| Volunteers | Workers approved by the College to assist with the College program without remuneration or other financial gain. Such volunteers may be members of the College community and/or wider community, subject to the conditions detailed within this policy.Workers approved by the College to assist with the College program without remuneration or other financial gain. Such volunteers may be members of the College community and/or wider community, subject to the conditions detailed within this policy. |
| Remuneration | Refers to payment for goods or services, or reward for employment in the form of pay, salary or wages. It does not include reimbursement of expenses (where appropriate prior approval has been obtained); the giving of moderate gifts of appreciation; or the provision of transport, accommodation and food. It also does not include the payment of an approved honorarium in certain instances. |
Volunteering is a practical expression of the Biblical value of serving others and an important expression of partnership within the life of MST. Volunteers serve staff and students practically, and volunteering creates opportunities for adults to model the values of God’s kingdom.
There are many areas within the College where voluntary assistance richly enhances the College and enables the College to provide a quality service. Such assistance is highly valued and appreciated.
The exhortation in Colossians 3:23-24 applies equally to volunteers as for remunerated members of staff: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
The aim of the Policy is to outline the standards of behaviour expected of all volunteers at MST.
This Policy does not attempt to provide a detailed and exhaustive list of what to do in every aspect of a volunteer’s role. Instead, it sets out general expectations of the standards of behaviour required.
The Policy places an obligation on all volunteers to take responsibility for their own conduct and to work with colleagues cooperatively to achieve a consultative and collaborative College that people are happy and proud to be part of.
Guidelines
While not receiving remuneration for services rendered, volunteers shall be regarded by the College as workers and a primary duty of care is therefore owed to them in the same way as for paid staff members. Such duty of care is reflected in government legislation (for example, in relation to occupational health and safety and equal opportunity and discrimination) and in various College policies.
Volunteers shall have a right to:
- Receive respect, cooperation and support from fellow workers;
- Receive recognition and feedback from supervising staff members;
- Be assigned suitable projects, tasks or jobs;
- Decline to perform tasks that they feel unable to do or would rather not do; and
- Be provided with sufficient information and instruction to perform their duties adequately and safely.
Volunteers are expected to uphold the same standards of conduct as paid staff members. Volunteers are expected to:
- Perform their duties to the best of their ability and be accountable for their performance;
- Follow reasonable instructions given by staff;
- Comply with lawful directions;
- Be courteous and responsive in dealing with staff, students and members of the public (if applicable);
- Work collaboratively with staff and colleagues;
- Ensure that their conduct is consistent with the ethos of the College and does not damage the reputation of the College;
- Comply with all College policies, procedures and rules as distributed and/or explained to them; and
- Undertake any training, orientation or induction as required by the College.
The College, through the Human Resources Manager or his / her delegates, reserves the right to refuse a volunteer or to cease using the services of a volunteer. Such action may apply if at any time a volunteer’s actions or presence is deemed to interfere, or to be likely to interfere, with the positive and productive functioning of any aspect of the College.
Badge
Volunteers are required to sign in upon arrival and departure from MST. The sign in sheet is located at Reception, where a member of the Administration team will issue volunteers with a visitor lanyard. Visitors must wear the visitor lanyard at all times whilst on College grounds.
Confidential Information
Volunteers shall be restricted from access to confidential student and employee information except where unavoidable to comply with legislation or College policies and procedures (for example, where access to student medical details while on camp is necessary). Volunteers shall be responsible for maintaining confidentiality regarding information seen or heard while working as a volunteer.
Volunteers must not disclose or use any confidential information without the express permission of the Executive Principal.
Duty of Care and Work Health and Safety
Volunteers are required to cooperate with the College’s efforts to comply with its legal and ethical duties in relation to providing a healthy and safe workplace and learning environment. They are encouraged to take care to prevent injuries to themselves and others, to report work-related illness or injury; to report situations they believe may constitute a risk or danger; and to share information and ideas about risks and how to control them.
Volunteers need to wear clothing that meets workplace health and safety requirements. Each volunteer is expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanour appropriate to his or her assignment. Clothing should be comfortable and modest.
Volunteers have a responsibility under OH&S legislation to take care of their own health and safety whilst in a volunteer role. Considerations of safety relate to both physical and psychological wellbeing of individuals.
Volunteers must follow staff instructions during evacuations and lockdown procedures.
Personal Property
MST cannot be responsible for personal property. Volunteers are advised to please make sure all personal property is in a safe and secure location while volunteering.
Drugs / Alcohol / Weapons
MST is a drug-free, alcohol-free and weapons-free facility. Please do not bring these items on site. Smoking is not allowed on the College grounds.
Media
Volunteer will not represent themselves as an employee or agent of MST. The Executive Principal is designated as MST’s main media contact and spokesperson as documented in the College’s Media Policy.
Respect for People
Volunteers who work with students have a special responsibility in presenting themselves as appropriate role models for students.
Similarly, it is important for volunteers to treat colleagues, all staff, contractors, students and parents with respect. Rude or insulting behaviour, including verbal and non-verbal aggression, abusive, threatening, intimidating or derogatory language and physical abuse or intimidation towards staff, contractors, students and parents is unacceptable. Volunteers must not use information and communication technologies, such as email, mobile phones, text, social media sites and other websites to engage in this type of behaviour.
Volunteers must not discriminate against, harass for any unlawful reason, or bully for any reason any staff member, contractor, student or parent. Unlawful harassment or discrimination may constitute an offence under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Bullying may be a breach of obligations under duty of care at common law.
Required Reporting
All volunteers are required to inform the Human Resources Manager, if they are charged with or convicted of a serious offence. Volunteers must also report if they become the subject of an Apprehended Violence Order.
Breaches of this Policy
Actions that may be taken by the College in respect of a breach of the Policy include disciplinary actions ranging from a warning to termination of the volunteer role. The College will reserve the right to determine in its entirety the response to any breach of this Policy.
Responsibilities
The Human Resources Manager, has overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
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