Our guidelines

You're at the heart of Sue Ryder

You support all aspects of our work from running our retail outlets to supporting our IT and HR functions.

Engaging with your community

Volunteering enables us to engage with local communities on an individual level, with companies through corporate social responsibility and with other partner agencies.

Sue Ryder works with programmes for those currently serving and ex-offenders. We're both vigilant and thorough in our risk assessment processes and work within the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and Equal Opportunities Act.

All our volunteers support the delivery of our health and social care services. You are advocates for our work.

What you can expect from Sue Ryder

Our staff are trained to work and support volunteers.

We will...

• provide appropriate training and support to assist you with your roles and your understanding of the aims of the charity
• match your skills and experience with the needs of the charity
• ask for your views whenever we can so you can let us know if you have any ideas for improvement or change
• respect you, listen to you and encourage an open dialogue
• resolve any complaints promptly and fairly
• have adequate insurance to cover you as you undertake authorised work for the charity
• ensure your health and safety are maintained whilst undertaking volunteer activities
• celebrate your successes and recognise loyalty and dedication
• reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for travel to and from your voluntary activity location
• store all data in accordance with the Data Protection Act
• operate within the spirit of Equal Opportunities Legislation and our values

Our expectations of you as a volunteer

We expect you to:

• support the work of your fellow volunteers and staff*
• support our values and show respect for your colleagues
• respect the confidentiality of people in our care and those you volunteer alongside
• work within the law, insurance requirements, the charity’s health and safety policies and the parameters of your role
• take responsibility for your own health and safety and be aware of how your actions could impact those who work with you
• maintain and uphold the good name and reputation of the charity and be a good ambassador when conveying our aims to the public
• serve as a representative of Sue Ryder**
• bring to the attention of your manager or volunteer coordinator any complaints or concerns you might have regarding your voluntary work
• understand that the ultimate responsibility for the affairs of the charity lie with the Trustees who are the governing body
• return all property belonging to the charity should you cease to be a volunteer

*This includes carrying out requested tasks and attending training sessions necessary to your role. An induction plan will be discussed with you.

** Only with the written consent of your line manager, who must approve any initiative which may commit the charity to a public course of action. Any statement to the press or media must be approved by your line manager.