Volunteers

> Volunteers > Principles Of Volunteering

There are many important aspects of volunteering. The points below explain the key elements of The Everton Foundation Volunteer Programme.

• Personal Commitment - Volunteers must make a sustained commitment to the volunteer work undertaken. Most volunteers will be set targets and given a volunteer plan. Each plan will be tailored to suit the needs of each volunteer and their circumstances.

• Community benefit - Volunteers will be doing things that result in clear benefits to the local community. There will be opportunities of working within various locations and different areas of the community.

• Voluntary - All volunteers must choose to offer their time of their own accord. Nobody will be forced to volunteer for any activity. Volunteers must want to be involved in order to be placed within the scheme.

• Inclusiveness - Anyone can participate in the volunteering programme. No matter what their backgrounds, or levels of ability or experience. Employed, unemployed, people in full or part-time education, young people, old people and people with disabilities can join us. There are no barriers as to who can volunteer their time.

• Ownership - Volunteers must have ownership of the work that they are participating in. We hold regular meetings and all views will be taken into account.

• Variety - The Everton Foundation Volunteer Programme offers a wide choice of opportunities. These range from coaching in schools, soccer camps, girls/ladies, disability sections or general office administration positions. There are many, many more opportunities for volunteers to offer their skills to.

• Partnership - Organisations involved with The Everton Foundation host a range of opportunity for coaching in the community. This can influence the shape and range of opportunities on offer. Our aim is not to replace existing partnerships of sessions undertaken, but to work with and expand the good work done in the community.

• Quality - Good quality volunteering is what we are looking for and with that good quality opportunities must be on offer. In order to ensure this, a combination of self-assessment, reviews, mentoring, supervision, personal development and evaluations take place. Volunteers are an essential part of the quality assurance process, with opportunities for review, reflection & learning.

• Reward & Recognition - Our volunteer programme recognises the achievements of all volunteers and helps them get the most out of their time spent volunteering. We continuously encourage all to stay involved and stay committed. The awards for excellence are a realistic target and once reached will bring benefits as defined in the rewards package. Also there is the opportunity of future employment within Everton or any other organisation whereby the work done with us may stand them in good stead.