What are Volunteers?

How do Volunteers help?

What kind of activities will Volunteers undertake?

How does it work in Avon & Somerset Constabulary?

Are Volunteers the same as Special Constables?

How are Volunteer roles identified and agreed?

Who can volunteer?

Do Volunteers receive any training?

Are Volunteers bound by a Code of Conduct?

How are Volunteers supervised and supported?

Do Volunteers wear a uniform?

How does the Volunteer benefit?

Can I choose when I volunteer?

Can I claim expenses?

How do I apply?

What are Volunteers?

The Home Office states that a volunteer is someone ‘who commits time and energy for the benefit of society, the community, environment and/or individuals, undertaking this freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain’.

A police Volunteer is someone who, through personal choice, commits time and energy to perform a task at the direction and on behalf of the organisation. They agree to do this without expectation of compensation or financial reward, except for the payment of pre-determined out of pocket expenses. There is no obligation on either side therefore, when an individual agrees to take on the role of volunteer, no contract of employment is created.

Volunteers will be required to sign a Volunteer Agreement setting out the basis of the partnership. Either partner may cancel the partnership at any time signifying the termination of the Volunteer’s role.

All Volunteers are required to sign forms agreeing to the principles of Data Protection and the Official Secrets Act.

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How do Volunteers help?

Volunteer roles are in the workplace - designed to enhance the work of the police and provide additional support to local communities throughout the force area. They assist police officers and staff who are the able to concentrate on core policing duties – which means more officers on the streets and improved community support.

The advantages of increasing the establishment of staff though Volunteers should be viewed positively as helping to reduce the work demand of existing employees. The idea is in accord with government intention with the predicted benefit of improving police/public relations. The experience of other forces, nationally and internationally (Canada, Netherlands, USA, etc) is that volunteer schemes fulfil the aims of the police service in a positive way.

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What kind of activities will Volunteers undertake?

Volunteering opportunities within the workplace will vary from one station to another according to identified needs within the police service and local communities. We are looking for people who would like to get involved in a range of activities.

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How does it work in Avon & Somerset Constabulary?

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has adopted and actively applies a policy of Equal Opportunity and our aim is to ensure that we treat our staff and Volunteers fairly.

Volunteers will be used in the workplace on a supernumerary basis and Avon & Somerset Constabulary will not introduce Volunteers to replace employees. The underlying principle of the partnership is that volunteers complement and support employee roles and will not be used to reduce overall staff numbers. It provides a unique opportunity for individuals to use their skills, experience and local knowledge to make a positive contribution in their community by supporting the work of Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Avon & Somerset Constabulary has a duty of care for all its Volunteers and will provide a safe working environment. The division, department or unit in which that role is initially identified will provide an up-to-date risk assessment where relevant.

Volunteers will be given resources to carry out their role effectively and Avon & Somerset Constabulary will ensure, through induction and training, that Volunteers are properly integrated into the organisation. Employees at all levels are expected to work positively with Volunteers.

Further information about the scheme can be obtained by using the email feedback option at this web site, telephoning the Volunteers In Policing Co-ordinator on 01275 816 950 or by writing to:

Volunteers In Policing Co-ordinator,

Avon and Somerset Constabulary Headquarters

PO Box 37, Valley Road

Portishead, BS20 8QJ

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Are Volunteers the same as Special Constables?

No - Volunteers are not part of the Special Constabulary. They have no police powers and do not have a uniform.

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How are Volunteer roles identified and agreed?

Any member of Avon & Somerset Constabulary can identify a possible Volunteer role within the workplace. The proposed task, role and responsibilities are defined using the Volunteer Request Form which is assessed by the appropriate line manager and HR department. If approval is given for the role to be developed for a Volunteer, full details will be forwarded to the Volunteer Co-ordinator and head of department or division for final agreement.

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Who can volunteer?

Applicants must be over 16 and a police check will be carried out on all applicants to prove a level of assurance as to their trustworthiness and integrity. Applicants will be subjected to the same criteria as all members of Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Further checks may be required depending on the volunteer role being undertaken. There is no right of appeal against the Constabulary’s decision to refuse an application but, in most circumstances, an explanation would be given for any refusal.

Applicants will not be accepted as Volunteers where there is a conflict of interest in their professional life or another volunteering role. As part of their application, therefore, they are required to disclose the nature of their employment or details of other voluntary work undertaken.

Occupations that are considered incompatible are:

• Members of police authorities
• Magistrates, clerks to justices and clerks to court
• Probation officers
• Bailiffs, warrant officers
• Holders of liquor licences and managers of licensed houses
• Licensees of betting/gaming premises
• Private detectives and inquiry agents
• Security officers, guards and door people
• Members of employer’s police force and private constabularies
• Civilian detention officers (employed by police authorities)
• Custody officers and custody escort officers
• Traffic wardens
• Neighbourhood wardens
• Members of full-time fire service
• Members of the armed forces

Subject to the actual role of the applicant, the following occupations may be incompatible and applications shall be carefully considered before appointment:

• Members of medical and health professions
• Occupations with client privilege
• Youth workers and social workers
• Employees of security organisations

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Do Volunteers receive any training?

On joining, Volunteers are required to attend an induction course that provides them with essential information about volunteering with Avon & Somerset Constabulary. Any training that is needed for the Volunteer to carry out his/her role successfully will be provided free of charge.

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Are Volunteers bound by a Code of Conduct?

The standard of conduct within Avon and Somerset remains the same irrespective of rank or status and Volunteers will be expected to maintain the values of the organisation. Volunteers cannot be subject to disciplinary procedures but they can be offered training, advised or their agreement terminated if the situation warrants such action. Any criminal matter will be treated in the same way as any other member of the public. Volunteers should refrain from activities that are likely to compromise their position within the Constabulary. No right of appeal exists against the Constabulary’s decision but, in normal circumstances, an explanation would be given and discussed.

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How are Volunteers supervised and supported?

Volunteers will naturally fall under the supervision of line managers within the department or district. Volunteers should be treated the same as employees and all support mechanisms will be available to Volunteers.

A personnel file will exist for each Volunteer and the appropriate supervisor will make periodic assessments to recognise good work or development needs.

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Do Volunteers wear a uniform?

No, Volunteers are asked to dress in a way that is appropriate to their role and to respect the Avon & Somerset Constabulary dress code. They will also wear an Avon & Somerset Constabulary identity badge.

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How does the Volunteer benefit?

Volunteering for Avon & Somerset Constabulary provides the Volunteer with an opportunity to work alongside police officers and staff, gaining valuable skills and experience within a professional and public organisation. It offers the opportunity to meet new people and work as part of a team, engage and interact with people from different communities and backgrounds whilst making a positive contribution to the local community.

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Can I choose when I volunteer?

Yes, you can volunteer as many hours as you like during the day, evening or at weekends – at times that best suit your own personal and work commitments.

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Can I claim expenses?

Volunteers are not paid. However, out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel costs and car parking charges, can be claimed.

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How do I apply?

If you are interested in volunteering with A&SC you will need to download an application form from the Internet site for opportunities that exist in your area. You must give the names of two referees who are prepared to vouch for your character and suitability. All Volunteers are required to have a police check prior to acceptance into the scheme. You will then be invited to attend an informal interview and, if successful, you will be offered a suitable volunteer opportunity.

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