Woodcraft Folk Volunteer Toolkit

Volunteer Toolkit

www.woodcraft.org.uk/toolkit Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity in England & Wales (1148195) and in Scotland (SC039791) Registered in England & Wales Company No. 8133727

Contents Overview Finding volunteers Finding volunteers – summary diagram Introduction Checklist Guide to volunteer roles Volunteer role description template Volunteer Co-ordinator role description Example job description – Group Leader duties Example adverts Volunteer poster for local adaptation Example poster Template volunteer surveys Example volunteer enrolment form Example volunteer follow up questionnaire Top tips for recruiting volunteers Volunteer recruitment case studies

Inducting volunteers Inducting volunteers – summary diagram Introduction Checklist Volunteer policy Safeguarding policy and procedures Membership overview Membership form Aims, Principles and Programme Aim and Principles summary Code of conduct Example volunteer agreement Welcome information for new volunteers Example local welcome information Example membership steps Example District structure diagram

Supporting volunteers Supporting volunteers – summary diagram Introduction Checklist Resources Training Mentoring Young leaders Expenses claim form Volunteering and state benefits

Useful contacts for further information

This toolkit was developed with the help of Scottish Government funding from the National Voluntary Youth Organisations Support Fund

Overview Woodcraft Folk is run by volunteers. This toolkit has been put together to enable Group Leaders to have the tools to recruit and support volunteers at a local level, within Woodcraft Folk groups and Districts. You can adapt the toolkit to include local or regional documents. The contents may be added to or changed over time so we have included items as separate documents to allow this to happen. For example UK policies are renewed biannually and are available on the website www.woodcraft.org.uk/general-council-policies.

If you have (or develop) any documents, forms, adverts, posters or other information that can be used as good examples to help others, please upload them to the website www.woodcraft.org.uk or forward them to info@woodcraft.org.uk for sharing. Also if you think there is something missing that you’d find useful to include, let us know.

What is a volunteer?

“Volunteers can be defined as people who spend time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or people other than, or in addition to, close relatives.” From www.volunteering.org.uk In Woodcraft Folk this means everyone who is helping Woodcraft Folk activity to happen, who is not part of our small staff team. This means - whatever language you use - parents, leaders, helpers, young people helping out at younger groups, drivers, storage and equipment organisers, event organisers, trainers, fundraisers etc. People come to Woodcraft Folk via different paths and it’s important to note that volunteers are not only those who come through volunteer centres.

What is volunteer management? “...Volunteer management has a broad scope, spanning the public, private and voluntary sectors.

It can encompass a range of activities, such as recruiting, coordinating, leading, supporting, administering and organising volunteers, as well as the strategic oversight and management of volunteer programmes.

People who manage volunteers may be paid or unpaid. Volunteers who are responsible for managing other volunteers, for example leaders at local community networks or faith groups, may not have a formal job title or role description, and yet can still come under the category of ‘people who manage volunteers’” [Above adapted from www.volunteering.org.uk]

Within Woodcraft Folk the task of volunteer management may be allocated between many roles or through one central district role, and is varied throughout the UK from group to group.

Sometimes the role is part of the district co-ordinator’s role and sometimes it’s shared between key group roles. Some find shared responsibility more sustainable and less demanding, others that one co-ordinator can keep track of things better; it may depend on the size of your group.

Many districts have their own volunteer job descriptions or roles that can be referred to. It’s important that roles are clear so that people know who to ask about what and who to refer others to. However your District operates, it’s vital that volunteers are well supported and well managed.

Why is volunteer management important?

“Organisations benefit more from paid staff if they are well-managed. The same goes for volunteers; professionally and strategically-managed volunteers bring greater benefits than if they are unsupported or badly managed. Realising that one or more people should be responsible for managing volunteers is the next step in valuing volunteer management.” www.volunteering.org.uk In Woodcraft Folk volunteer management means: •

All volunteers have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities

•

All volunteers better understand the organisation, its aims and principles

•

All volunteers are supported to develop and use their skills

•

All volunteers are empowered and motivated to offer their time and ideas

This can lead to the benefits of: •

Increased volunteer retention

•

Increased volunteer satisfaction

•

Growing groups and more opportunities for young people and children

Why is it important for me to invest in volunteers?

Woodcraft Folk are looking to grow our groups. This includes our existing groups as well as new groups. A lot of energy goes into recruiting volunteers so it makes sense to give volunteers a good experience and to keep them within the organisation. Evidence suggests that our retention of new volunteers is something we need to get better at. Lack of volunteers is one of the main issues preventing our growth at the moment.

We also know that new groups are much more likely to grow from existing groups than start up independently. This requires organisation, skill sharing and enough volunteers.

How do I invest in volunteers?

Having more Woodcraft Folk volunteers who are well managed can: • • • • • • •

The benefits of investing in volunteers are real and can provide the key to your group Alleviate stress on existing volunteers growing and your district strengthening but it doesn’t happen by itself. Volunteer Bring new skills andyou ideas management needs to invest time and ideas to make it happen. This toolkit provides you with enthusiasm some tools and ideas but they need to be used locally and put into practise to Bolster work. You need to manage volunteers locally through personal relationships. Spending Foster time withnew andnetworks for volunteers is essential to making a difference for children and young people.

The your first step is more reading this toolkit; the second step is to decide who will manage Help make group inclusive volunteers. A role description for ‘Volunteer Co-ordinator’ is included in this toolkit.

Better match volunteers’ skills with roles that need doing Strengthen your group

volunteer cycle • The Make your group more sustainable volunteer’s journey can be asand several key stages known collectively as the • ABegin to address waiting listsvisualised of children young people volunteer cycle. By giving and receiving the support needed at the right stage both the • organisation Build and strengthen your District and the volunteer can make the best use of time and effort to mutual benefit.

How do I invest in volunteers?

The benefits of investing in volunteers are real and can provide the key to your group growing and your district strengthening but it doesn’t happen by itself. Volunteer management needs you to invest time and ideas to make it happen. This toolkit provides you with some tools and ideas but they need to be used locally and put into practice to work. You need to manage volunteers locally through personal relationships. Spending time with and for volunteers is essential to making a difference for children and young people. The first step is reading this toolkit; the second step is to decide who will manage volunteers. A role description for ‘Volunteer Coordinator’ is included in this toolkit.

The volunteer cycle A volunteer’s journey can be visualised as several key stages known collectively as the volunteer cycle. By giving and receiving the support needed at the right stage both the organisation and the volunteer can make the best use of time and effort to mutual benefit.

Recruit

Progress

Induct

(This is not compulsory)

Support

Train

Retaining volunteers Recruiting volunteers is an important first step but to make a lasting impact you will need to retain these volunteers and current members, keeping experience and knowledge.

To keep volunteers, Woodcraft Folk members at Development Conference felt we should: Offer free training (possibly just affordable) Have local planning meetings (so long as they are well run and fun) Have camps (regular ones) Make sure the children and the adults have fun Ask people what involvement they want Ask people to help more Give people a specific role Reduce stress on leaders Learn to delegate Learn where your own limits are and let go Offer to help others Have informal meetings Support individuals Give positive feedback Provide mentors Meet up and network with others outside the group

Finding volunteers - summary

S

Create messaging for your adverts including: The need for the work The role you’re offering The benefits to the volunteer Contact information

Use Woodcraft Folk’s online role descriptions for inspiration woodcraft.org.uk/volunteer-role-descriptions

Consider why people volunteer, including: To help To develop skills, confidence and experience To connect with others To have fun!

Consider why they choose Woodcraft Folk: Shared values Wanting to work with children & young people The benefits Woodcraft offers to their own and other people’s children

Make sure you have a system for dealing with enquiries before you advertise, eg

Recruitment tips!

woodcraft.org.uk/volunteer -recruitment-tips

Appoint a Volunteer Co-ordinator Have an email address to respond from Line up an event to invite potential volunteers to

Ask Woodcraft Folk for publicity materials and advertise in a range of places: Local events Council’s website Libraries and shops Schools and youth groups Local paper Branches of like-minded organisations eg the Green Party, Co-operative

Finding Volunteers Introduction [Information adapted from Volunteer Development Scotland]

Once you’ve decided to actively look for new volunteers, leaders and helpers, there are a number of things you need to think about: •

What are the roles and tasks that need to be done?

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Who would want to perform these roles?

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What are the motivations of these people?

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Where will you find them?

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How will you communicate your recruitment message?

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How many people do you need?

Volunteer role descriptions There is a guide to volunteer roles in Woodcraft Folk which you can look through to start thinking about the types of roles you might advertise for. We’ve included this in this toolkit as well as an example of a Group Leader’s duties. There are further examples of different role descriptions available here: woodcraft.org.uk/volunteer-role-descriptions.

Role descriptions are helpful to enable volunteers to have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. They also help you to recruit volunteers who are motivated.

Why do people volunteer?

• To help others • To give something back

• To enhance their CV and increase employability • To share and maintain skills and knowledge

• To increase self confidence

• To meet new people in their community and socialise

• To build structure into their lifestyle

• To improve spoken English

• To keep mentally and physically active

• To complete a challenge

• To feel needed

• To feel part of a team

• To gain experience and skills

• To have fun!

With Woodcraft Folk in particular, people may want to volunteer because they want more experience of working with children and young people (to go into teaching for example).

Woodcraft Folk members at Development Conference suggested that people volunteer with Woodcraft Folk because: They truly believe what Woodcraft is about Their children don’t fit Scouts They’ve seen other people having fun They are interested in politics & political education It allows space for young people to self-develop They can socialise with like-minded people They want their children to be part They are interested in the outdoors life To influence young people They enjoy working with children (this is why adults stay at Woodcraft Folk after their children have left) It’s a non-religious youth group

What will you say to them?

In attracting new volunteers, you will need to: •

Show a statement of need – why is the work important?

•

Describe the role

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Address concerns (such as time commitment, expenses, having an induction, training opportunities)

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Highlight benefits to them

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Show how to contact you for more information

You can download publicity materials here: http://woodcraft.org.uk/resources/woodcraft-publicity-materials and here: http://woodcraft.org.uk/resources/results/taxonomy-759 You can also ask the Woodcraft Folk office for current materials.

Things to consider: •

Where will you advertise? (See methods of advertising below)

•

When will you advertise?

Should you think about the term and / or school year? Is there a camp or event coming up? Are you thinking of forming a new group for a new age range?

•

What resources will you need?

Will you need someone to act as a Volunteer Co-ordinator? Do you need leaflets and educational materials? Will you need to set up an email address for the group, a Facebook page? Will you need to fund room hire, refreshments, expenses?

Name badges, pens?

•

What needs to be in place before you recruit volunteers?

For example some groups have had an organised event ready to advertise as a “find out more information” session, such as Introducing Woodcraft Folk.

•

How will we measure how effective we’ve been?

For example some groups have used a volunteer survey to help gather several bits of info such as what skills a person would like to offer.

Two way communication methods are the most effective, where people can ask questions.

Only using written materials and posters is a bit like cold calling, though you could adapt a poster to have tear-off strips at the bottom with your contact details on (see example).

Think about language when you are thinking about appealing to the motivations of people; some people are more likely to respond to an ask to ‘help out’ than to ‘volunteer’ and vice versa. Many people informally volunteer without classifying themselves as volunteering.

Note that advertising for volunteers is likely to be through different types of methods and materials, and in different places, than advertising your group to parents of children. You can try to do both on one poster but it won’t be as effective as separate approaches.

Brighton Woodcraft Folk advertised for new leaders and recorded some interesting results in how many people viewed two different adverts that were posted on the same day on Gumtree. The advert proclaiming “new” opportunities was almost 3 times as likely to be viewed than a generic “flexible volunteering” one. Whilst no hard evidence on why this occurred is available, it can be assumed that the active language of “new” was appealing to its viewers.

This also raises another point about constantly refreshing the adverts that are posted either online or on notice boards. Potential volunteers don’t respond well to old or out of date volunteering adverts and in the case of electronic advertising, new or refreshed adverts will generally appear higher on a webpage or get emailed out more regularly as part of a monthly or weekly bulletin.

Methods of advertising •

Leaflets

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Schools

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Posters

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Youth clubs

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Postcards

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Universities and colleges

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Local authority websites

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Community centres

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Woodcraft Folk website

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Leisure centres

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Attending events – Freshers week, local festivals etc

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Volunteer centres

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Language schools

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GP surgeries

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Local bulletin / community boards e.g. church, community hall, mosque

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Asking your current contacts, their friends, family and colleagues

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Facebook and Twitter

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Local newspapers / press

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Presentations and talks

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Job centres

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Libraries

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Supermarkets / local shops

Woodcraft Folk Members at Development Conference also suggested: •

Organisations with students who need to work with children e.g. childcare, Duke of Edinburgh, teacher training, 6th form civic service

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Organisations such as Co-operative member groups, university societies, GREENs, Trade Unionists

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Outdoor enthusiasts, e.g. wildlife groups, ramblers

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Ex-leaders from Scouts & Guides

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The internet, e.g. Gumtree

Finding volunteers checklist

As a group, have you:

Thought about how you can engage the whole group in recruitment …….  Agreed to look for new volunteers, leaders and helpers…………………….  Agreed roles and tasks needing to be done…………………………………  Agreed how many people you need…………………………………………..  Thought about who you need to attract………………………………………  Created a list of places to advertise………………………………………….



Decided when to advertise…………………………………………………….  Identified who will respond to enquiries………………………………………  Set a date for an induction event………………………………………………  Designed an advert to attract volunteers……………………………………..  Thought about how you will measure your success…………………………  Advertised in a variety of places and in different ways……………………..  Monitored and replied to enquiries……………………………………………. 

Volunteer Role Description Template Role Title: Where: When: Commitment: You will have contact with: Duration: Requirements:

What’s in it for you:

Why we want you:

You will be supported by: Notes:

For more information, contact:

Volunteer Co-ordinator Role Description Overall role and responsibility Woodcraft Folk groups require volunteers to ensure group nights and camps continue to be delivered on a local level. This role has been designed to prioritise the recruitment, support and training of new volunteers at a District level. This role is not responsible for DBS checks and membership screening.

Specific responsibilities 1. Support the District to develop clear volunteer role descriptions, using the agreed template 2. Maintain a list of volunteer roles and opportunities within your District 3. Receive and respond to all enquiries from potential volunteers 4. Develop a relationship with local volunteer recruiting bodies e.g. Volunteer Centre, Student Community Action etc.

5. Co-ordinate volunteer recruitment activity, with input from District and group members 6. When recruiting volunteers you should endeavour to match them to an appropriate role and offer induction and training for that role 7. Offer ongoing advice and support to volunteers, signposting them to appropriate training and mentoring 8. Promote and ensure compliance with Woodcraft Folk’s Volunteer Policy 9. Celebrate volunteering by nominating volunteers for awards and organising celebration events 10. Report any volunteering concerns or issues to the Membership Development Manager 11. Keep confidential all personal records held on any potential volunteers in your District Key contacts You should be in regular contact with your local District Co-ordinator, Group Contacts and Membership Secretary. You will also find it beneficial to link with other District Volunteer Co-ordinators. You are also encouraged to seek clarification on volunteering by contacting Debs McCahon, Membership Development Manager, 0845 217 8939, deborah.mccahon@woodcraft.org.uk Recommended partner links To assist in your duties you are strongly advised to develop links with your local Volunteer Centre. Follow the link below to identify your local Centre: www.volunteering.org.uk/WhatWeDo/Local+and+Regional/VolunteerCentreFinderGoogle

Woodcraft folk, Units 9/10, 83 Crampton Street London, SE17 3BQ, UK Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity in England & Wales (1148195) and in Scotland (SC039791). And a Limited Company, registered in England & Wales, Company No. 8133727 T: +44 (0)20 7703 4173 E: info@woodcraft.org.uk W: www.woodcraft.org.uk

Example

LISS WOODCRAFT FOLK GROUP LEADER DUTIES  To take overall responsibility for the group.  To take, keep and store a register in confidence.  To log any incidents of a serious nature (refer to other policies) that take place during the evening or event.  To obtain children's registration forms and make sure information is available to appropriate people.  To ensure adult members and volunteers working with the children have completed all relevant forms and been vetted with references taken. (This will be done by the Child Protection Officer.)  To ensure any adult helper that is not vetted is always supervised and not left in charge of a group of children.  To carry out safety checks on the premises.  To attend District meetings and programming meetings making sure that the parents of the children have a role to play i.e. rota duty or craft work etc.  To ensure that all subscriptions are paid. To liaise with the Group Treasurer where arrangements have been made for weekly payment or where subsidies have been given. To ensure that subs notices are promoted in the newsletter.  All duties to be carried out in accordance with the local plan, organisational policies and the Woodcraft Folk Constitution.  To provide a copy of the Leader Training Guide to helpers.

Example adverts used on the Internet

New part-time volunteering opportunities - Woodcraft Folk Glasgow Districts Are you looking to get more involved with your local community?

Do you enjoy working with young people and children?

Are you passionate about big issues affecting society today and building children’s awareness and self-confidence to cope with the challenges of tomorrow?

If this sounds like you Woodcraft Folk needs you!

Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity offering you the opportunity to help build a fairer, more peaceful world for all. We run weekly groups for children aged 4-16yrs old and are looking for Volunteers to get involved for a few hours a month, whenever it suits YOU! Perhaps you’d like to contribute a couple of hours as a one-off workshop? Or maybe you’d like to take part in a group discussion or games night once a fortnight?

We know that your time is precious so we will work with you to make sure you to get the most out of your experience with us. From working directly with the groups and running your own sessions, to representing groups at the national level there are many aspects of the organisation you can choose to get involved with!

If you are a good communicator who shares our values of peace, co-operation and equality, Glasgow Woodcraft Folk invites you to get in touch. We are running induction events week starting Monday 22nd April and would love to see you there!

Group leader volunteering opportunities, Woodcraft Folk, Glasgow Southside Are you over 18yrs old and looking to get more involved with your local community?

Do you enjoy working with young people and children?

Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity offering you the opportunity to help build a fairer, more peaceful world for all. We run weekly groups for children aged 4-16yrs old and are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to become group leaders in the Glasgow Southside Woodcraft Folk district. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, give back to your community and add to your CV! What does this entail?

• Helping organise and supervise session activities (with help from other dedicated volunteers); • Ensuring the group is run in accordance to the aims and principles of Woodcraft Folk; • General administrative duties; • Being able to co-ordinate the efforts of other volunteers to create rotas and session plans.

Training through induction sessions will be provided by Woodcraft Folk and supported by current volunteers every step of the way! We anticipate that this role will require volunteers to dedicate 1-2 hrs/week.

If you are a good communicator looking to make a difference who shares our values of peace, co-operation and equality, Glasgow Southside Woodcraft Folk invites you to get in touch.

We are running a volunteer induction event the week starting Monday 22nd April so please get in touch for more details if you wish to attend!

Example adverts used on the Internet

New Part-time Volunteering Project, Woodcraft Folk, Brighton Do you feel passionately about big issues like the environment, world debt and global conflict?

Would you like to be part of an organisation based on equality and co-operation working with young people for a sustainable world? Have you been looking to gain the experience of an internship but don’t have the time or funds to give up your work or study?

Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity offering you the opportunity to help build a fairer, more peaceful world with our new Volunteering Project in Brighton. We are looking for Volunteers who would like to be involved for 1-2 hrs per week over a period of 2 months this summer. Over the 2 months you will gain in-depth experience of how our unique charity works. You will also build relationships with other volunteers and members of the community.

We understand that your time, skills and enthusiasm are precious so we want you to get the most out of your experience with us. There are many aspects of the organisation you can choose to get involved with; from working directly with children to develop their selfconfidence and understanding of society, to arranging group holidays and fundraising events. You may also be given the opportunity to join groups of young people on free Woodcraft Folk trips in the UK and abroad.

If you are a good communicator who shares our values of peace, co-operation and equality, the Brighton Hill Fort District of Woodcraft Folk invites you to get in touch.

Please email [insert name] at [insert email] or call [insert phone number]

Flexible Volunteering: Woodcraft Folk: Brighton If you feel passionately about peace, equality and co-operation and enjoy working with children and young people, Woodcraft Folk would love to hear from you.

Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity that works co-operatively with children, young people and adults to share ideas and experiences, develop skills and confidence, explore opportunities and make life-long friends.

We invite you to share your ideas, skills and enthusiasm with the children and young people of Brighton.

Perhaps you’d like to contribute a couple of hours as a one-off workshop? Or maybe you’d like to take part in a group discussion or games night once a fortnight?

Either way we would love you to get in touch: Please call [insert name and number] Or email [insert name and email address]

Example volunteer advert

Bromley

Volunteering Opportunity Do you enjoy running activities for children? Are you looking to gain some experience?

Bromley District Woodcraft Folk are looking for a new leader for their Elfins Group (6-9 years old). This is an exciting opportunity for you to get involved with a pioneering local organisation and gain valuable experience in facilitating activities for children.

About us at Woodcraft Folk Woodcraft Folk is a movement for children and young people. We offer a place where children will grow in confidence, learn about the world and start to understand how to value our planet and each other.

Every week thousands of Woodcraft volunteers and young people meet in school halls, community venues and a host of other places to learn about big ideas through fun activities like singing, playing and debating.

Our aim is to have great fun, but also to try and develop children’s self-confidence and build their awareness of society around them.

The skills we’re looking for in you - Confidence and some experience of running activities for children aged 6-9 in a group setting - Awareness of the needs of children of this age and the ability to effectively plan sessions and activities - Enthusiasm for the values of Woodcraft Folk - Ability to commit to 2 hours on a Tuesday evening in school term time, with occasional camps/weekend activities What we can offer you - Valuable experience in facilitating activities for children aged 6-9, leading group activities and planning sessions - A supportive and encouraging environment in which to grow your skills and knowledge - Mentoring, training and team-building activities - A thorough safeguarding procedure and training in relevant safeguarding issues - A lot of fun!

If this sounds like you, get in touch with [insert name and email address]

Example advert

Kids Club Leaders – Hackney Woodcraft Folk Want to learn more about working with kids and making education fun?

Want to gain a whole new set of skills?

We have a fantastic new opportunity for volunteers to set up and lead a group for 6-9 year olds!

We have groups all over Hackney, for children of all ages. We meet every week during term time, and go away on weekend trips. Together children and volunteers have fun and learn about big ideas through a whole range of activities, from singing to games to debates to...you name it!

What will you get out of it?

As a volunteer you'll gain excellent skills in working with children. You’ll build up loads of experience of running fun activities. You'll get training and you’ll learn about leadership, teamwork and even financial planning, as well as meeting like-minded people.

We are committed to equal opportunities. We want to set up a group that reflects the diversity of Hackney and would particularly welcome volunteers from Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

What are we looking for?

Ability to see the funny side, healthy disregard for authority, patience, and any of the following interests - music, bushcraft, recycling, crafts, drama, dressing up as fantastical characters, plants, animals, making fires, cooking, outdoor activities, sustainability, camping, games, woodwork, drawing, writing, health, exercise, sewing or knitting, the environment, social justice…and any other skills/interests you’d like to share! Above all you must like children and be able to commit to coming every week.

If you are not very confident with leading groups or working with kids yet, that's fine - you'll learn on the job! And we’ll support you all the way.

Who are we?

Hackney Woodcraft Folk is part of a national movement for children and young people, organising games, discussions, projects, crafts and lots more, plus hostelling and camping activities throughout the year. We promote peace, equality and cooperation, and aim to empower children and young people through an educational programme based on awareness of issues both local and global. Find out more at www.woodcraft.org.uk. Registered charity no. 1148195

How can I apply?

Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Please send an email to hackneyvolunteers@gmail.com telling us 1) Your name, number and email, 2) A few sentences on why you think you’d make a good leader, any previous experience, and why you’re interested, 3) Where and how you heard about this opportunity. Or you can call Richard on XXXXX XXXXXX.

Example advert

Kids Club Leaders – Hackney Woodcraft Folk What? We have fantastic new opportunities for volunteers to set up and lead a group for 6-9 year olds! We have groups all over Hackney that meet regularly to have fun and learn about big ideas. You can find out more about Woodcraft Folk at www.woodcraft.org.uk.

Why? As a volunteer you'll gain excellent skills and experience in working with children, running

fun and educational activities, leadership, teamwork, and planning. You’ll get training, and loads of support every step of the way. We want to set up a group that reflects the diversity of Hackney and particularly welcome volunteers from Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

Who? We’d love to hear from you if you can see the funny side, have a healthy disregard for

authority, and want to share your skills and interests (music, crafts, animals, cooking, outdoor activities, games, co-operation, equality… you name it!), as well as develop new ones. Above all you must like children and be able to commit to coming every week.

How? To apply please send an email to hackneyvolunteers@gmail.com telling us 1) Your name,

number and email, 2) A few sentences on why you think you’d make a good leader, any previous experience, and why you’re interested, 3) Where and how you heard about the opportunity. Or you can call Richard on XXXXX XXXXXX.

Hackney Woodcraft Folk is part of a national movement for children and young people, aiming to promote peace, equality and co-operation, and empower children and young people by increasing awareness of local and global issues. Find out more at www.woodcraft.org.uk.

Registered charity no. 1148195

We’re looking for volunteer helpers If you’re passionate about helping to develop children’s self-confidence and want to get involved with your local community - we need you!

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL GROUP

www.woodcraft.org.uk/volunteer & follow us on Twitter @woodcraftfolk or on www.facebook.com/groups/woodcraftfolk Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity in England & Wales (1148195) and in Scotland (SC039791) Registered in England & Wales Company No. 8133727

Since 1925 Woodcraft Folk has been EMPOWERING children and young people aged 4-16yrs to get involved in big issues affecting society today and make their own decisions in life.

Our groups in Scotstoun and Shawlands are looking for VOLUNTEERS to take up a number of key positions so check us out online and email us for more details! www.woodcraft.org.uk Email: scotland@woodcraft.org.uk

Email scotland@woodcraft.org.uk

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Woodcraft Folk | Inclusive recruitment strategies – Volunteer surveys

The following surveys have been designed to help you understand more about your potential and new volunteers – from what has motivated them to begin the process of volunteering with the Woodcraft Folk to what skills and experience they can offer you.

Using these surveys will help you understand how effective your recruitment approaches are and help you identify how you might be able to improve them to find more volunteers for your group.

There are two surveys outlined below – a baseline survey and a follow-up survey.

The baseline survey should be used at the first point of contact you have with a potential volunteer. This can be over the phone if responding to an advert, or at an event in person. The follow-up survey is designed for when you have finished a period of marketing or promotion but can also be completed by new volunteers once they have started volunteering. It might also be interesting to ask some of your existing volunteers to complete the questions to see what motivated them to get involved!

You do not have to use all the questions but those that have been asterisked should form the base of any survey. You can alter the answer options to tailor the survey to your particular group.

Baseline volunteer survey questions

1. How did you hear about Woodcraft Folk [insert name of local group]?* Please select one only.

[Select options from/add appropriate options to the list below] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

My church, mosque, synagogue or other faith group National newspaper National or local TV Set up my own group Involvement with the Woodcraft Folk Through previously using the services of the organisation Word of mouth The library Local event General volunteering website My employer National or local radio Local volunteer centre Local newspaper Local council Do-It website My university, college or school Leaflet or poster Local radio Time Bank Woodcraft Folk website Other (please state)

2. What aspects of the group are you interested in helping out with?

Please select all that apply.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cooking/banquets Drawing/Arts Drama Nature Winter activities Outdoor activities Science Singing/music Sports Woodworking Hiking Handicrafts Games Swimming Camping Water sports Helping to recruit new children Helping to recruit new volunteers Promoting and marketing the group locally Other (please specify)

3. What events would you be interested in participating or volunteering for?

[Please insert a list of relevant events for your local group].

4. In what capacity are you interested in volunteering?* Please select all that apply.

• • • • • • • •

One-off volunteering opportunities Occasional assistance with events Occasional assistance with group meetings Occasional assistance with running the group Regular assistance with events Regular assistance with group meetings Regular assistance with running the group Other (please specify)

5. What skills or experience would you like to contribute?* Please select all that apply.

• • • • • • •

Fundraising or finance Working with children Working with young people Communication and marketing skills Event planning Administration Other (please specify).

6. Have you ever volunteered for other groups, clubs, charities or organisations?

Please select one only.

• • •

Yes, in the last 12 months Yes, more than 12 months ago No

7. Which, if any, are the reasons why you don’t currently volunteer to help to groups, charities, clubs or organisations?* Please select all that apply.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Worried I might end up out of pocket Worried about threat to safety Not enough spare time Not got the right skills / experience Don't know how to find out about getting involved Worried I wouldn't fit in with other people involved Illness or disability Family or partner wouldn't want me to Put off by bureaucracy Wouldn't be able to stop once I got involved Don't feel I speak good enough English Worried about risk / liability Worried about losing benefits Worried that my immigration status might be a barrier

• •

Feel I am too old Other please specify

8. What, if anything, would make it easier for you to get involved in this kind of activity?* Please select all that apply.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

If I had more information about the organisations or activities If I had more spare time Nothing If I were at a more convenient location If my health improved If I was asked If I had fewer other commitments If I had support or help with childcare or fewer childcare responsibilities If someone I knew got involved too If I had a drivers licence or transport If the times were more convenient If I had more money If I were working less If I knew who to contact about it Other (please specify)

9. Please provide your contact details so we may follow up any volunteering opportunities with you.* Name: Email: Telephone:

10. What is your age?

Please select one only.

• • • • • • •

Under 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 50 51 - 65 Over 65 Rather not say

11. Are you male or female?

Please select one only.

• • •

Male Female Transgender

12. To which of these groups do you consider you belong?

Please select one only.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

White - British White – Irish White – other white background Mixed – White and Black Caribbean Mixed – White and Black African Mixed – White and Asian Mixed – any other Mixed background Asian or Asian British – Indian Asian or Asian British – Pakistani Asian or Asian British – Bangladeshi Asian or Asian British – other Asian background Black or Black British – Caribbean Black or Black British – African Black or Black British – other Black background Chinese Other, please specify Don’t know Rather not say

Follow up volunteer survey questions

1. Have you volunteered with [insert name of local group] in the last [insert time period]?* Please select one only.

• •

Yes No

If yes to Q1…

2. How many hours have you volunteered in the past [insert time period]?

Please select one only • • • •

Less than one hour 1 - 5 hours 6 - 10 hours More than 10 hours

3. How happy are you with the amount of volunteering hours that you have been able to contribute?

Please select one only.

• • • •

I am happy with the amount of time I have contributed I would like to contribute more time I am not able to continue with this level of contribution Other, please specify

4. How did you first hear about the volunteering opportunities at the Woodcraft Folk [insert name of local group]?* Please select one only.

[Select options from / add appropriate options to the list below] • My church, mosque, synagogue or other faith group • National newspaper • National or local TV • Set up my own group • Involvement with the Woodcraft Folk • Through previously using the services of the organisation • Word of mouth • The library • Local event • General volunteering website • My employer • National or local radio • Local volunteer centre • Local newspaper • Local council • Do-It website • My university, college or school

• • • • •

Leaflet or poster Local radio Time Bank Woodcraft Folk website Other (please state)

5. What motivated you to start volunteering with the Woodcraft Folk?* Please select all that apply.

• • • • • • • • •

To meet people and make friends To broaden my experience of life To learn new skills To improve employment prospects To occupy my spare time I enjoy working with children and young people My child/children take part in the group I was encouraged by my friend(s) to volunteer Other (please specify)

6. What tasks have you helped with during your time volunteering so far?

[Open ended]

7. How helpful, if at all, have the following been in helping you to fulfil your volunteering role?

[Select / insert relevant options for your group] Initial training Very helpful

helpful

neither helpful or unhelpful

unhelpful

Volunteer handbook Very helpful helpful

neither helpful or unhelpful

unhelpful

Support from staff generally Very helpful helpful

neither helpful or unhelpful

unhelpful

Support from other volunteers Very helpful helpful

neither helpful or unhelpful

unhelpful

8. Please say how much you agree or disagree with the following statements about volunteering.

Please tick one option for each statement.

Strongly agree I’m given the opportunity to do the sort of things I’d like to do

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

Don’t know

I get bored or lose interest in my involvement I can cope with the things I’m asked to do My efforts are appreciated by the organisation or people I volunteer for I find it difficult to balance my volunteering commitments with my other commitments I find it difficult to balance my volunteering commitments with my other commitments (work/school/home) In the course of my volunteering, I have received training that helps me in my role as volunteer

9. What aspect of your volunteering experience have you enjoyed most so far?

[Open ended]

10. What aspect of your volunteering experience have you enjoyed least so far?

[Open ended]

11. Do you have any further comments or suggestions on how Woodcraft Folk [insert name of local group] can better encourage and support their volunteers?* [Open-ended]

If no to Q1…

13. Which, if any, are the reasons why you decided not to volunteer at Woodcraft Folk (insert name of local group]?* Please select all that apply.

• • • • •

Worried I might end up out of pocket Worried about threat to safety Not enough spare time Not got the right skills/experience Don't know how to find out about getting involved

• • • • • • • • • • •

Worried I wouldn't fit in with other people involved Illness or disability Family and partner wouldn't want me to Put off by bureaucracy Wouldn't be able to stop once I got involved Don't feel I speak good enough English Worried about risk/liability Worried about losing benefits Worried that my immigration status might be a barrier Feel I am too old Other please specify

14. What, if anything, would make it easier for you to get involved in volunteering with Woodcraft Folk?* Please select all that apply.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

If I had more information about the organisations or activities If I had more spare time Nothing If I were at a more convenient location If my health improved If I was asked If I had fewer other commitments If I had support or help with childcare or fewer childcare responsibilities If someone I knew got involved too If I had a drivers license or transport If the times were more convenient If I had more money If I were working less If I knew who to contact about it Other (please specify)

15. If you have any other comments about why you are currently not able to volunteer, please provide feedback in the box below.

[Open ended]

16. What is your age?

Please select one only.

• • • • • • •

Under 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 50 51 - 65 Over 65 Rather not say

17. Are you male or female?

Please select one only.

• • •

Male Female Transgender

18. To which of these groups do you consider you belong?

Please select one only.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

White - British White – Irish White – other white background Mixed – White and Black Caribbean Mixed – White and Black African Mixed – White and Asian Mixed – any other Mixed background Asian or Asian British – Indian Asian or Asian British – Pakistani Asian or Asian British – Bangladeshi Asian or Asian British – other Asian background Black or Black British – Caribbean Black or Black British – African Black or Black British – other Black background Chinese Other (please specify) Don’t know Rather not say

Example

Woodcraft Folk Brighton Volunteer Enrolment Form Please fill in this enrolment form and email it back to [insert name and email] or call [insert name and phone number] for general enquiries or help filling in the form.

Name: …………………………………………………………………..

Contact telephone number: …………………………………………..

Contact email: ………………………………………………………….

Please tell us which advert you are responding to (circle as appropriate): ‘Flexible Volunteering’ / ‘New Part-time Volunteering Project’ / Other

Please tell us where you saw this volunteering opportunity (eg: Community Base website, Hove Library, etc). …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Had you heard of Woodcraft Folk before you heard about this opportunity? (Yes / No) …………..

Please tell us briefly what experience you would like to gain from volunteering with Woodcraft Folk (eg: working with children / young people, fundraising, events planning, etc). ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please tell us briefly what you would like to contribute as a volunteer with Woodcraft Folk (eg: one-off circus skills event, regular help with discussion meetings, etc). ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………

[You may also like to add: Do you have any friends who may also be interested in volunteering and who you would like to come along with? Please give details.]

Example

Brighton Woodcraft Folk follow up questionnaire for enquiries generated by volunteer adverts “You were recently in touch with Woodcraft Folk about a volunteering opportunity.

We are trying to improve the volunteer recruitment process and are hoping you can give some feedback about your experience.”

1) Had you heard of Woodcraft Folk before you saw the volunteering advert?

2) What was the main reason you responded to the advert from Woodcraft Folk?

3) What were the main things you wanted to contribute as a volunteer?

4) Was it long term / short term/ one-off / other volunteering that you were interested in?

5) In terms of positivity, thoroughness of the information provided to you, and promptness of response to your enquiry, how would you rate your overall experience with Woodcraft Folk (even if it was only one email)?

Very good / Good / Ok / Poor / Terrible

6) Do you intend to volunteer with Woodcraft Folk?

Y/N

7) What is the main reason for the answer to Q6?

8) Is there anything Woodcraft Folk could have done to make it easier or more appealing for you to volunteer with them?

“Thank you very much for your time and best wishes for the future.”

Top tips for recruiting volunteers (adapted from Volunteer Development Scotland) Get to know your community well – neighbours, places of worship, businesses, youth groups, media, colleges, universities. Learn who is interested in volunteering in your community, and who might be interested in volunteering specifically for your Woodcraft Folk group.

In order to recruit volunteers, knowledge of where potential volunteers look for volunteering opportunities is essential. Think about how the people you want to attract receive their communications.

Maximise word of mouth recruitment by encouraging current volunteers to act as ambassadors for volunteering in their communities. Word of mouth and asking people to help are the most effective ways of recruiting volunteers.

Use various methods and tools to ask people to volunteer – leaflets and posters, social media, case studies on your website, local radio and newspaper adverts, Volunteer Scotland website [or equivalent] or presentations.

Link recruitment messages to the possible motivations of potential volunteers.

Be aware of different cultural interpretations of volunteering when writing recruitment messages.

Use positive messages. For example, the difference your organisation’s volunteering programme makes to the community and people’s wellbeing. Research has found that potential volunteers want to know how their time can make a difference to others and what they could gain from volunteering.

Use messages that convey volunteer roles and the time involved. People who don’t volunteer have little knowledge of the activities undertaken by volunteers or the number of hours they would be required to give to volunteering.

Use images that reflect the diversity of the community in which you work and of your volunteers. Show what volunteers will be doing.

Ensure that your messages are attractive and interesting, easy to follow, with a good balance of colours, print and graphics.

Provide information about volunteering opportunities in a variety of formats to ensure that they are inclusive and accessible for volunteers with low literacy levels, visual impairment, learning difficulties or whose first language is not English. Using plain English, enlarging text, using symbols and visual aids in the text and making it available in other formats such as tape, Braille or via the Internet will make it more accessible to these groups and to others.

State that Woodcraft Folk is open to involving volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, and commits the necessary resources.

Ensure you give details for where people can find more information and contact details.

Top tips for Woodcraft Folk groups for Recruiting volunteers (Compiled by Change Agents as part of looking at inclusive volunteer recruitment strategies) • Make time. It takes time to recruit new volunteers, but this has to be treated as an investment which will lead to things being better once there are more hands around to help!

• Create the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Find someone who is prepared to do all things volunteer related, to ensure the best people are recruited and volunteering is not left out.

• Define your roles and know the gaps. Decide on the specific roles you need volunteers to fill, using the template roles created by FH. This will include the responsibilities of the role, the skills that are required, the time commitment, benefits of the role to the individual, level of supervision that will be given, training they will receive etc. Recruiting volunteers to fill specific roles will be far more effective and efficient in the long run for both yourselves and the volunteer.

• Provide the right environment. Look at the existing culture in your groups and district and make sure that it is possible for new volunteers to join in - create a space for them, be welcoming, make sure things are explained - sometimes when we're in a rush these things are overlooked.

• Clarify the process. Ensure you know the process once volunteers start contacting you. You should have the knowledge and resources to be able to follow the Volunteer Cycle (below), to ensure that volunteers get the most out of their roles, are dealt with in a professional manner and you are not wasting time in their management.

• Produce catchy materials and use a range of recruitment strategies. Create recruitment materials that will catch people's attention, through a variety of different mediums and communications streams. Sending a message out on Facebook might gain different volunteers from through your local volunteer centre for example. There are lots of keen, suitable people out there; you just need to find them.

• Use your contacts and create a network. Look for the easy wins, like putting a specific request for volunteer roles out to parents/guardians.

• Think outside the box. Be creative in the entire volunteer cycle. Don’t just stick to what you know or what you have done in the past.

• Learn to say no. Don’t always accept any volunteer that comes to you - they may not be right for the role in hand and give you more work in the long run! If you feel they have valuable skills and experience you can always bear them in mind if future roles become available.

• Formally induct and train. Once you have recruited volunteers for your specified roles, ensure you induct and train them so they feel confident in what they are doing and you feel confident in giving them responsibility of the work.

• Recognise your volunteers. Make sure you recognise your volunteers’ commitment and reward them appropriately every now and then. You could hold a volunteer party each year or give out volunteer ‘awards’ for example to say thank you. This will ensure you retain your volunteers for as long as possible, as you don’t want to be constantly using your time to recruit and train volunteers up for the same roles.

• And remember the Volunteer Cycle!

Inducting volunteers - summary

Make potential volunteers feel welcome

Be friendly and make them feel valued

Use District funds to pay their membership fee

Create a welcome pack for potential volunteers: Age groups in the District Typical activities Contact details

Involve them, don’t just leave them to watch

Membership information See other Districts’ packs here: woodcraft.org.uk/welcomeinfo

What the role involves How the District works

Keep them informed

Wider Woodcraft Folk structure Policies and procedures Who to talk to with questions

Invite potential volunteers to meet people and see how they can get involved: Open day / evening

Face to face contact

Informal meeting and social Training eg Introduction to Woodcraft Folk

Inducting Volunteers Introduction So you’ve managed to get some interest and have volunteering enquiries. It’s important to recognise these people as potential volunteers. They want to know more but have not made a commitment yet. You need to be welcoming, remember their name (or what name they like to be known by), encourage them, answer their questions or know where to find information that will help, and to come to an agreement with the potential volunteer on whether the volunteer opportunity on offer is suitable for them or not.

Members at development conference came to the conclusion that by not offering our new volunteers a clear introduction to Woodcraft Folk with follow-up support and training we lose a large number for a range of reasons, including; • • • •

The new volunteer is unable to identify what their contribution should be The new volunteer can feel like a spare part (just watching a group) The new volunteer does not feel confident or skilled to make a contribution The new volunteer does not feel valued

Ideal induction journey

START: Informal chat and invite to info meeting

Info meeting: info / flyers and meet other people

Follow up: Interest?

Info on roles, invite to intro to Woodcraft, offer of group visit

Event with other adults – social. Poss mentor / buddy identified (could be group planning night with social aspect)

Opportunity to mentor others!

BEGIN AGAIN!

Review / ongoing involvement and progress if wanted!

Identify training needs and info given about when / where

Induction / intro to Woodcraft evening

Group night / taking on role: lots of support from buddy as needed

Membership and disclosure if needed

Meeting(s) with buddy to decide commitment

There is a lot to learn about Woodcraft Folk and how we work so there can be a lot to take in. Experience suggests that it is good practice to: • • • • • • • • • • •

Arrange a special event to meet volunteers and answer their questions Have a personal approach Organise an open session Facilitate an ‘Introducing Woodcraft’ session Provide training opportunities Learn through doing Link or pair up new volunteers with more experienced ones Highlight Woodcraft Folk’s website or provide a local welcome pack Pay for new volunteer’s membership fees through group funds Use the check list in this toolkit to record each person’s ‘induction’ Meet regularly as volunteers (without children) to discuss how the group is going, finances, any problems etc.

Each individual will need a different combination of support to take them on a journey from ‘interested’ to a registered new member. This is not likely to happen on its own; it needs attention so that volunteers feel supported.

There is further information on the role of membership secretary and related guidance online at http://woodcraft.org.uk/membership-secretary. This includes information on confidentiality and data protection. If a new volunteer gives you their email address or phone number you will need to ask their permission to share it with others. It is a good idea to ‘bcc’ email addresses when emailing a group of people.

Local information Every new member registered with Woodcraft Folk will receive an email from us summarising basic information about the organisation such as our history, how to get involved and what support is available. Read the full pack here.

In addition to this it is very useful for groups and districts to provide local information and context through a local welcome pack. You may have a local way of doing things; some groups have local welcome pack or an introductory sheet explaining when and where your groups meet, you may even have your own local district or group policies. There is an example by Tolworth and Kingston Woodcraft Folk in this toolkit and you can see further examples here: https://woodcraft.org.uk/welcomeinfo.

When compiling this information, include details on: • • • • •

Key contacts Group information / procedures / policies Venue information / equipment Group or district communication methods Where to get further help if needed

You may want to combine this with other key documents included in this toolkit, or you may want to give things out as and when needed so that it’s not too overwhelming. This includes: • • • • • • • •

An induction checklist A role description A programme schedule Aims and Principles A membership form Safeguarding policy Volunteering policy Code of conduct

You could also include other optional items such as: • • • • • •

Information on Folk Supply Copy of the creed / Link your hands together – whatever your group uses Woodcraft Folk leaflets Any local project information Information on relevant local organisations Information on our outdoor centres

Consider the different types of people volunteering and reading the information. To describe your existing group as run by a group of parents may be true but how would this make a non-parent or carer volunteer feel? Don’t include a child registration form – give these out separately to those volunteers who have or care for children.

Policies, procedures and guidance There are a number of UK policies, covering different aspects, available on our website at http://woodcraft.org.uk/general-council-policies.

Policies are clear statements of how an organisation intends to carry out its activities and its commitments. They set direction and standards, and help with decision making.

Procedures describe how each policy, and guidance will be put into action, how they will be implemented. They specify what must, must not, and what may be done, and in what circumstances. There are national procedures and local procedures where groups have agreed how they will carry out policy. Procedures can be instructions, a form, or a checklist for example.

Guidance provides extra contextual information or an explanation of why specific actions may be required. Guidance is often informed by best practice that is not required but is strongly recommended.

At the very least, all Woodcraft Folk volunteers should have been given information on our volunteering policy and our safeguarding policy, together with any local procedures relating to these two subjects. They should also know where they can find other policies and be encouraged to do so.

Volunteering policy Our volunteering policy seeks to: •

Identify how Woodcraft Folk involves and recruits volunteers

•

Make a strong commitment to supporting diversity

•

Clarify what volunteers can expect from Woodcraft Folk and in return what is expected of them

•

Confirm volunteer selection and screening requirements

•

Signpost volunteers and volunteer co-ordinators to a range of policies and resources that have been designed to support their engagement within Woodcraft Folk on a local and national level.

Safeguarding policy It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that all children are safe from harm. It is the group’s responsibility to ensure that volunteers, leaders and helpers that need disclosed are. Continuous awareness of good practice is needed even after everyone is disclosed; safeguarding is much more than form filling.

Our safeguarding policy outlines our safeguarding principles, responsibilities and vetting procedures.

All volunteers and members are responsible for: •

Being familiar with safeguarding policy and child protection procedures

•

Ensuring parents, carers, children and young people are aware of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures

Inducting volunteers checklist

Name of volunteer: ………………………………………Date induction started:……………

Volunteer has: Been given a copy of this list …………………………………………………………

Been put in contact with local group …………………………………………………

A named contact to discuss this list with …………………………………………....

Contact details of key people …………………………………………………………

Been given Volunteer Guide ………………………………………………………….

Been given role description …………………………………………………………..

Been given a sample term’s programme schedule ………………………………..

Been given local welcome information (if available) ……………………………….

Been signposted to Woodcraft Folk website ………………………………………..

Watched ‘What is Woodcraft Folk’ video produced by Hinckley Woodcraft Folk ..

Been given, read and understood the Aims and Principles ……………………….

Completed membership application form ……………………………………………

Completed DBS / PVG …………………………………………………………………

Had their references followed up …………………………………………………….

Seen, read and understood the safeguarding policy ………………………………

Seen, read and understood the volunteering policy ……………………………….

Signposted to other policies and documents ……………………………………….

Received the Woodcraft Folk new members email ………………………………..

Been familiarised with local meeting premises, equipment and procedures ……

Received Woodcraft Folk emails such as monthly e-newsletter ………………….

Been signposted to Woodcraft Folk Facebook, e-groups, Twitter ………………..

Been added to local group / District communications ………………………………

Been informed of next group planning meeting ……………………………………..

Discussed their skill set and how this can be applied ……………………………….

Been informed of next District meeting ……………………………………………….

Been informed of any upcoming camps, residentials or community events ……..

Completed induction and feels welcomed and informed …………………………..

Date induction completed: ………………………………………………………..

Volunteer signature ……………………………………………………………….

Co-ordinator / contact signature………………………………………………….

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Woodcraft Folk Policy Revised by: Carly WD (GC) and Debs McCahon (MDM)

Volunteer Policy March 2011

Volunteer Policy Last updated: March 2011 Revised by: Carly Walker-Dawson (General Council) and Debs McCahon (Membership Development Manager) Introduction Woodcraft Folk, an educational movement for children and young people, seek to support young people to develop their self confidence and activity in society, with the overarching aim of helping to build a world based on equality, friendship, peace and co-operation.

Woodcraft Folk engage nearly 3,000 volunteers in local groups and national projects across the UK. Woodcraft Folk wish to recognise the important contribution volunteers make. Woodcraft Folk believe that it should invest in all its volunteers, and wishes to provide appropriate ongoing support and training to enable volunteers to develop their skills in order to enhance their volunteering work with Woodcraft Folk groups, projects and Centres.

This policy seeks to: • • • • •

Identify how Woodcraft Folk involves and recruits volunteers; Make a strong commitment to supporting diversity; Clarify what volunteers can expect from Woodcraft Folk and in return what is expected of them; Confirm volunteer selection and screening requirements; and Signpost volunteers and volunteer co-ordinators to a range of policies and resources that have been designed to support their engagement within Woodcraft Folk on a local and national level.

Volunteer definition Woodcraft Folk rely on a diversity of volunteers, those who: • • •

Volunteer regularly and are full members of the national organisation Volunteer regularly as part of a parent/helper rota Volunteer as a one-off to provide advice, guidance or just an extra pair of hands

All volunteer give of their time freely, and should be encouraged to become full members of the national organisation.

All volunteers, regardless of their level or length of involvement, have rights and responsibilities to and within Woodcraft Folk.

Volunteer recruitment Woodcraft Folk seek to recruit volunteers for local, group, District, regional, national and international opportunities, including: • • • • •

Working with children and young people at local group nights Outreach play work Committees and decision making groups Wardens at our residential Centres Peer educators 1

Woodcraft Folk Policy Revised by: Carly WD (GC) and Debs McCahon (MDM)

• • • •

Volunteer Policy March 2011

Fundraisers International exchanges Training new and existing volunteers Camp and event organisers

Each opportunity will have a role description that highlights tasks to be undertaken, level of commitment required and any previous experience or skills needed Volunteers are recruited to these opportunities through a wide range of activities, which include: • • • •

Proactive recruitment of young people and parents from existing Woodcraft Folk groups Targeted promotional material e.g. posters, flyers, website and news articles Working in partnership with local Volunteer Centres and student volunteering groups Word of mouth and informal contacts

It is recommended that each District appoint a Volunteer Co-ordinator to support the recruitment and retention of volunteers.

Commitment to diversity Woodcraft Folk are firmly committed to diversity in all areas of its work. Woodcraft Folk believe that we have much to learn and gain from diverse cultures and perspectives, and that diversity will make our organisation more effective in meeting the needs of children, young people and group leaders.

Woodcraft Folk are committed to developing and maintaining an organisation in which differing ideas, abilities, backgrounds and needs are fostered and valued, and where those with diverse backgrounds and experiences are able to participate and contribute.

Selection and Screening of Volunteers working with children and young people All prospective volunteers wishing to work with children and young people should be: • • •

Provided with information on the aims and principles of the Woodcraft Folk and a Woodcraft Folk Welcome Pack; Asked to provide two references* (at least one should be from an individual external to Woodcraft Folk and neither should be related to the individual seeking to volunteer); and Required to complete an enhanced CRB Disclosure if they volunteer overnight or more than once a month

These references and checks are important in order to safeguard children and young people, as well as giving assurance to parents and the general public http://woodcraft.org.uk/safeguarding Woodcraft Folk seek to be open and accessible to all. Lack of experience and/or a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent an individual from volunteering http://woodcraft.org.uk/sites/default/files/recruitment%20of%20ex-offenders.pdf

2

Woodcraft Folk Policy Revised by: Carly WD (GC) and Debs McCahon (MDM)

Volunteer Policy March 2011

Volunteer Expectations All Woodcraft Folk volunteers are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation.

Volunteers have a right to: • • • • • • • • •

Accurate information on the organisation and its policies; A clear description of the tasks that they are expected to undertake and the skills needed to undertake those tasks effectively; Have a safe working environment; Negotiate a choice of roles and tasks; A named person they can go to for advice, training, support and peer mentoring; Protection from exploitation by other volunteers and service users; Say ‘no’ without feeling guilty; Have their contribution valued by all sections of the organisation; and Receive constructive feedback on their contribution.

Volunteer Responsibilities In return, volunteers are required to commit to Woodcraft Folk values and principles and abide by agreed organisational policies and procedures. Specifically, volunteers are asked to: • • • • • • •

Treat everyone associated with the organisation (children and adults) with courtesy and respect; Co-operate with other volunteers and staff Undertake relevant training when necessary; Exchange information and offer feedback; Ask for support when and where it is needed; Carry out agreed roles and tasks; and Notify the appropriate person if you are unavailable or unable to fulfil your volunteer duty.

Volunteers should understand and follow safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities and data protection policies.

Volunteer Induction and Training Training is provided locally, regionally and nationally through evening, weekend and residential workshops. Woodcraft Folk are committed to providing childcare, wherever possible, to enable volunteers to attend training and develop their skills and knowledge.

It is recommended that all volunteers should be inducted into any new role e.g. introduced to key individuals, policies, systems and offered further training. This training will be provided by regional or national Woodcraft Folk where it is not offered on a district level. Woodcraft Folk are committed to providing childcare to enable volunteers to attend training.

All Woodcraft Folk volunteers are expected to attend training relevant to their role (http://woodcraft.org.uk/training), which may include: • • •

Introducing Woodcraft Folk (2hr course for everyone) Safeguarding (2hr course for everyone) Learn 2 Play (15hr course for regular helpers and group leaders in Woodchip, Elfin & Pioneer groups) 3

Woodcraft Folk Policy Revised by: Carly WD (GC) and Debs McCahon (MDM)

• • • •

Volunteer Policy March 2011

Youth Leader Training (18hr course for regular helpers and group leaders in Pioneer and Venturer groups) First Aid (length of course varies) Food Hygiene (length of course varies, and is recommended by KPs) Train the Trainer (15hrs)

Insurance Every volunteer has Public Liability cover (up to £5,000,000) when taking part in agreed Woodcraft Folk activities, such as group activities and camps http://woodcraft.org.uk/resources/results/taxonomy-628 Volunteers need to ensure that any vehicle used for transporting children or adults is covered for this purpose.

Expenses Woodcraft Folk strongly believe that expenses and fees should not be a barrier to participation, and in principle volunteers should not be out of pocket.

It is recommended that volunteers should be able to claim back reasonable and agreed expenses they incur in the course of their activities. If expenses are not being offered, this should be made clear to the volunteer in advance.

The following expenses can be claimed without affecting entitlement to benefits: • • • •

Travel to and from the place where the volunteering takes place; Travel whilst volunteering; Miscellaneous expenses – such as telephone calls, postage, meals (if agreed in advance); and Partial or whole subsidies for camps and national events in which the individual is participating as a volunteer.

All expenses need to be claimed by following Woodcraft Folk financial procedures and require original receipts.

Welcome Pack All volunteers when registering with the Folk Officer will receive a Volunteer’s Welcome pack that includes: • • • •

Outline of volunteer rights and responsibilities Details of how to get more involved e.g. training, decision making structures Membership Form CRB Form

For more information contact your District Volunteer Co-ordinator or Debs McCahon, Membership Development Manager (Deborah.mccahon@woodcraft.org.uk) on 0845 217 8939 Policy History March 2011: Revised policy approved by General Council

4

Woodcraft Folk Policy Revised by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Last updated: March 2011 Revised by: Debs McCahon (Membership Development Manager) This document includes: Safeguarding Policy

page 1-4

Safeguarding: Vetting

page 4-5

Safeguarding: Procedure flowchart

page 5

Safeguarding: How to respond to disclosure/ concerns/allegations raised pages 5-8 Safeguarding Policy Statement The Woodcraft Folk respects and defends the individual rights of every child and young person.

Woodcraft Folk are committed to child protection and safeguarding children and young people’s welfare. This commitment is made to all children and young people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, nationality or country of origin, all children and young people have the same rights to protection.

Woodcraft Folk will take all reasonable steps to protect children and young people from neglect and physical, sexual or emotional harm. Staff and volunteers will, at all times, show respect for and understanding of the rights, safety and welfare of our young members, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the aims and principles of Woodcraft Folk.

In practice, this means that we do not tolerate any behaviour which may harm children or young people emotionally, physically or psychologically. Such behaviour includes physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse, bullying, harassment, undue or harsh criticism or violence directed towards individuals or groups. We will take serious measures against any volunteer member or member of staff found in violation of these principles.

In planning Woodcraft Folk activities staff and volunteers will use a child/young person-centred approach to risk assessment. Woodcraft Folk believe that by focusing on children and young people, and involving them, their welfare is more likely to be paramount.

Woodcraft Folk seek to maintain a culture of honesty and openness, supporting children and young people to work co-operatively with adults to identify what they consider likely to affect them and their safety.

1

Woodcraft Folk Policy Submitted by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

General safeguarding principles •

All members (children, young people and adults) should be protected at all times from behaviour and attitudes they find uncomfortable

•

Anyone has the right to speak out about behaviour and attitudes they find uncomfortable, they know who they should speak to in advance and be confident they will be listened to

•

Every District, Centre, project and event organiser must nominate one adult member to take the lead on safeguarding issues and to develop a tailored safeguarding plan.

•

Staff and volunteers will undergo vetting and screening procedures relevant to their role and as required by legislation e.g. references and CRB Enhanced Disclosure

•

All volunteers and staff receive appropriate Safeguarding training relevant to their role in the Woodcraft Folk

•

Risk assessments must be completed for all venues and activity types

•

Personal details of members, children and young people are held securely in accordance with Woodcraft Folk’s data protection policy

This policy and all additional safeguarding practice documents are designed to be a guide to all staff, volunteers, parents, children and young people.

Safeguarding Responsibilities General Council is responsible for: • •

Evaluating the effectiveness of safeguarding within the organisation Reviewing and updating the organisation’s policy and procedures on safeguarding every two years

Lead Safeguarding Officer is responsible for: • • • • • • • • • • •

Developing safeguarding policy and procedures Advising and providing guidance to staff and volunteers concerned about a child protection issue Communicating to staff and volunteers any changes in policy and procedures Training staff and volunteers about how to respond to child protection concerns Keeping accurate records of concerns about children and actions taken Collecting monitoring data on all safeguarding activities across the organisation Ensuring that the organisation meets the requirements of its insurers regarding its safeguarding responsibilities Promoting the importance of safeguarding across the organisation Managing complaints about poor practice of either staff or volunteers Making decisions about appointing someone who has a criminal record Supporting Local Safeguarding Officers in their role

2

Woodcraft Folk Policy Submitted by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

Local Safeguarding Officers are responsible for: • • • • • •

Being familiar with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures Acting as the first point of contact for volunteers concerned about the safety and welfare of a child Contacting children’s social care in cases where a child is at risk of harm Ensuring that all volunteers know where they can find the safeguarding policy, local safeguarding plan and child protection procedures To support volunteers after they have shared their concerns about a child To liaise with appropriate local agencies for support and advice and keep a list of local contacts

All volunteers and members are responsible for: • •

Being familiar with safeguarding policy and child protection procedures Ensuring parents, carers, children and young people are aware of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures

Safeguarding Support General Council will nominate a Lead Safeguarding Officer and a Deputy.

The Lead Safeguarding Officer and their Deputy will work with external advisers, staff and volunteers to produce and deliver: • • • • • • • •

Training in safeguarding and child protection Good practice guidance in risk assessment Guidance for dealing with allegations about staff and volunteers Guidance for responding to child protection disclosures and child abuse concerns Template for local safeguarding plans Proformas for health registration and consent forms Proformas and tool for recording concerns Examplar safeguarding plans

Woodcraft Folk will comply with legislation in managing and responding to concerns, allegations and child protection disclosures. A national panel of three or more members will work alongside the Lead Safeguarding Officer to annually review safeguarding arrangements and monitor decisions.

Broader Policy context This safeguarding policy should be read in conjunction with Woodcraft Folk policies/statements on: • • • • • • •

Health and Safety for Groups Whistle-Blowing E-Safety Code of Conduct Equal Opportunities Policy Dispute Resolution Procedures Transport Guidance 3

Woodcraft Folk Policy Submitted by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

• • •

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

Data Protection Policy Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Drugs and alcohol

All Woodcraft Folk policies are available at www.woodcraft.org.uk/policies, and all safeguarding materials are available at www.woodcraft.org.uk/safeguarding For more information, advice, support or to share a concern contact Debs McCahon, Membership Development Manager (Lead Officer for Safeguarding) on 0845 217 8939 deborah.mccahon@woodcraft.org.uk Safeguarding: Vetting Any person taking responsibility for the care or supervision of children and young people under 18 year olds on a regular basis (more than once a month) or on an overnight activity in the Woodcraft Folk will be required to: •

Become a full member of the Woodcraft Folk, and annually sign the safeguarding declaration.

•

Complete an Enhanced Disclosure through the Woodcraft Folk. Disclosures completed through other organisations will not be accepted. All Disclosures will need to be renewed every 3 years.

•

Provide two referees willing to support their application and provide evidence of their suitability to volunteer/work with under-18s. At least one of these referees should be external to Woodcraft Folk. Should these references give cause for concern, advice must be sought from the Lead Officer for Safeguarding

•

Declare any criminal convictions relating to the abuse of children, however long ago they may have been. This is an exemption from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

•

Read and sign a copy of the local Safeguarding Plan. This signed copy must be kept confidentially and securely by a nominated person

•

Undergo safeguarding training provided at a local level

Any person helping out on a one-off basis will not be required to fulfil the above requirements, but must sign the Safeguarding Declaration and be supervised by a group leaders at all times.

Individual DFs who attend a DF group or event and do not take on any role of responsibility will not be required to undergo the above screening processes but should be encouraged to become a member of the Woodcraft Folk.

Venturers or DFs who choose to take on roles of responsibility within Woodcraft Folk e.g. First aider, group night helper, clan leader should complete the above screening and vetting processes.

4

Woodcraft Folk Policy Submitted by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

Safeguarding: Flowchart procedures See attached PDF document.

Safeguarding: How to respond to disclosures, concerns raised and allegations made Parents, children, volunteers and staff should be aware to whom they should contact if they wish to raise concerns or make allegations about inappropriate behaviour.

It is vital that anyone making a complaint or raising concerns knows that they will be taken seriously, and that they will be supported in raising any concern or suspicions, and that the support will continue whilst concerns are being investigated. Please refer to Woodcraft Folk’s Whistleblowing policy for further details.

Disclosure of Abuse If a child discloses abuse, remember that this may be the beginning of a legal process, as well as of a process of recovery for the child. Legal action against a perpetrator can be seriously damaged by any suggestion that the child has been led in any way.

The following NSPCC guidance should be followed as far as possible: •

Rather than directly questioning the child, just listen and be supportive. Do not investigate, e.g. ask to see other bruises.

•

Never stop a child who is freely recalling significant events, but don’t push the child to tell you more than s/he wishes.

•

Write an account of the conversation immediately. Put the date and timings on it, and mention anyone else who was present. Then sign it, and hand your record in to your designated safeguarding officer, who should contact the local children’s social care office where appropriate.

•

All subsequent events affecting the child need to be recorded, up to the time that the formal video interview takes place.

•

Children need to know that they will be listened to and their concerns will be taken seriously, so it is a good idea to display information about helplines and peer support schemes.

•

Children will talk about their concerns and problems to people they feel they can trust.

•

The person a child talks to will not necessarily be a senior staff member.

•

Any member of staff or volunteer who is approached by a child wanting to talk should listen positively and reassure the child.

5

Woodcraft Folk Policy Submitted by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

•

The way a staff member talks to a child in such situations may have an effect on the evidence that is put forward if the case goes to court. It is important that staff do not jump to conclusions, ask leading questions, or put words in a child’s mouth.

•

Staff and volunteers should be aware that: - it is not their responsibility to investigate suspected cases of abuse - they should not take any action beyond that in Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures; and - they cannot promise a child complete confidentiality – they must explain that they may need to pass information

Dealing with an allegation or concerns raised about a child or volunteer: If a child, young person, parent or adult member makes an allegation of abuse, or raises concerns of any kind against any other member of the group immediate action must be taken: •

The allegation or concern can not remain confidential, and the person making the disclosure should be told that you will forward the information following procedures

•

The leader receiving the information must show they believe the individual making the allegation/raising the concern

•

The leader receiving the information should complete the disclosure/incident form attached to this policy. Record exactly what has happened or what has been said, without interpreting it or leading the discussion. It is important that you do not interrogate, but enable the individual to speak. Any investigation should be completed by the Police of Children’s Social Care services.

•

If the allegation is made by a child/young person, their parents must be informed as soon as possible

•

The allegation/concern must be reported to the nominated person for safeguarding as soon as possible and no longer than 36 hours. If someone is at immediate risk the Police should be contacted.

•

The person concerned should be asked to stay away from activities pending the conclusion of an investigation

•

Additional help and advice must be sought from Woodcraft Folk’s Lead Safeguarding Officer. The Lead Safeguarding Officer will support volunteers through the procedures and advise if a referral is required. A referral will be required to the Local Authority Designated Officer or Independent Safeguarding Authority if the individual has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child; or behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children. A referral to the Police will be required if the individual has possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child.

If no external referral is made, the situation should be resolved following the guidance in Woodcraft Folk’s ‘Disputes and Complaints Resolution’ procedure

•

6

Woodcraft Folk Policy Submitted by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

•

•

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

All individuals involved (child, those making a complaint/sharing a concern and the accused) must be kept informed of the timescale of the investigation, and informed if there are to be any delays. Individuals involved should always be offered access to support by others than those involved in the investigation Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity while an allegation is being investigated and considered.

Allegations will result in one of the following six outcomes: • • • • • •

No further action required Additional training, supervision or mentoring Disciplinary action Police investigation Referral on to a list of persons considered unsuitable to work with children A combination of these.

Woodcraft Folk nationally will maintain the following records: • • • • •

Any allegations made Individuals, group/project, District involved Details of how allegations were followed up and resolved Any action taken Decisions reached

These records will be anonymously reviewed by the members safeguarding panel, to ensure consistency and identify any trends or need for development/training.

Dealing with a reported problem outside the group Woodcraft Folk leaders are not expected to be experts in this area, or to provide expert advice or counsel to young people. However, if a child or young person reports abuse or worrying behaviour outside the group immediate action must be taken: •

The leader receiving the information must show they believe the child or young person but not lead them by questions or counsel

•

The leader receiving the information should complete the disclosure form attached to this policy

•

The child must be told that the leader will be reporting the allegation and that it cannot be kept as a secret but it must be made clear that the child themselves will have to give details to any external agencies

•

If the allegation made refers to activities outside the home, the child’s parents must be informed as soon as possible

•

If the allegation refers to activities within the child’s home, the local Children’s Social Care team must be consulted immediately

7

Woodcraft Folk Policy Submitted by: Debs McCahon (MDM)

•

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures March 2011

Appropriate external agencies should be contacted e.g. Local Authority Designated Officer, Local Safeguarding Children Board, Child Protection Team or the Police

Additional help and advice must be sought from the Lead Safeguarding Officer at Folk House.

Policy History March 2011: Policy approved by General Council

8

Woodcraft folk Becoming a Member of the Woodcraft Folk Membership types Supporter – For those who wish to support and show a commitment to the aims and principles of the Woodcraft Folk and receive regular information about the organisation.* Member – For those adults and young people who demonstrate their commitment to the aims and principles of the Woodcraft Folk by actively volunteering with children and young people in group settings or residential activities.

Membership needs to be renewed on an annual basis, from the date on which the individual joined.

*If a supporter wanted to increase their involvement and begin to volunteer in any of the circumstances described below they would need to become a member.

Who needs to be a member?

In the following circumstances these people should be members of the Woodcraft Folk: 1. All adults who have the intention of regularly volunteering with children and young people aged under 18 years at group nights or in other Woodcraft Folk settings 2. All adults intending to participate in and support an overnight camp or residential for Woodchips, Elfins, Pioneers and Venturers 3. All adults who take up a group, district, regional and national officer role e.g. Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Group Leader 4. District Fellows In addition Venturers should also be encouraged to become a member if they become actively involved in the district or other local groups (membership for Venturers is free). You may also like to encourage parents and occasional helpers to learn more about the Woodcraft Folk by becoming a supporter or member.

Membership benefits The following table describes some of the other member benefits:

Supporters only Receive regular Woodcraft news Contributing financially to a worthwhile organisation Subsidised bookings at Woodcraft Centres Signing up to the aims, principles and programme of Woodcraft Folk Being part of a movement with social and political objectives

In addition members get Access to training on a local, regional and national level Opportunities to influence the organisation through existing democratic structures Free activity guides for group work Insurance for group activities and individuals Taking part in regional, national and international projects, camps and meetings

Woodcraft folk, Units 9 & 10, 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BF General Secretary: Jon Nott Registered charity number 1073665 T: +44 (0)20 7703 4173 F: +44 (0)20 7358 6370 E: info@woodcraft.org.uk W: www.woodcraft.org.uk

However, Members will often talk of other benefits, such as the “shared ethos”, “sense of belonging”, “identity”, “warm fuzzy feeling at the end of a camp”, “being hailed in the street by an elfin from your group who is now 6foot 5 with a skateboard” and “having to think fast and furious when being asked questions that only a young person can ask”.

Completing the Woodcraft Folk Membership application form Applicants for supporter membership need only complete the Woodcraft Folk membership form.

Applicants for membership must also complete a CRB/S Disclosure application. It is important that the individual completes the Woodcraft Folk membership form first, including signing and dating the declaration. As Membership Secretary you will need to check both their Woodcraft Folk and CRB/S Disclosure applications forms together for accuracy and consistency.

It should be noted that we only have the right to ask people to complete a CRB/S Disclosure application if they clearly and voluntarily show that they want to become a member and wish to volunteer with children and young people or take on other responsible positions.

The Woodcraft Folk membership application form should be checked and completed by all Membership Secretaries.

Below are notes on completing the Membership Secretary declaration on the Woodcraft Folk membership application. After checking the applicant has completed all parts of the form and signed the declaration you should complete the part for Membership Secretary use. There are a series of statements with tick boxes. You must tick any and all boxes that apply to this application, striking through statements that do not apply and then sign the declaration, clearly writing your name district/lone group and date.

The applicant is under 18 years of age and does not volunteer

Venturers and DFs under 18 can also use this membership form.

They do not have to complete a CRB/S Disclosure application unless they are actively involved in volunteering with children and young people.

I have met the applicant and checked the forms

Check that forms are fully completed (where necessary), that the print is clear (black ink and block capitals in the CRB/S Disclosure application) and that the forms have been signed and dated as per guidance.

I have checked the applicant’s ID

Comprehensive notes on checking ID are included in this pack and should be done by Membership Secretaries in England & Wales and Signatories in Scotland.

I have received a satisfactory reference

Where time allows or a referee supplies a satisfactory reference by return tick this box. If you have doubts about the suitability of an applicant as a result of the response from a referee contact the Head Office at once.

I have requested a reference

Use the standard letter supplied by head Office. Normally, you will send the forms etc. to Head Office before you have a response from the referee. When you get the reference, fill in a reference notification form and send it to Head Office without delay. If you have not received a response after 10 days send a second request. If there is still no reply after a further 10 days contact the applicant for a second referee and recommence the process.

Application for Membership of the Woodcraft Folk Please write clearly in dark ink using CAPITAL letters www.woodcraft.org.uk Preferred first name

Surname

Group/District

Home phone

Address:

Work phone

Gender

Postcode

Email

Date of Birth

 I do not wish to receive the Courier (termly newsletter)

How did you hear about the Woodcraft Folk?

Apply for Membership in this box

Apply to be a Supporter in this box

(Members may work with children.

They have to be Disclosed [Scotland] or CRB checked [England/Wales].

They are covered by Woodcraft Folk leader insurance)

References - two people we can ask to give you a reference. If you have been involved in working with children in the last three years, then name someone who worked with you.

Referee 1. Name __________________________________ Address __________________________________________

(Supporters are not directly involved with children and not covered by Woodcraft Folk leader insurance)

Read, sign and date this declaration I have read and accept the Woodcraft Folk aims and principles.

Date __________ Signed ____________________ Send this form with payment (payment details below) to: Woodcraft Folk, Units 9/10, 83 Crampton Street, SE17 3BF

Postcode ___________ Phone ________________________

Membership Secretary uses this box Referee 2. Name __________________________________ Address __________________________________________

Tick statements that apply, clearly cross out those that do not, sign and date declaration

Postcode ___________ Phone ________________________

 The applicant is under 16 years old

Read, sign and date this declaration

 I have met the applicant and checked the form

I have read and accept the Woodcraft Folk aims, principles and child protection policy. I have never received criminal convictions for offences involving abuse against children, nor am I subject to any such investigation at the moment. I have no other criminal convictions which might render me unsuitable to work with young people. I understand that any such proceedings or convictions could result in suspension or expulsion from the Woodcraft Folk subject to the organisation’s procedures.

Date _____________ Signed _________________________

 I have checked the applicant's ID  I have requested references  I have received satisfactory references  I enclose a completed Disclosure Scotland/CRB form

Give this form to your District Membership Secretary with your fee if paying by cheque (payment details below)

I consider the applicant suitable (subject to Disclosure and/or reference where these have yet to be checked) for Membership of the Woodcraft Folk

 16 or over

Your name (print)__________________________

Take this form (and fee if paying by cheque) to your District Membership Secretary who will ask you to complete a Disclosure form. They will explain the specific ID materials you have to show them in person to satisfy legal obligations.

District (print)_____________________________

 Under 16 years old

Payment details

Date __________ Signed ___________________

Gift Aid - means that for every pound you donate or pay for membership the Woodcraft Folk

Waged - £30

£__________

can claim back from the Inland Revenue an extra 28p at no cost to you. You must be paying income or capital gains tax each year at least equal to this amount.

Unwaged - £12

£__________

Low income - £12

£__________

All you need do is tick the box and insert the date. Cancel this undertaking at any time by informing Head office. You must do so if you cease to pay tax.

Under 18 - £12

£__________

Additional donation

£__________

Total sum paid

£__________

 I pay tax. Treat this subscription and any future subscriptions and donations I make to the Woodcraft Folk as Gift Aid donations until further notice.

Date_____________________

 I enclose a standing order instruction (obtainable from Head Office)  I enclose a cheque / postal order or CAF Voucher for £______________________ (payable to 'Woodcraft Folk'.)  Please debit my card: Visa Delta Mastercard Eurocard Maestro

(NOTE: we do not accept American Express)

Card number __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Valid from __ __ /__ __ Expires __ __ /__ __ Sec code:_ _ _ Your name as it appears on your card (print) _________________________________ Issue number (if applicable) __ __ __ Woodcraft Folk, Units 9/10, 83 Crampton Street, SE17 3BQ Tel: 020 7703 4173 Fax: 020 7358 6459 Email - info@woodcraft.org.uk Woodcraft Folk is a registered charity in England & Wales (1148195) and in Scotland (SC039791). And a Limited Company, registered in England & Wales, Company No. 8133727.

Information on this form will be stored in the Woodcraft Folk database and used only for Woodcraft Folk purposes. We do not exchange data with any external agencies. The Data Protection Act entitles you to know what information we hold about you. New information you provide here may be added to your record. Updated: January 2013

Woodcraft Folk Aims, Principles and Programme – (APP '10) Adopted: 4th April 1998. Fourth Revision: 22nd December 2010

A&P. EDUCATIONAL AIMS AND PRINCIPLES......................................................................................2 PROG. PROGRAMME......................................................................................................................................3 DEF. DEFINITIONS: MEMBERS ..................................................................................................................4 DEF. DEFINITIONS: GROUPS.......................................................................................................................4 ORG. LOCAL AND REGIONAL ORGANISATION...................................................................................5 FIN. FINANCE.....................................................................................................................................................6 COS. COSTUME..................................................................................................................................................6 INT. INTERNATIONAL....................................................................................................................................6

APP '10

1

The Woodcraft Folk AIMS, PRINCIPLES AND PROGRAMME - (APP) A&P.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS AND PRINCIPLES

A&P.1

The Woodcraft Folk is an educational movement for children and young people, designed to develop self confidence and activity in society, with the aim of building a world based on equality, friendship, peace and co-operation.

A&P.2

Education for Social Change We seek to develop in our members a critical awareness of the world. We will work to develop the knowledge, attitudes, values and skills necessary for them to act to secure their equal participation in the democratic process that will enable them to bring about the changes that they feel are necessary to create a more equal and caring world.

As an educational movement, we believe that equal opportunities should extend to all aspects of activity and participation in the Woodcraft Folk. We will combat oppression or discrimination in our movement, whether on grounds of age, class, gender, race, sexual orientation, for reasons of disability, contact with mental health services, or a previous criminal conviction that does not create risk to children or young people. We will educate our members so that they may take these issues into the wider community.

A&P.3

A Co-operative and Sharing Attitude to Life We believe that to further our aims it is vital to approach our educational and social work through the principles of co-operation. To achieve this we will provide a programme which ensures that our members practice co-operation through all the activities in which they participate and we will encourage an understanding of co-operation in the wider world.

A&P.4

International Understanding Our motto is ‘Span the world with friendship’. We will therefore encourage and develop international understanding and friendship through our educational work and by our exchanges between adults, children and young people of different lands. We will promote a greater understanding of the world amongst our members so that we are aware of and want to tackle the inequalities which exist in it.

A&P.5

The Rights of the Child In our work with children and young people, we respect and defend their individual rights, and encourage them to participate responsibly and democratically, in all aspects of Woodcraft Folk activity.

A&P.6

Religion The Woodcraft Folk welcomes all children, young people and adults, who wish to become members of the movement, and it asserts the right of all its members to practice the faith of their choice providing it does not contravene the aims and principles of the movement.

A&P.7

One World The Woodcraft folk will encourage an understanding of the need to work towards a world where we provide for the needs of everyone on the planet now and in the future without destroying the physical environment. We aim to educate our members about issues of environmental and social sustainability and how this relates to their own lifestyles and both their own and other people’s actions.

A&P.8

A world at Peace Because of our international outlook and concern that all shall enjoy the right to freedom from the immorality of war and want, the Woodcraft Folk is dedicated to the cause of peace.

Accordingly we associate with the movement for world disarmament and for the transfer of those resources directed to the destruction of life into channels which will be used for the fulfilment of humanity’s needs.

A&P.9

APP '10

Affirmation The task of the Woodcraft Folk is the cultivation of a world outlook. Because the Woodcraft Folk is concerned with educational activities, it is accordingly precluded from being involved in activities and policy making of political parties. The Woodcraft Folk expects its members to abide by its Constitution and to participate actively in a movement that is dedicated to all people for all time.

2

PROG. PROGRAMME PROG.1

The following programme is designed to give practical application to the above-stated general aims.

PROG.2

The Woodcraft Folk ... will establish throughout the United Kingdom co-educational Groups of children and young people under the leadership of responsible adults, who have received some Woodcraft Folk training, for the purpose of guiding members to take their part in the fulfilment of its programme, recognising that the movement will determine its policy and programme by the democratic involvement of its members at all levels. Its Annual Conference shall have the final responsibility for directing policy and programme;

PROG.3

PROG.4

(i)

will establish meeting places for its Groups for the regular practice of cultural, recreational and educational activities;

(ii)

will provide sites for the establishment of weekend and long-term camp communities;

(iii)

will establish national training centres for outdoor pursuits and residential training schools;

(iv)

will arrange events, courses and activities to deliver the Woodcraft Folk’s educational aims and principles to children, young people and adults from outside the membership;

(v)

will arrange courses designed for the training of its leaders at local, regional and national level, tailored to groups of all ages;

(vi)

will use available information and communication technology to deliver its educational and training programme;

(vii)

will support young people and adults to work together to develop the Woodcraft Folk educational programme;

(viii)

will support children and young people to participate fully and get involved in decision making at all levels of the organisation.

(i)

believes that all Woodcraft Folk activities should be carried out in a manner which reflects its commitment to equal opportunities;

(ii)

will promote a positive programme of anti-discrimination work, and develop strong links with other organisations and community groups, particularly those which face specific oppression;

(iii)

will ensure that the language and images used in its own publications and publicity materials are in accordance with its educational aims and objectives;

PROG.5

believes that the District Associations should act as a springboard for the natural development of the movement. Therefore it will promote strong District organisation wherever two or more Groups exist within a given locality, to ensure the holding of regular meetings of leaders and other members of all ages, for the co-ordination of Group activities, the programming of training courses, and the involvement of local Youth and Community Service affairs. District meetings will have representatives from different groups so that everyone can have a say. Further, Woodcraft Folk will encourage Districts to apply national policy decisions to the local circumstances;

PROG.6

will make special efforts to strengthen and broaden its District support under the direction of General Council and its Development Committees. In doing so it will encourage recognition of and support for cooperatively run groups and the role of volunteers from outside the membership;

PROG.7

acknowledges that the development and expansion of the movement is dependent on a trained and committed leadership. Therefore the Woodcraft Folk is concerned with the ultimate aim of securing a fully qualified leadership in all its Groups and on General Council. In furtherance of this aim it will promote a programme of education for its leaders based on a common syllabus and organised through Leader-Training courses of short and long-term duration;

PROG.8

will promote a programme of educational activity of its Groups through an age related educational structure in order to nurture and develop the aims and principles of the movement.

APP '10

3

PROG.9

will promote its own publications, handbooks, manuals and other materials for the training of its members, both young people and adults;

PROG.10

will publish and disseminate explanatory leaflets, posters and audio-visual materials in the interests of informing the general public of its aims and activities;

PROG.11

will encourage association with other organisations which share its aims and principles whereby mutual benefits may be enjoyed by all members;

PROG.12

will support the aims of the Co-operative Movement and maintain close links with Societies which promote co-operative education. Similarly it will seek to strengthen relations with the Co-operative College Board of Management;

PROG.13

will encourage members of 6 months standing to be members of their local Co-operative Society, save where conditions of membership or the regulations of the Society prevent this;

PROG.14

will encourage members, as part of their development into responsible citizenship, to join an appropriate Trade Union where circumstances permit;

PROG.15

will promote international and reciprocal exchanges between the movement and organisations abroad with whom it has aims in common. These exchanges to include participation in international, national and local camps and, wherever practical, a short stay in the homes of members of the host organisation.

International friendship exchanges shall also be encouraged by pen-friendships, the mutual exchange of literature, documentation and cultural materials, and by participation in appropriate seminars and conferences of an educational character. The purpose of such exchanges shall be the furtherance of tolerance and understanding between young people in the pursuit of world harmony and peace. It is the declared aim of the Woodcraft Folk to extend and develop these exchanges whenever and wherever possible.

DEF.

DEFINITIONS: MEMBERS

DEF.1

Any person whose application for membership has been accepted, or who is aged 15 years or under and regularly attends a WCF group, is regarded as a member of the organisation.

DEF.2

(i)

Young Member is defined as a member aged 15 years or under.

(ii)

District Fellow is defined as a member aged 16-20 years inclusive

DEF.3

People who wish to be involved with the Woodcraft Folk but who do not wish to work directly with members aged under 18 may join the organization as supporters.

DEF.4

Members shall abide by the decisions of the Annual Conference and General Council.

DEF.5

Except where explicit approval is given by the General Council, the payment of any member for services rendered is deemed contrary to the spirit of the Woodcraft Folk.

DEF.6

Members are required annually to signify their acceptance of the Constitution; and Aims, Principles and Programme of the Woodcraft Folk.

DEF.

DEFINITIONS: GROUPS

DEF.7

Membership categories, age groups and group membership structures shall be determined from time to time by the Annual Conference. Variations in the age group structure to suit local circumstances are permissible subject to the prior approval of General Council.

DEF.8

District Fellows:

APP '10

(i)

A District Fellows Group is defined as (a) comprising a minimum of 5 District Fellows; and (b) being insured by having at least 2 members over the age of 18 years.

(ii)

A District Fellows Group is not required to pay a Central Registration Fee. 4

DEF.9

District Fellows are recognised as needing their own identity, programme of activities and Constitution, which has been endorsed by General Council.

DEF.10

Every year an Annual Conference, known as “Althing”, will be held for District Fellows.

ORG.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL ORGANISATION

ORG.1

The running of a Group shall be in the charge of members who will be responsible to General Council, through the District Association where one exists.

ORG.2

(i)

District Associations: All Groups existing together in a convenient local organisational area shall join together in District Associations. Each District Association shall be responsible for coordinating and supervising all the activities of the Groups in its area and for initiating joint activities and leadership training. It shall keep a census of all members in its area. The boundaries of District Associations shall be agreed between Districts concerned, subject to the approval of General Council. Accordingly, no Group may secede from or transfer to another District Association without permission of General Council.

(ii)

The District Association shall be responsible for maintaining the Constitution (C’04) and the Aims, Principles and Programme (APP) of the Woodcraft Folk in the District. The District Association is responsible for ensuring the reasonable and constitutional conduct of its members whilst they are engaged in any Woodcraft Folk activity.

If the District Association feels it is necessary to terminate the membership of any member in that Association, it should suspend the member from the movement and inform the General Secretary, in writing.

Whilst under suspension, no member may join in any activity organised by the Woodcraft Folk.

The General Council will investigate the matter and take whatever action it deems necessary. It will inform the member and the District Association of its decision, in writing.

Any member who has had their membership terminated has the right of appeal to the next Annual Conference and should submit their appeal in writing to Standing Orders Committee, no later than six weeks prior to the Conference.

(iii)

Every District Association shall hold regular meetings to discuss its activities, receive reports and plan future development. There shall be no less than six meetings a year.

(iv)

Every District Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting at which a report of the years’ activities and a financial statement shall be received. This Annual General Meeting will elect officeholders for the District Association.

ORG.3

There will be six Regional Councils in England, a Welsh Council and a Scottish Council. The English Regions will be Northern, Midlands, South-West, London, Eastern and South-Eastern.

ORG.4

The English Regional Councils and the Welsh and Scottish Councils shall take on a coordinating role in strengthening and developing the movement in their geographical areas and shall organise an annual Regional/Welsh/Scottish Gathering for members within their area, to be held each Autumn.

ORG.5

That each Regional Council and Scottish/Welsh Council shall appoint a Treasurer, the Treasurer to be a member of the Council. English Regional/Scottish/Welsh accounts will be submitted annually for consolidation with the overall Woodcraft Folk accounts.

ORG.6

That English Regional/Welsh/Scottish Councils encourage, where appropriate, the continuation or development of Area Councils within their Regions or Nations. Area Councils shall seek to facilitate close association with bodies of the Co-operative movement in their area.

ORG.7

Each English Regional Council and the Welsh Council and Scottish Council shall use the model constitution appended to this document, or such other constitution as may be endorsed by National Council.

APP '10

5

FIN.

FINANCE

FIN.1

The subscriptions for young members shall be determined by each District Association (or lone Group) subject to approval by General Council.

FIN.2

(i)

Central Registration Fees and membership fees shall be paid to the Treasurer through the Treasurer of the District Association where one exists. In the case of hardship an appeal may be made to the General Council, through the District Association, where one exists.

(ii)

Subscriptions to the movement for members shall be payable annually. The amount shall be a standard fee, or minimum for students, those on state benefits and for those aged 17 years and under who are not eligible for state benefits. These fees can only be changed by resolution at the preceding Annual Conference.

FIN.3

Newly established Groups shall not be required to pay the full Central Registration Fee for six months.

Each new Group must then pay 1/12th of the Central Registration Fee for each complete month remaining in the calendar year. At the end of that calendar year the full Central Registration Fee will be due for the following year.

FIN.4

All monies paid by Groups to District Associations shall be mutually agreed between the Group and the District Association. In the event of disagreement the matter shall be referred to General Council for decision.

FIN.5

The financial year shall commence 1st January and end 31st December each year.

FIN.6

FIN.7

APP '10

(i)

at the end of each financial year all Group Treasurers shall lodge with the appropriate District Treasurer a detailed annual Statement of Account, signed by an independent examiner.

(ii)

at the end of each financial year all District Treasurers shall lodge with the Central Treasurer a detailed annual Statement of Account, signed by an independent examiner, and including the Statements of Account for each Group which makes up the District.

(iii)

the Central Treasurer shall be given access to inspect all books and monies of any sections of the movement.

(i)

The funds and assets of any District Association or Lone Group shall be held by the Group and/or District as assets of the Woodcraft Folk and in the event a District Association closes down the funds and assets shall remain the property of the Woodcraft Folk and shall not be disposed of without the consent of the General Council.

(ii)

The funds and assets of any Group which closes within an existing District Association shall be held by the District Association.

Any Group that finds itself at risk of being unable to function because of financial difficulty shall apply through the District Association, where one exists, to the General Council for special dispensation in the event that the issue cannot be resolved within the District.

6

COS.

COSTUME

COS.1

As a unifying symbol of their support for the aims and principles of the Woodcraft Folk, members shall be encouraged to wear either an open necked green shirt, green T-shirt or green sweatshirt all with a Folk Symbol.

COS.2

Under no circumstances may any member attend party political events wearing Woodcraft Folk costume.

INT.

INTERNATIONAL

INT.1

Any District Association, Group or individual member wishing to participate in a visit to a foreign country in the name of the Woodcraft Folk must first seek the approval of the General Council.

INT.2

Such visits shall be subject to the current guidelines of the General Council governing visits abroad.

APP '10

7

Woodcraft Folk Educational Aims & Principles

1 The Woodcraft Folk is an educational movement for children and young people, designed to develop self confidence and activity in society, with the aim of building a world based on equality, friendship, peace and co-operation.

2 Education for Social Change. We seek to develop in our members a critical awareness of the world. We will work to develop the knowledge, attitudes, values and skills necessary for them to act to secure their equal participation in the democratic process that will enable them to bring about the changes that they feel are necessary to create a more equal and caring world. As an educational movement, we believe that equal opportunities should extend to all aspects of activity and participation in the Woodcraft Folk. We will combat oppression or discrimination in our movement, whether on grounds of age, class, gender, race, sexual orientation, for reasons of disability, contact with mental health services, or a previous criminal conviction that does not create risk to children or young people. We will educate our members so that they may take these issues into the wider community.

3 A Co-operative and Sharing Attitude to Life. We believe that to further our aims it is vital to approach our educational work through the principles of co-operation. To achieve this we will provide a programme which ensures that our members practice co-operation through all the activities in which they participate.

4 International Understanding. Our motto is ‘Span the world with friendship’. We will therefore encourage and develop international understanding and friendship through our educational work and by our exchanges between children and young people of different lands. We will promote a greater understanding of the world amongst our members so that they are aware of the inequalities which exist in it.

5 The Rights of the Child. In our work with children and young people, we respect and defend their individual rights, and encourage them to participate responsibly and democratically, in all aspects of Woodcraft Folk activity.

6 Religion. The Woodcraft Folk welcomes all children, young people and adults, who wish to become members of the movement, and it asserts the right of all its members to practice the faith of their choice providing it does not contravene the aims and principles of the movement.

7 One World. The Woodcraft folk will encourage an understanding of the need to work towards a world where we provide for the needs of everyone on the planet now and in the future without destroying the physical environment. We aim to educate our members about issues of environmental and social sustainability and how this relates to their own lifestyles and other people’s actions.

8 A World at Peace. Because of our international outlook and concern that all shall enjoy the right to freedom from the immorality of war and want, the Woodcraft Folk is dedicated to the cause of peace. Accordingly we associate with the movement for world disarmament and for the transfer of those resources directed to the destruction of life into channels which will be used for the fulfilment of humanity’s needs.

9

Affirmation. The task of the Woodcraft Folk is the cultivation of a world outlook.

Because the Woodcraft Folk is concerned with educational activities, it is accordingly precluded from being involved in activities and policy making of political parties. The Woodcraft Folk expects its members to abide by its Constitution and to participate actively in a movement that is dedicated to all people for all time.

Woodcraft Folk

Code of Conduct This Code of Conduct is to help volunteers and those responsible for the care of children and young people understand what are acceptable and unacceptable standards of behaviour.

No one must harm, or place at risk of harm, any child or young person.

1. You should at all times take responsibility for the care, welfare and safety needs of all children and young people in your care. Every adult has this responsibility for all children at all times.

2. You must be aware of the vulnerability of some groups of children to being isolated and hurt (e.g. children with disabilities and learning difficulties; children from Gypsy & Traveller communities; Black & Minority Ethnic children).

3. You must never be alone with children or young people (unless you are their parent or guardian). At all times, you must be close enough to another adult to be within sight and hearing range. If circumstances require that you should be alone with a child then you must ensure that another adult has agreed to this course of action, knows what you are doing and how long it will last.

4. You must comply with all Woodcraft Folk policies including Safeguarding, Health &

Safety, and Aims, Principles and Programme.

5. You must listen attentively to any ideas and views a child wants to share with you.

You must never dismiss what a child tells you as ‘lies’ or exaggeration.

6. You should not exaggerate or trivialise another worker’s concerns about a child or ignore an allegation or suspicion of abuse in the hope that it will either ‘go away’ or that ‘someone else will deal with it’.

7. You must respond sensitively to children who seem anxious about participating in certain activities.

8. You should not allow a child, young person or adult to be bullied or harmed by anyone in the organisation.

9. You must never underestimate the contribution that you can make to the development of safe communities for children.

Taking action: 10. You must listen carefully to any child who ‘tells you’ (sometimes through drawings and behaviour as well as words) that they are being harmed. You must discuss this as soon as possible with a designated Child Protection person in your WF group or district.

Note 2: If you do not know whom to approach as a designated Child Protection person you can find out from your District Chair. If you are a lone group or otherwise without such a designated person, contact the Woodcraft Folk UK Office in London.

You must find an appropriate person to share any disclosures made to you or suspicions of abuse.

This should normally be within 24 hours.

11. When you are concerned about a child’s well being, you should not discuss personal issues about them or their family with other people. Speak only to the designated Child Protection person in your WF group or district. (Note 2) 12. If you suspect that a child could be at risk of harm or abuse, you must speak to the designated Child Protection person in your WF group or district. (Note 2) 13. If you suspect that a child is experiencing bullying or harassment, you must speak to the designated Child Protection person in your WF group or district. (Note 2)

February 2006

Respect for others: 14. You should work to develop an ethos where all people matter and are treated equally, and with respect and dignity.

15. You must respect a child’s right to be involved in making choices and decisions which directly affect them.

16. You must respect a child’s culture (for example their faith and religious beliefs).

17. You must respect a child’s right to privacy and personal space.

18. You should not be drawn into any derogatory remarks or gestures in front of children or young persons.

February 2006

Volunteering England Sample Volunteer Agreement 2

Please adapt this sample document according to your actual working practices, so that it accurately describes them whilst reflecting relevant good practice and legal issues. More information can be found at: www.volunteering.org.uk/goodpractice Please also note that Volunteering England is not able to accept responsibility for the use of this document by another group or organisation and our logo should not appear on any versions adapted for your own use.

Volunteer Agreement Volunteers are an important and valued part of [organisation name]. We hope that you enjoy volunteering with us and feel a full part of our team.

This agreement tells you what you can expect from us, and what we hope from you. We aim to be flexible, so please let us know if you would like to make any changes and we will do our best to accommodate them.

We, [organisation name], will do our best: • • • • • • • • •

to introduce you to how the organisation works and your role in it and to provide any training you need. The initial training agreed is [ ]. to provide regular meetings with a main point of contact so that you can tell us if you are happy with how your tasks are organised and get feedback from us. Your manager’s/supervisor’s name is [ ]. to respect your skills, dignity and individual wishes and to do our best to meet them. to reimburse your travel and meal costs up to our current maximum*. to consult with you and keep you informed of possible changes. to insure you against injury you suffer or cause due to negligence*. to provide a safe workplace*. to apply our equal opportunities policy. to apply our complaints procedure if there is any problem.

I, [name of volunteer], agree to do my best: • •

to work reliably to the best of my ability, and to give as much warning as possible whenever I cannot work when expected to follow [organisation name]’s rules and procedures, including health and safety, equal opportunities and confidentiality.

*More details on these issues are provided in the volunteer handbook.

Note: this agreement is in honour only and is not intended to be a legally binding contract of employment.

Dear new member

Welcome to Woodcraft Folk, the co-operative children and young people’s movement.

We’re really pleased you’ve decided to join our membership. With over 350 volunteer-led groups meeting weekly around the UK, and an exciting array of projects, campaigns and partnerships thriving in and around the organisation, Woodcraft Folk has plenty of ways to get involved, and fill your calendar with as much progressive, grassroots education for social change as you like!

Below is a brief introduction to each aspect of Woodcraft Folk. Click through to the website for further information on each topic, or contact us to ask questions and get involved right away.

Contents Being a member About Woodcraft Folk How to get involved Other ways to connect and support us The shape of Woodcraft Folk around the UK

What does it mean to be a member of Woodcraft Folk?

You’ve joined a unique movement united by the vision of a fairer, more sustainable world. The time and money you contribute to Woodcraft Folk enable us to educate new generations of children and young people, in exciting and progressive ways, to develop a worldview and take action for social change. Our belief in co-operation and equality means we all work together as equals to shape the organisation and to ensure even our youngest members can take part in Woodcraft Folk democracy, as well as developing their participation in wider society.

You’re now part of a large, friendly community who collaborate on campaigns, projects, inspiring summer camps and of course grassroots activities for young people. The most immediate way to be involved is through your local Woodcraft Folk group but if there isn’t one currently near to you, or you’re more interested in national activities, the best way to stay in touch is through the website, the monthly e-newsletter and our termly members newspaper The Courier; through these you’ll be engaged in debates, invited to events and kept informed of the latest resources and support. Your membership card/certificate/number also entitles you to YHA discounts, amongst other things.

You’ve just signed up to the Woodcraft Folk Aims and Principles: Woodcraft Folk is an educational movement for children and young people, designed to develop self confidence and activity in society, with the aim of building a world based on equality, friendship, peace and cooperation.

Our Principles are below. Click through to a full explanation on the website.

Education for Social Change A Co-operative and Sharing Attitude to Life International Understanding The Rights of the Child Freedom of Religion One World A World at Peace A Movement for all People for all Time Affirmation Membership of Woodcraft Folk is open to people of any age, so if you’ve joined as a parent or guardian, don’t forget that the youngest people in your family can join for free!

The under 16 membership form is online.

Woodcraft Folk was started by a young person.

In 1925, 19 year-old Leslie Paul broke away from an existing youth organisation and, with others in south London, established the first Woodcraft Folk groups. They became the first nationwide youth organisation to accept both boys and girls, and members of any religion or none. Since then Woodcraft Folk has been the UK’s only national, co-operative youth movement.

Read more about Woodcraft Folk’s history here.

Children and young people continue to develop the skills and confidence to explore their surroundings and take a lead in running their group, camp or project, and we’re committed to supporting them to do this. Teenage members often help out with a younger group, and District Fellows, Woodcraft Folk’s 16 – 20 year old age group, run their own events, projects and campaigns, which you can read about on their website www.spanthatworld.com. They’ve taken action on human trafficking, nuclear energy, and relations between Israel and Palestine, to name just a few issues. One of their current initiatives is The Share, which aims to give DFs training in low-carbon skills and ultimately build a sustainable national DF Centre.

Find out more about youth leadership in Woodcraft Folk here.

The shape of Woodcraft Folk around the UK Woodcraft Folk is organised into local Districts, which usually include one or more of each age group and a District Committee which organises local finances, events and connection to the national movement. Find out more about what happens in Woodcraft groups on the website. Nationally, we’re led by General Council, our trustee board.

New volunteers are always extremely welcome to offer help to their local District!

Pioneer group

Find your closest groups on the map or read more about volunteering.

Age 10 - 12

Elfin group

Venturer group

Age 6—9

Age 13 - 15

Woodcraft Folk District

Woodcraft Folk has a small staff team, mostly based at Folk Office in London but also working in Wales (Gwerin Y Coed) and Scotland.

Find contact details online.

Woodchip group

DF group

Age under 6

Age 16 - 20

Our Folk Office details for general enquiries: 020 7703 4173 info@woodcraft.org.uk But don’t forget to check www.woodcraft.org.uk too!

Start your own Woodcraft Folk group—and help make Woodcraft Folk bigger and stronger We would love to help more communities develop their own Woodcraft groups. It’s a great way to meet new people, make connections in your area and engage children and young people in outdoor adventures and issues like human rights and the environment.

There are lots of different ways of running a Woodcraft Folk group, including parent co-operatives, leader-led groups and self-organising groups of young people. Whichever method you’d like to try, we can put you in touch with any other volunteers in your area and supply you with ideas and resources to get your group going.

Get support, training and resources We’ve developed hundreds of activity plans, videos, guides and policies to help volunteers run groups and events within Woodcraft Folk. Most are at www.woodcraft.org.uk/resources.

We run as much training as we can for both adult leaders and young people who want to develop their skills, and promote our training events on www.woodcraft.org.uk/calendar.

As you get more involved in Woodcraft Folk, you might want the support of a mentor or a New Group Buddy—just ask!

Buy Woodcraft goodies from Folk Supply Woodcraft Folk branded equipment, clothing and badges are all gathered together in our shop, Folk Supply, which you can access on the website or via the Woodcraft Folk office. An order form is online.

A Woodcraft Folk camp isn’t complete without Woodie Hoodies, Woodcraft song books and Woodcraft torches! New hoodies and t-shirts are usually produced to commemorate our best-loved events, projects and international camps.

Join projects and campaigns Woodcraft members have been present in huge numbers at peaceful protests such as the demonstrations against the Iraq war in 2003, and marches against education cuts in 2010. There are lots of campaigns and projects around Woodcraft Folk, who would love to hear from you if you’re passionate about the issue they’re tackling or have skills to share with them. We also produce educational materials and campaign materials you find on the website.

International work Woodcraft Folk is a member of the International Falcon Movement (IFM), which links us to many other youth groups around the world and provides Woodcraft members with amazing opportunities to travel, volunteer overseas, participate in exchanges and broaden their experience of the world. On our website you’ll find stories from young people who’ve taken up these opportunities – and chances to apply for them yourself.

Explore our Outdoor Centres and Campsites Groups of young people from inside and outside Woodcraft Folk absolutely love staying at our centres and campsites, where they can explore the natural world, take on new outdoor challenges and co-operate to cook their own meals and look after their environment. Some are run by dedicated staff, others by local volunteers, and all are in beautiful rural areas.

Find your closest online.

Donate £1 to Woodcraft Folk through

Lucky Club and be in with the chance of winning half the prize money in the monthly draw. The other half goes to Woodcraft Folk— so it’s a win-win situation! You can buy as many tickets as you like each month, on a monthly, 3-monthly or 6-monthly basis.

Watch one of our Leicestershire groups’ short film about themselves

Connect to Woodcraft Folk on Twitter, Facebook and Vimeo

Span the world with friendship: forward this PDF to a friend Anyone who shares our aims and principles is welcome to become a member of Woodcraft Folk, either as a supporter member who wants to contribute financially to education for social change, or as a full member who wants to get involved in grassroots educational activities.

We also encourage the affiliation of organisations such as Trade Unions who share our belief in equality and co-operation.

Woodcraft Folk is a Registered charity in England & Wales (1148195) and in Scotland (SC039791).

Registered in England & Wales Company No. 8133727

General Council is our trustee board, drawn from all areas of the UK and aged 16 upwards.

All our Outdoor Centres and Campsites are open to other youth groups as well as Woodcraft Folk groups.

Lockerbrook Outdoor Activity Centre (staffed)

Part-time staff in Scotland

Heightgate Outdoor Centre (volunteer-run)

General Council

Woodcraft Folk regions Scottish Executive

Joint Centres Committee

Woodcraft Folk

Staff at

District

Folk Office in London

Staff in Wales / Gwerin

Venturer Committee Welsh Council DF Committee

Scarlett’s Campsite

Darsham Outdoor Centre (staffed)

(Volunteer-run)

Woodcraft Park Farm (volunteer-run)

Our small staff team is supported by many volunteer roles, including elected committees in Wales and Scotland.

Cudham Environmental Education Centre (staffed)

Camps, training and events happen on a national and regional level of Woodcraft Folk

Example - local information TOLWORTH AND KINGSTON WOODCRAFT FOLK - RAINBOW ELFINS Welcome to the Rainbow Elfins. We are part of the Woodcraft Folk, which is committed to making sure children and young people have every opportunity to bring out the best in themselves. Our motto is ‘’Span the World With Friendship” and that sums up what is at the heart of everything we do in more than 300 groups across England, Scotland, and Wales - internationalism, multiculturalism, understanding, community, awareness, fun, talking, and listening. For all the children, our main aim is co-operative enjoyment for all.

Meetings We meet on [insert weekday] during term-time [insert time] at the [insert venue] which is [insert directions]. Please arrive promptly so that we can make the most of the time available. The cost of the meetings is £2 each week. We would ask you to pay for each half term in advance, if possible, as this helps us with costs and administration.

Leaders / Parent-helpers The current Leaders are [insert names, emails and phone numbers] Our group is currently run on a parent-rota basis and parents are asked to help at least one session every half-term, or more if they can manage this. As a helper, you will need to become a member of the Woodcraft Folk and also have a CRB check – this is a national requirement of our movement, for the protection of the children and adults alike. The District has a small amount of funds set aside to help with the cost of membership - £25 for waged, £10 for low waged or unwaged, please say if you need our help to pay these membership costs. These costs sponsor the Woodcraft Folk nationally, and we hope you agree this is a volunteer charity well worth supporting. Ask any Leader for these forms. Please see one of our Leaders for identity checks, once you have filled in the forms. You will also need to provide the names of two individuals from whom we can seek references.

Activities Each term, we try to arrange a variety of activities including games, singing, cookery, discussion, drama and craft activities. During the lighter evenings in late spring and summer we make use of the lovely surroundings to the [insert venue] for outdoor sports or on short study walks and other activites. All our programme is run under the Aims and Principles of the Woodcraft Folk, which are attached. As well as the weekly activities, Elfins and parents will be given the opportunity to attend camps and youth hostelling weekends as well as events run specifically for them by the London Region Council. Details will be given out as they are arranged.

Registration Parents of new Elfins are asked to complete a registration form giving details of contact numbers and alerting us to any specific difficulties (such as allergies) of which we should be aware – this is also included in this pack.

Woodcraft Folk Structure Our group is part of Tolworth and Kingston Woodcraft Folk District, which is itself a part of London Region of Woodcraft Folk. This Region is in turn part of the national structure of Woodcraft Folk.

You can see more details about Woodcraft Folk on our website at: www.woodcraft.org.uk.

Safeguarding and Health and Safety Policies Our Safeguarding and Health Policies are available on our website at: www.tolkingwoodcraft.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ . If you do not have access to a computer or would prefer a paper copy of these policies, please speak to any Leader.

Complaints Procedure If you have any problems or concerns, please speak to a Leader in the first instance. If the complaint concerns a Leader or you feel that you cannot raise it with them, please contact the District Co-ordinator, [insert name, phone number and email]

Edinburgh Woodcraft Folk Guidelines for processing membership and disclosures for adult ( parent/ carer/other) volunteers There are three steps to becoming a full member of Woodcraft Folk.

We are asking all those parents/carers helping with group nights to become members and to be disclosed after their children have been going to a Woodcraft Folk group for a term. This gives everyone time to find out what Woodcraft Folk is all about and to decide whether they are willing to become members. If you want to attend a Woodcraft Folk hostel or camping weekend we may ask you to become a member sooner.

Many of the Woodcraft Folk groups in Edinburgh are parent/carer led collectives, meaning that we rely on parents/carers to come to planning meetings and volunteer to help out with group nights once they feel ready to do so. We understand that not every parent/carer will be in a position to do this and all children/young people are welcome to join in Woodcraft Folk groups. There are plenty of opportunities to shadow others first so you will never be expected to run a group night until you are comfortable with this.

However every group night needs a minimum of two full members to lead the session. This means that we need to ask as many parents/carers as possible to join and obtain a PVG disclosure to give us a pool of volunteer helpers, and also to ensure that we are all in agreement with the overall aims and principles of Woodcraft Folk when leading sessions.

Step One

Application to join PVG Scheme

Every adult volunteer in a group leader or group helper position needs to apply to join the PVG Scheme through Disclosure Scotland. They need to fill in an “Application to Join PVG Scheme” form.

If they have already applied to join the scheme through another route then they need to wait until that application is processed. Then they need to complete an “Existing PVG Scheme Member Application” form.

This process is free for volunteers and we will arrange a night each term in our groups to allow any new parent/carer volunteers to apply. The information required to apply is personal details, addresses spanning a five year period and details of any previous disclosure certificate.

In addition you need to provide photographic ID and proof of current address.

A photo ID driving license with your current address will satisfy both these requirements. Otherwise you will need to show us your photo driving license or passport and two documents with evidence of your current address, such as bank statements, council tax letter or utility bills. These must date from within three months of the date of producing them to us. If you don’t have these types of documents or are unsure about what to bring please ask.

Step Two

Safeguarding Policy

We understand that applying to Disclosure Scotland is only one small part of safeguarding young people. Even more important, is a commitment from all those involved in Woodcraft Folk to the welfare of the children and young people we work with and a common understanding of how we can work to ensure this.

We therefore ask you to read Woodcraft Folk’s policy statement on safeguarding and to sign a copy to confirm that you have had an opportunity to do so. We are preparing an induction pack which you will receive shortly and which will signpost you to the policies which are attached to this. You will be able to find them now on the Woodcraft Folk website www.woodcraft.org.uk.

We will also arrange training on working to ensure the welfare of young people from time to time

Step Three Applying to become a member of Woodcraft Folk At the same time as completing the PVG scheme application we will ask you to complete a membership form to join Woodcraft Folk. These can be downloaded and printed off from the following link: http://www.woodcraft.org.uk/sites/default/files/wcf_membership_form_word_s ept11.pdf You will need to give the names and addresses of two referees on this form.

All references will be followed up.

Payment is £25 waged, and £10 unwaged or low income.

Some groups may assist with payment of the membership fee for the first application for one parent/carer per family group.

What happens next The PVG scheme application will be forwarded by the group member coordinating this process to our Glasgow office at 87 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 2EE. This may change next year to our London office. There is also a scheme record coversheet where the names of those applying and the type of

documents seen are recorded and this is also forwarded with all the completed forms to our staff who arrange for these to be processed.

The membership application is sent to our membership secretary, Peter Hutchinson, who will seek the references and once these are obtained he will wait to hear as to when the PVG Scheme application has been processed.

Once he gets word that the disclosure has been processed and is satisfactory, he will note this on the membership application and forward the form to our Head Office in London. You will then receive notification that you are a member and receive a membership card. It is easiest if we forward template reference requests to Peter with the details of the referee with the membership application to assist with the process. These are attached.

Next Year You will be contacted by Head Office each year to renew your membership.

Please do so as this ensures all memberships are up to date and current.

It is the current policy of Woodcraft Folk to ask for people to renew their disclosure every three years, and when this time arrives, renewal of membership will be withheld until you are able to confirm that this has been done. Although a disclosure does not expire as such, it is considered a matter of good practice to check that there is no change in a member’s circumstances every three years by applying for an updated disclosure and to remind us of our responsibilities in this respect.

Current Members There are a number of current members for whom it is now more than three years since they last obtained a disclosure, and their membership is temporarily being renewed as the phase in of the new PVG Scheme means that it is not possible for existing members, who have not changed their volunteer role, to apply during a transitional period. All those members will be asked to renew at the beginning of next year, 2012.

If your membership has lapsed but you have been a member and you do have a disclosure through Woodcraft Folk then send a cheque for the correct amount with your membership number to Head Office at Woodcraft Folk, Units 9/10, 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BQ. In the event that the lapsed period is too great to allow this to happen (i.e. your details have been taken off the database), then you need to complete a new membership form and go through the process above of passing it to our membership secretary with confirmation that you have obtained a disclosure. It is best to see if you can be traced and HQ will process in the first instance. The number is 020 07703 4173 if you have any queries.

If anyone is unsure of their current status we have an up to date list of membership and can advise of the current position. We also have a note of membership numbers. Please contact your group coordinator if you need help.

We really appreciate everyone’s cooperation with the above

Example – local information

District structure diagram

General Council

Projects

Membership Training & Support

National Venturer

Resources International Camp

Group registration

Group links

Midlands Region

Training & Support

Leicestershire District

Weekend trips

Regular District Meetings & Gatherings Yahoo Group

Outdoor Centres

Woodcraft Folk (National)

Annual Gathering

Elected officers

Training & Support

Fair rent scheme

Camp

Winter Gathering May Camp

Leicestershire District Groups Green Elm (Mixture of ages, meet in Wigston)

Golden Orioles (Elfins, meet at Avenue Primary School)

Kingfisher Group

Oak Tree Elfins

(Elfins & Pioneers, meet in West End) )

(Elfins, meet at Friends Meeting House)

Kingfisher Venturers (Venturers, meet in West End)

Hinckley Elfins (Elfins, meet in Hinckley)

Pinewood Peacekeeper Pioneers (Pioneers, meet at Friends Meeting House) Leicester Venturers (Venturers, meet at Avenue PS)

Hinckley Pioneers (Pioneers, meet in Hinckley)

DFs (District Fellows) (16-20 years)

Hinckley Venturers (Venturers, meet in Hinckley)

Kinsfolk (Adult members)

Woodcraft Folk is committed to supporting our volunteers—we depend

Have clear channels of communication for asking questions and keeping in touch

on them!

Happy volunteers give a good impression to others

Share resources eg group night activities, forms and policies

Support your volunteers summary

Supported volunteers stay longer!

Help them develop and stay motivated

Support young people to take on leadership roles Suggest getting a mentor for young people taking on new roles Bring volunteers together for social events, not just meetings and volunteer work

Supporting Volunteers

Introduction All volunteers need support and supporting volunteers is a continuous process. We are committed to supporting our volunteers and offer: Resources Policies Training Public Liability cover Mentoring scheme Guidance Communications Local group and District level may also offer: Expenses Local training Local policies Local procedures Social events Peer support Celebration / thank you events Regional networking events Woodcraft Folk clothing

Communication Local support should be reviewed regularly and may reduce as a volunteer gains confidence or increase due to circumstance or stress. Ask people what support they need.

As a group or District, you need to be organised to support your volunteers. Having clear procedures and tools in place, such as forms developed with your group in mind, is going to help everyone. Everyone should know what is available to help support them and where to find further information. Some groups use Google docs to help with this, others have their own webpages.

Check the Woodcraft Folk website for examples of national and local forms, and the latest ideas for communication within your District: www.woodcraft.org.uk/resources.

Personal development Volunteering is a journey of learning. People may come to volunteer with specific goals in mind of things they want to learn or achieve. They may be thinking about teaching or community work for example. Others may not have such defined goals but will develop skills and experience over time. It’s important to recognise people’s journeys and achievements this can be done formally or informally, in a group or person to person. This can help people progress and perhaps to decide to take on new roles and responsibilities and, more importantly, foster good relations and a feeling of belonging and acknowledgement.

Reasons to support volunteers [Information from Volunteer Development Scotland]

Enables the volunteering role to be carried out more effectively Raises the level of understanding and awareness of performance Enables volunteers to work more confidently and independently Enables volunteers to understand and retain boundaries Helps volunteers understand more about the culture and ethos of the organisation or group Can help motivate and enthuse volunteers Increases competence and satisfaction with an effective volunteering force Can reduce volunteer turnover and associated recruitment costs Reaffirms respect and develops trusting relationships Creates a positive impression on all those who come into contact with your organisation or group including staff, service users, members, carers, local community and other volunteers If volunteers feel supported they’re more likely to be committed and satisfied with their experience. They may choose to volunteer with you for a longer period of time or again at some point in the future.

Can prevent volunteers from feeling isolated, or even exploited, in their role Enables volunteers to cope with the demands of the role more effectively Demonstrates commitment of the organisation to volunteers Allows organisations to monitor expectations of role and volunteer satisfaction

Supporting volunteers checklist

Every volunteer has:

Been offered an ‘Introducing Woodcraft’ session …………………………..  Knowledge of where to find educational resources ………………………..



Knowledge of where to find out about training opportunities ……………..



An awareness of Woodcraft Folk’s mentoring programme ……………….



An understanding of yearly renewal of membership ………………………



Knowledge of any local procedures for supporting volunteers ………….. e.g. expenses, membership fees, social events



Knowledge of local forms such as register, risk assessment …………….



Someone to discuss their volunteering journey with ………………………



Discussed any progression they would like to aspire to ………………….



Been invited to a celebration / end of year event ………………………….



Knowledge of where to get further support …………………………………



Resources

Woodcraft Folk has many resources designed for educational work with children and young people. There are many examples on the Woodcraft Folk website in the resource section www.woodcraft.org.uk/resources.

Some resource packs that might be particularly useful are:

Activities for Woodcraft Folk Elfin groups Session plans based around key Woodcraft Folk themes, plus guidance for running groups for new and experiences Elfin leaders alike.

Follow the Trail activities for Elfins and Pioneers Follow the Trail activities for Venturers and DFs Group night activities focussing on ‘what does Woodcraft mean to you?’ and making this experience better and better.

Elfin Bushcraft Way Education pack Pioneer Bushcraft Way Education pack Venturer Bushcraft Way Education pack Age appropriate bushcraft activities.

Activities for Woodcraft Folk Venturer groups A sharing of favourite and innovative activities by Venturer Group Leaders.

Issues for Venturers A resource to help explore some difficult and challenging issues which concern young people in a way they can relate to and learn from.

Woodcraft Training Courses

Woodcraft Folk has developed a range of in-house training courses to support members and volunteers. In general training is delivered by volunteer trainers. These are volunteers who have experience of a particular role within Woodcraft Folk e.g. Elfin / Pioneer / Venturer Leader and have also completed the Woodcraft Train to Train course.

The current range of courses available is: o

Introducing Woodcraft - A two hour training session giving a general introduction to the organisation, explaining its aims, roots and background. It can be delivered by anyone who feels competent – i.e. an experienced established leader / older members of the District / group or members with training experience – but no formal qualifications are needed.

o

Learn to Play (15 hours) - This course is aimed at members, parents, volunteers and DFs already running groups or wanting to become more involved with local Woodchip, Elfin or Pioneer groups. The course covers Introduction to Woodcraft Folk, child development and play, health and safety, safeguarding, inclusion, co-operative play activities and teamwork.

o

Youth Leader Training (18 hours) - The course is suitable for members, parents, volunteers and young people already running Pioneer and Venturer groups or planning on getting more involved in running groups. The course covers young people, society and Woodcraft Folk aims & principles; working with young people – the leader’s role and safeguarding; programme planning, groups, issue based work and peer education; programme planning, camps, residential, health & safety matters and group organisation, course review and action planning.

If you’re interested in finding out more about these courses and whether any are planned in your local area, please contact training@woodcraft.org.uk Check out our upcoming trainings at http://woodcraft.org.uk/resources/upcoming-training and at http://woodcraft.org.uk/calendar

Development staff also support adult members and young people through a range of training initiatives and these include:

o

Bored Meetings - The course is aimed at Venturers, DFs and adult members who are either already on committees (e.g. District committees, regional committees, General Council, project or camp committees), or thinking of getting involved with a committee in the future.

o

Safeguarding – Sessions designed to help groups and district understand child protection and safeguarding issues and develop their own local safeguarding plan based on the national policy. Further information on safeguarding is available at www.woodcraft.org.uk/safeguarding.

o

Young Trainers - The Young Trainers Programme is specifically aimed at supporting and developing young people under the age of 25 to become trainers within Woodcraft Folk. They can then use these skills not only within Woodcraft Folk, delivering training to support local groups, but also use them to gain future employment as the training is accredited through the ASDAN Activity Award.

Mentoring

The mentoring programme has been developed in order to help young people in the Woodcraft Folk who would like to take on more responsibility or who are interested in trying new roles. The emphasis is on supporting young people interested in leadership. The programme will recruit volunteer Mentors and match them with a young person or a group of young people needing their support.

Mentors will offer encouragement and support to their Mentees, providing them with opportunities to try new things and develop the confidence to take on new responsibilities. Young people might need support in anything from getting involved as volunteers at group nights, promoting or budgeting for an event, running campaigns or being a KP at camp.

We are trying to develop a new approach to mentoring. Mentoring has been widely used in other sectors – most notably in business, in youth work with disaffected young people, and with under-achievers in schools. Whilst all these models have things to offer, none of them are immediately transferable to our situation. For example, there are often power and hierarchical dimensions to the relationships between mentors and mentees in business settings, and knowledge and achievement differentiations between the participants in school mentoring projects. There are few examples of a scheme like this one where mentoring is intended to enhance democracy and access to participation.

The mentoring course has been developed by the Cooperative College and anyone joining the Woodcraft Folk Mentoring Scheme is offered the opportunity to register for and, on fulfilling the requirements below, be awarded the ASDAN Peer Mentoring Award.

We would like to hear from people interested in mentoring and people who would like to try a new role and would appreciate some support.

Email mentoring@woodcraft.org.uk to find out the dates of the next training course.

Watch a video about mentoring here: http://vimeo.com/41351858.

Find out more and see the attachments online at http://woodcraft.org.uk/mentoring.

Young Leaders

Venturers and DFs are often interested in volunteering with Woodcraft Folk, and we welcome their contribution. This may be as a leader or helper with a younger group or in a particular role such as at camp, or organising a particular event. There may be other young people in your community who are looking for opportunities to volunteer for example those doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Young people might need particular support in their volunteering.

For Venturers and DFs already attending group nights it might be useful to spend a few nights looking at what leadership and volunteering mean. This in turn might encourage some young people to think about volunteering themselves within the local groups or District.

The following support is available: •

Leading for the Future http://woodcraft.org.uk/leadingforthefuture

•

Training for Young Leaders - all the training dates should be on the website calendar

•

The young leaders’ Facebook page where resources and opportunities are shared and there is a 'young leaders challenge of the month' see: http://www.facebook.com/groups/466619856696916/

•

A young trainers network for young people who have completed Young Trainers Training

•

Bored Meeting training - a resource to help involve young people in the democratic process by making boards and committees more interesting. http://issuu.com/woodcraftfolk/docs/bored_meeting

•

Case studies – all Woodcraft Folk case studies are gathered here https://woodcraft.org.uk/resources/woodcraft-case-studies

Case study: Being a Young Trainer and running Leading for the Future activities Summary: Alice’s journey through Woodcraft Folk and into youth work is a brilliant example of youth leadership and the opportunities Woodcraft Folk gives: having grown up in the Folk, Alice came back as an Elfin and Pioneer leader, then trained as a Young Trainer to use her facilitation skills more widely around Woodcraft. Now she’s doing a youth work MA and running Woodcraft’s Leading for the Future programme with a group of young carers.

Recommendations: Becoming a Young Trainer opens doors to more opportunities

has e future h t r o f g an “Leadin better th , ll e w y ll gone rea ted.”

I'd expec

Go into any new project with a lot of enthusiasm to give, but also the need to learn new things that you don't quite understand yet Silliness and taking things out of the box is a good way to deliver training!

Leading for the Future activities work with young people outside Woodcraft—just make sure you explain the terminology, and think about adapting the activities to relate directly to the experiences of the young people you’re working with

Useful links: Leading for the Future: https:// woodcraft.org.uk/leadingforthefuture

Check the Woodcraft calendar for “Leadin g for th e Future upcoming training: useful t has bee o them n and som www.woodcraft.org.uk/calendar that the ething y c a n use to b What happened: develop uild on Get a mentor to help you take on a new and their gr o I've always had an interest up.” role: www.woodcraft.org.uk/mentoring in empowering young people. I felt that Young Trainer training would equip me with the skills Soon after becoming a Young Trainer, I applied to do to get more involved in Woodcraft beyond my District in an MA in Youth Work. Young Trainers was a massive the North East. I also hoped to make new friends. On the help in the application process. Now I’m using training weekend, I got new ideas and skills. It was a very Woodcraft’s Leading for the Future programme on enjoyable weekend and I felt I’d achieved a great deal. my youth work placement, to run activities for a As a Young Trainer, I facilitated a session at a practicepanel of young carers. I thought it would be hard to sharing weekend at Lockerbrook, which has been one of run with a non Woodcraft audience but all the young my most enjoyable residentials yet! I also helped run people get so much out of it and seem to have a Woodcraft activities at Co-operatives United, a huge good time, getting stuck into everything. Their festival of co-operatives in Manchester. Seeing people’s worker said they’ve done things with me he’s been reactions at the end of a training session is probably the trying to help them do for years! best part of being a Young Trainer.

Expenses Claim Form

Woodcraft Folk

Name: Date

Detail of claim (please use one line per item)

Expense Type

Amount

Total

Signature of claimant

date

Authorisation signature

date

ď Ż I would like to donate my expenses to Woodcraft Folk.

Receipt attached?

Volunteering England Information Sheet © Volunteering England 2011

Volunteering and state benefits Summary Although there can be confusion over whether volunteering affects an individual’s benefits or not - including amongst some Jobcentre Plus staff - the rules are actually quite simple.

In most cases, there’s no limit to the amount of volunteering that someone can do whilst claiming benefits, as long as they continue to meet the conditions of those benefits.

This Information Sheet is designed to help people who support volunteers with questions about state benefits. It covers: • • • • •

Are you allowed to volunteer if you’re claiming state benefits?

The Jobcentre Plus definition of volunteering General guidance Benefit specific guidance Further information

Are you allowed to volunteer if you’re claiming state benefits?

The short answer is ‘yes’. The Jobcentre Plus leaflet Volunteering while getting benefits [PDF] (February 2010) says “you can volunteer as many hours as you like while you’re getting benefits as long as you keep to the rules for getting them.”

However, you should be aware that some benefits advisers aren’t themselves clear on the rules about volunteering. If a volunteer is told, for example, that they can only volunteer for 16 hours a week, you should tell the volunteer and/or the adviser about Volunteering while getting benefits.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you could write a letter to the adviser explaining the situation, or speak to them directly. If you can’t find the contact details of the specific adviser, try contacting the manager of the branch. If you still don’t have any success, contact the relevant External Relations Manager, whose contact details can be found at www.dwp.gov.uk/about-dwp/customer-

Volunteering England Information Sheet © Volunteering England 2011

delivery/jobcentre-plus/stakeholders-and-partnerships/partnerships/businesscommunity.

Jobcentre Plus definition of volunteering Volunteering while getting benefits defines volunteering as “when you choose to give your time and energy to benefit other people without being paid for it”.

It goes on to say that voluntary work can be done with any kind of organisation, including a • • • •

charity, voluntary organisation or community group; public-sector organisation; social enterprise; or local business.

It isn’t volunteering if someone • • •

helps out a family member; is given money other than their expenses; or is under contract to do the work (not including any ‘volunteer agreement’ they may have).

If someone chooses not to be paid for the work they do this isn’t the same as volunteering. The wage they would normally receive could be counted as ‘notional earnings’. If someone receives an income-related benefit, such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing or Council Tax benefit, it could affect the benefits they receive.

Full-time volunteers If someone volunteers full-time and receives an allowance from the volunteering organisation they won’t usually be eligible to receive benefits.

A full-time volunteer is often referred to as a ‘voluntary worker’, and is defined in the 1998 National Minimum Wage Act as a type of unpaid worker employed by charities, voluntary organisations, associated fund-raising bodies and statutory bodies.

In addition to expenses, voluntary workers can claim a subsistence allowance from the organisation they are working with to cover basic living costs - such

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Volunteering England Information Sheet © Volunteering England 2011

as a contribution towards utilities - but not the cost of accommodation. They can, however, be provided with accommodation free of charge.

General guidance The following applies to everyone receiving any benefit.

1. If someone is receiving benefits they must keep to the rules for receiving them.

2. If someone is receiving benefits they must speak to Jobcentre Plus, their local council or whoever pays the benefit before starting volunteering.

Although this is the responsibility of the person claiming the benefit, you’ll want to make sure volunteers feel confident about explaining their role to a benefits advisor. Help could include providing them with information about the organisation’s work and a simple volunteer role description to clarify what the volunteer usually does.

If more information is required, you could send a letter to whoever pays the benefit. Sample letters are available in the Expenses and State Benefits section of the Volunteering England Good Practice Bank.

3. Volunteers must only be reimbursed for actual out-of-pocket expenses. Volunteers must tell whoever pays their benefits if they receive expenses payments.

It’s a general rule that volunteers should only be reimbursed for out-ofpocket expenses, but it’s particularly important in the case of volunteers who are receiving benefits. Any kind of profit could result in their benefits being reduced or suspended.

Keeping records of expenses that have been reimbursed is always a good idea, but it’s of particular help to someone in receipt of benefits as they may have to provide details. You should ask volunteers to provide proof of all expenses, such as receipts and travel tickets. And it’s fine to provide volunteers with money upfront; just collect receipts as usual, and any unspent money!

Something to bear in mind is that most people in receipt of benefits are on low incomes. If possible, find ways to reimburse volunteers on the same day as the money was spent and avoid reimbursement by cheque. If you aren’t sure which approach is most suitable, simply ask the volunteer.

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Volunteering England Information Sheet © Volunteering England 2011

Further information on reimbursing expenses can be found in the Volunteering England Information Sheet Volunteer expenses. A template expenses claim form is available in the Expenses and State Benefits section of the Volunteering England Good Practice Bank.

Benefit specific guidance All the information below assumes that the volunteer is following the general guidance above.

Carer’s Allowance Someone can receive Carer’s Allowance if they do volunteering in the UK and • •

care for a disabled person for at least 35 hours a week; and that person receives the right disability benefit.

If their volunteering takes them abroad for over four weeks, it could affect their Carer’s Allowance.

Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance Volunteering in the UK or abroad for less than six months won’t affect Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, but if someone in receipt of either of these benefits wants to volunteer abroad they must tell the Disability and Carers Service.

Employment and Support Allowance Volunteering doesn’t affect Employment and Support Allowance as long as the person claiming the benefit can still go to a work-focused interview when asked to.

Housing or Council Tax Benefit Volunteering doesn’t affect Housing or Council Tax Benefit as long as the person in receipt of the benefit keeps to the rules of their Jobseeker’s Allowance (see below).

Jobseeker’s Allowance Someone can volunteer and claim Jobseeker’s Allowance as long as they’re

Page 4 of 7

Volunteering England Information Sheet © Volunteering England 2011 • • • •

actively looking for full-time paid work; available for work; able to attend an interview at 48 hours’ notice; and able to start a job at one week’s notice.

National Insurance Credits Someone who receives National Insurance Credits due to them claiming another benefit should carry on receiving them as a volunteer.

Pension Credit Volunteering doesn’t affect Pension Credit unless the person claiming the benefit goes abroad as a volunteer for more than 13 weeks, in which case it could be stopped.

Tax Credits Volunteering hours don’t count towards Working Tax Credit, and volunteering doesn’t affect Child Tax Credit.

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Volunteering England Information Sheet © Volunteering England 2011

Further information www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Gettinginvolvedinyourcomm unity/Volunteering/index.htm Government web page with information and links to further resources. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dwp1023.pdf [PDF] (February 2010) This Jobcentre Plus leaflet Volunteering while getting benefits explains what volunteering is and what the rules are for any volunteers claiming state benefits, or anyone who wants to begin volunteering. www.dwp.gov.uk/about-dwp/customer-delivery/jobcentreplus/stakeholders-and-partnerships/partnerships/business-community Contact details for Jobcentre Plus External Relations Managers can be found on this web page. Their role is to build relationships with partners across all sectors. www.volunteering.org.uk/informationsheets Volunteer Expenses Volunteer Travel Expenses Reimbursing Care Expenses to Volunteers Saying ‘thank you’ to Volunteers National Minimum Wage Act and Volunteers www.volunteeriong.org.uk/goodpractice Includes the Expenses and State Benefits section which includes template letters to Jobcentre Plus offices and a sample expenses claim form. www.volunteering.org.uk/law A readable guide to legal issues on volunteering. Chapter 2 covers ‘Benefits and Tax. This publication is free to download.

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Volunteering England Information Sheet © Volunteering England 2011

Last reviewed: May 2011 Disclaimer We make every effort to ensure that our Information Sheets are correct at the time of publication. They are intended as a brief summary of relevant issues to help you plan or develop your work with volunteers. Legal advice should be sought where appropriate. Volunteering England is unable to accept liability for any loss or damage or inconvenience arising as a consequence of the use of this information.

The inclusion of other organisations in the Information Sheets does not imply any endorsement of independent bodies; all sources of further information are listed solely for signposting purposes.

Copyright Please note that this Information Sheet is subject to copyright, which is owned

by Volunteering England. Further information on Volunteering England’s copyright can be found at: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/aboutsite.htm For more information on managing volunteers, please visit The Good Practice Bank at www.volunteering.org.uk/goodpractice A full list of Volunteering England’s Information Sheets is available at: www.volunteering.org.uk/informationsheets

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Useful contacts for further information Woodcraft Folk central office Phone: 020 7703 4173 Email: info@woodcraft.org.uk Woodcraft Folk Units 9/10 83 Crampton Street London SE17 3BQ

Woodcraft Folk Scotland Phone: 01698 737 580 Email: scotland@woodcraft.org.uk 3rd Floor The Co-operative Distribution Centre 401 Edinburgh Road Newhouse Lanarkshire ML1 5GH

Woodcraft Folk in Wales – Gwerin Y Coed Phone: 0845 458 9560 Email: info@gwerin.org Gwerin y Coed Y Ganolfan Llanfrothen Gwynedd LL48 6LJ

Volunteering Resources

www.youthscotland.org.uk/resource-bank/resource-bank.htm www.volunteeringwesternisles.co.uk/resources/guidefinalversion11.10.06.pdf http://volunteercentrenewcastle.org.uk/documents/volmagnet.pdf www.citizensinformationboard.ie/publications/providers/downloads/Managing_Volunteers_08.pdf www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/organise/good_practice_guides www.volunteercentrelewisham.org.uk/good_practice.php www.sunderland.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=3053&p=0 http://volunteercentrenewcastle.org.uk/documents/volunteers_and_the_law.pdf www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dwp1023.pdf

Organisations www.volunteerscotland.org.uk www.vds.org.uk www.volunteering.org.uk www.wcva.org.uk www.volunteerfriendly.org.uk