Information for Referring Agencies

Introduction
Volunteering is something a person does in their own time, without pay or compulsion, and which is for the benefit of the community, the environment or other people outside their immediate family. Volunteers are involved in a wide range of community activities and services. Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) gain the valuable skills, time, experience and energy of volunteers; volunteers gain a real sense of satisfaction from doing something worthwhile. Volunteer Centres are agencies which provide information and advice to people who want to do voluntary work in the area that the centre serves. Many of the people we see require a degree of support to pursue and sustain voluntary work because of disability, mental health problems, addiction problems, past offences etc. Many individuals self-refer to us, others are referred by workers from a wide range of health, social work, schools and support agencies.  

The Role of Referrers
We appreciate the involvement of referrers. You can help us by considering the following guidelines with the individual before making an appointment at the Volunteer Centre. 

1. If necessary and appropriate, accompany the person to their appointment at VCA.
 
2.  Inform us (with the individual’s consent), or encourage them to inform us, of any particular issues which may influence their choice of voluntary work. It is important that we are aware of work or work settings which may be unsuitable. Referrers are required to satisfy themselves that any placements offered are suitable for the client’s particular needs.  

3. Maintain contact with the individual whilst they get settled in their voluntary work - it can often be more demanding and stressful than they anticipate.  

4. It is important that potential volunteers think carefully about what is involved before making a commitment.
You can help by encouraging them to consider: 

• Why do they want to do voluntary work?
• What skills, qualities, interests and amount of time do they have to offer?
• Are they ready and able to take on a commitment to voluntary work? How is their reliability and time-keeping?
• What are their aims? To what extent can these be met through voluntary work?
• Would they need support regarding their voluntary work, if so, what kind of support? Who would be able to provide it?
• Is there anything which would influence or restrict their choice of voluntary work e.g. their ability to get on with people, ongoing symptoms of illness, criminal record?
• How much personal information would they want to share with an organisation?
• Are there any practical points to consider about where, when and for how long they would volunteer?

Volunteer Involving Organisations
Organisations depend on their volunteers. They need people who will be reliable and able to contribute to the work of their project. VIOs may also be responsible for a vulnerable client group whose interests they must safeguard. They may therefore ask potential volunteers to complete an application form, attend an informal interview and provide character references. It is preferable that references are supplied by someone who has regular contact with the person and can realistically comment on their skills, abilities and limitations. To work with vulnerable people volunteers may be asked to disclose any criminal convictions. To work with children or young people volunteers’ names must be submitted for criminal records screening and they may be asked to complete a detailed medical questionnaire. 

Services for Volunteers
We do our best to meet the needs of volunteers who use our services, these include:  

• Assistance to make contact with VIOs to find a placement e.g. help with making phone calls and appointments
• Attending initial interview between volunteer and VIO  
• Help to prepare the volunteer for their volunteering role if necessary
• Help to resolve difficulties that may crop up during the placement

VCA Referrers Guidelines