FAQ For Educators

Ensuring the safety and well-being of young volunteers is paramount. Here are the key safeguarding measures in place:

Preventing Exploitation:

• Implement strict measures to protect young volunteers from any form of exploitation.
• Collaborate closely with organizations to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

Healthy Relationships:

• Establish a clear code of conduct for all volunteers and staff.
• Inform young volunteers about who they can approach if they have any concerns.
• Ensure that young volunteers are never left alone with adults unless the adults are members of staff who have been DBS approved, for the safety of our young people.

Emotional Support:

• Consider the emotional impact of volunteer activities and provide necessary support.
• Acknowledge and accommodate pressures young volunteers may face, such as exam stress or family responsibilities.

Health and Safety:

• Provide comprehensive health and safety training to all young volunteers.
• Ensure that volunteer activities are conducted in a safe environment with appropriate supervision.
• Implement safety protocols, including emergency procedures and first aid support.

Screening and Training:

• Conduct thorough background checks on all staff and volunteers working with young people.
• Provide training to ensure all participants understand safeguarding policies and procedures.

Supervision and Monitoring:

• Ensure adequate supervision during all volunteering activities.
• Regularly monitor and review activities to maintain a safe environment.

Communication:

• Maintain open lines of communication between volunteers, parents, guardians, and staff.
• Provide clear information about safeguarding policies and how to report any concerns.

By implementing these safeguarding measures, organizations strive to create a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for young people to enjoy their volunteering experiences.

Volunteering is designed to complement, not conflict with, a young person's education and school commitments. Here’s how we ensure that volunteering has a positive impact without interfering with school time:

Flexible Scheduling:

• Volunteering placements are designed to be flexible. The required minimum of 15 hours can be spread out over a period that suits the young volunteer's schedule.
• Hours can be arranged around school commitments, ensuring that volunteering activities do not clash with classes, homework, or exams.

Enhanced Learning:

• Volunteering provides practical, real-world experiences that can enhance a young person's education.
• It offers opportunities to develop new skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, which can be beneficial in academic settings.

Supportive Environment:

• Organisations understand the pressures young people face and are committed to supporting them. If a volunteer has exams or significant school responsibilities, adjustments can be made to their volunteering schedule.
• Emotional support is available to help volunteers balance their commitments effectively.

Educational Value:

• Volunteering can reinforce academic concepts through practical application, providing a deeper understanding of subjects studied in school.
• It also helps build a well-rounded resume, which can be advantageous for college applications and future career opportunities.

By ensuring flexibility and providing support, volunteering is structured to be a valuable addition to a young person's educational journey, enhancing their learning without disrupting their school time.

Yes, volunteering can fit into programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Welsh Baccalaureate. Here’s how:

Duke of Edinburgh Award:

• Volunteering Section: The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award includes a volunteering section where participants commit to helping others. The minimum time requirement of 15 hours for our volunteering placements fits well within the DofE requirements for the bronze, silver, and gold levels.
• Skill Development: Volunteering activities can help young people develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, which are valuable for the DofE Award.

Welsh Baccalaureate (Welsh Bacc):

• Community Challenge: The Welsh Baccalaureate includes a Community Challenge, which requires students to engage in activities that benefit their community. Our volunteering opportunities can fulfil this requirement by providing meaningful community service.
• Individual Project: Volunteering experiences can also provide inspiration and material for the Individual Project component of the Welsh Bacc, allowing students to reflect on their experiences and the impact they’ve had.

By participating in our volunteering placements, young people can not only contribute positively to their community but also fulfil key requirements for these prestigious programs, gaining recognition and enhancing their personal development.

Yes, home-educated young people can participate in our volunteering opportunities. Here’s how we ensure inclusivity and support for home-educated participants:

Flexible Scheduling:

• Home-educated young people often have more flexible schedules, allowing them to fit volunteering hours in at times that work best for them.
• We can work with you to arrange a volunteering schedule that suits your educational routine and other commitments.

Educational Value:

• Volunteering offers practical, real-world experiences that can complement home education curricula.
• It provides opportunities to develop valuable skills and gain experiences that can enhance a home-educated student’s learning journey.

Social Interaction:

• Volunteering allows home-educated young people to engage with peers and other community members, providing valuable social interaction and teamwork opportunities.

Recognition and Programs:

• Just like their school-attending peers, home-educated young people can use their volunteering experiences to fulfil requirements for programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Welsh Baccalaureate.

By offering flexible and inclusive volunteering opportunities, we ensure that home-educated young people can participate fully and benefit from the rich experiences volunteering provides.