these checks will not be accepted as a volunteer with Ceartas.

Am I insured for my voluntary work?

Volunteers are insured for any voluntary activity that they are asked to be involved in by Ceartas.

Can I use my car?

Ceartas recognises that many volunteers will use their car to assist in their role. Ceartas does not object to this. However volunteers are reminded that if they use their car as part of their role or to get to their place of volunteering they must inform their insurance company and provide a copy of their confirmation. All volunteers using their vehicle as part of their role are required to complete a form giving details of their Road Tax, MOT and insurance cover.

What training will I receive?

The amount of training that you will receive is dependent upon which type of volunteering role you are involved with. As a volunteer with Ceartas you will be kept fully informed of any training opportunities and you can discuss this with your link person.

Does Ceartas have a volunteer policy?

Yes. A copy is held in the office and you can view it at any time along with the other policy and procedures of Ceartas. Volunteers who do not adhere to the policies of Ceartas or who fail to satisfactorily perform their volunteer duties (despite the provision of support and training) may be asked to leave volunteer service with Ceartas. Should the volunteer have any complaints then the individual can use the complaints policy of the organisation.

Is there a code of conduct?

Ceartas closely supervises the work of volunteers, however service users, carers, members of the public, partner organisations, funder and of course family and friends of a service user also observe it. As such the volunteer's conduct while working on behalf of Ceartas should not bring Ceartas into disrepute or jeopardise relationships with other organisations. A volunteer will immediately be asked to leave Ceartas if any of the following is committed in relation to their volunteering activities:

• Sexual or racial harassment or any form of discrimination.
• Aggressive or threatening behaviour.
• Theft
• Malicious damage
• Falsification of expenses.
• Intoxication
• Disclosure of confidential information.
• Repeated lateness or not showing for visits with service users without good reason.
• Repeatedly not working in compliance with the instructions of the CEO and or a designated member of staff.
• Providing false information or failing to disclose criminal convictions or other relevant information.

Disabled access

Please note that our offices in Lennoxtown have disabled access.