Induction and Training

Overview

• Induction and Training For Volunteers
• Accreditation of Volunteering - VE Information Sheet
• Training and Accrediation for Volunteer Managers - VE Information Sheet

Articles

• 'Dr Stuart's Casebook': Volunteers Who Don't Want Training - Volunteering magazine
• 'Dr Stuart's Casebook': Making Induction Less Boring - Volunteering magazine
• What To Include In A Volunteer Handbook - Volunteering magazine
• Prior Knowledge - Scouting magazine online
• National Minimum Wage Act and volunteers - VE Information Sheet

Examples, Samples and Templates

Examples from real organisations

• Example Volunteer Induction Checklist - Ranger Service of North Lincolnshire Council (PDF)

• Example Volunteer Induction checklist - CSV North Nottinghamshire Mental Health Volunteering Project (PDF)

  Please note that Volunteering England has not produced the 'real life example' documents listed directly above and is therefore unable to take responsibility for the content. Volunteering England and the organisations that contribute example documents to the Good Practice Bank can accept no responsibility for how they are used. They are presented as examples of good practice, but it is every volunteer-involving organisation's responsibility to ensure that their volunteers are safe, and that policies and procedures meet current legal requirements.

Links

(Please also read the two Information Sheets listed above under 'overview' for numerous website links to help with accessing training and accreditation opportunities.)

Train to Gain
The Train to Gain scheme helps people to undertake free training through their workplace and is run by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The scheme was opened to volunteers in November 2007, after originally being focused on employees and their employers. An employer/volunteer-involving organisation can meet with a skills broker to assess the needs of their employees and volunteers, and then arrange a tailored training package and identify funding.

• For further information about Train to Gain:
  Tel: 0800 015 55 45 to make an appointment with a Skills Broker
  Tel: 0870 900 6800 to find out more from the LSC
  Email: info@lsc.gov.uk
  Train to Gain Website: http://www.traintogain.gov.uk/
  Train to Gain guide for the third sector

Learn Direct
Offers information on all sorts training providers and courses full time, part time, short and distance learning.

• Visit http://www.learndirect.co.uk/
• Telephone 0800 100 900.

The Workforce Hub
The Hub helps voluntary and community organisations make the best of their paid staff, volunteers and trustees through workforce development and training.

• http://www.ukworkforcehub.org.uk/

Trainers and Consultants Direct
A service for voluntary and community organisations, listing trainers, consultants, temporary/project managers and non-managerial supervisors.

• http://www.trainersandconsultantsdirect.org.uk/

Excellence in Volunteer Management (EVM) Programme
EVM is designed around the needs of people who manage or coordinate volunteers and will enable you to gain an accredited qualification in volunteer management. The programme features elearning opportunities, peer support and training courses.

• Visit the Excellence in Volunteer Management website

Share your experiences!

The Good Practice Bank is growing steadily as more information is added to it. An important feature of the Bank is allowing users to share their documents with other volunteering organisations. We are particularly interested in receiving example policies or documents that you are happy to share with others. If we use your contribution, you could win a book on volunteering from our regular prize draw.

• If your organisation has an example to contribute, please use our simple form to submit it.
• Or, please send us an email or telephone 0800 028 3304 (Monday-Friday, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm)
• We welcome calls through Typetalk/TextDirect. Please dial 18001 followed by 0800 028 3304 (opening hours as above).