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MODULE ONE
What is a volunteer?
Training Manual for NSW Health Services
EnableNSW
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Establishing an Amputee Peer Support Visiting Service - Training Manual for NSW Health Services
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Outline of module
Objectives
By the end of the module participants will have demonstrated an understanding of the role of
volunteers within the community and an appreciation of the value of volunteer work to society by:
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identifying volunteer work, with reference to the Volunteering NSW guidelines
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identifying the benefits of volunteering to the volunteer, the organisation and
the community
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identifying the rights and responsibilities of volunteers.
Time
15 minutes
Resources
Data projector, whiteboard, pens, PowerPoint presentation, handouts
Program
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Definition of volunteering
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Rights and responsibilities
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The power of volunteering
Handouts
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Definition of volunteering
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Rights and responsibilities
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Confidentiality Agreement and Visitor Code of Conduct
Welcome everyone to the session.
Indicate the location of the amenities and other housekeeping issues.
Introduce self and role and other presenters, and the purpose of the program.
Ice breaker
See activities section
Module 1 - What is a volunteer?
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Definition of volunteering
Volunteering NSW defines volunteering as:
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work by free choice
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work for no salary or wage
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work in the not-for-profit sector only
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work that benefits others
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work that is non-violent in objective.
Volunteer work must be based on free choice
This is the basic condition of volunteering. Some carers and people performing housework are not
always choosing freely, and this is therefore described as unpaid work.
Work experience should not be confused with volunteering. Work experience is arranged by
educational institutions and the student must obtain specific outcomes as a condition of completing
a course of study. However, volunteering can offer experience of work, increased skills and
confidence for the volunteer.
Those people who are required to do community service or community work in order to meet social
security, educational, employment or rehabilitation demands are not volunteering as the condition of
free choice is not being met.
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Volunteers are not paid
This includes salaries and wages, any regular allowances such as ‘fees’ or ‘contract’ payments.
These payments change volunteers’ status in relation to taxation and insurance requirements.
However, volunteers may be given reimbursements of expenses and travel, as well as refreshments
and/ or lunch allowances, as appropriate.
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Volunteers work only for not-for-profit organisations
and services
This includes organisations such as public hospitals and schools, charities, cultural organisations,
activist and self help groups. The private sector, e.g. banks, shops, restaurants, manufacturers etc.
are set up to make profits and must pay all their workers otherwise it is exploitation of labour.
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Establishing an Amputee Peer Support Visiting Service - Training Manual for NSW Health Services
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Volunteers work benefits the community
In some way, small or large, directly or indirectly the outcome of any work in the not-for-profit sector
has an altruistic quality of benefiting the community. Both the volunteer and the organisation have
responsibilities to each other. The volunteer contracts to perform a specific job and the organsiation
contracts to provide the volunteer with a worthwhile and rewarding experience. In return, each has
the right to some basic expectations for the other.
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Rights and responsibilities
We have looked at the definition of volunteering, the benefits and motivators. Now let’s look at some
of the rights and responsibilities of volunteer workers.
Volunteer rights
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Protection (insurance, safe work conditions)
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Decide when and how long to be available
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Supervision and instruction
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A real piece of work or task
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Know what the job is before starting
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Have the right tools/training for the job
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Negotiate the job, times and days.
Volunteer responsibilities
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Be conscientious
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Be punctual
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Be responsible for what they agreed to
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Let the Co-ordinator know if they are unable to work
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Maintain confidentiality.
The Health Service also has a number of rights and responsibilities to:
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Protect its service provision and reputation
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Maintain efficiency.
Module 1 - What is a volunteer?
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Handout:
Rights and Responsibilities
Handout:
Confidentiality Agreement and Visitor Code of Conduct
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Activities
Ice breaker:
In pairs, introduce yourself to your partner and say what has prompted you to think of
becoming an amputee peer support visitor. You will introduce you partner to the group
afterwards. You have four minutes for this exercise.
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Appendix A: Handouts and exercise sheets
Establishing an Amputee Peer Support Visiting Service - Training Manual for NSW Health Services
Definition of volunteering
Volunteer work must be based on free choice
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It is not unpaid work, such as being placed in the role of a carer and doing housework or
caring for a sick person.
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It is not work experience undertaken by student to complete a course.
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It is not community service to meet obligations.
Volunteers are not paid
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No salaries or wages or fees/contract payments.
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There is reimbursement for expenses and travel and refreshment/lunch as appropriate
Volunteers work only for not-for-profit organisations
Volunteer work benefits the community
Module 1 - What is a volunteer?
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Rights and responsibilities of volunteers
and organisations
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Volunteers have the right to:
Organisations have the right to:
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Expect volunteers to undertake training
provided for them and observe safety rules
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Expect volunteers to adhere to their job
description and the organisation’s code of
practice
Have a job description and comply with
OH&S and legislative requirements of the
workplace
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Be asked for their permission before any job
related, police or other related checks
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A task or job worthwhile to them
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Expect loyalty to the organisation
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Appropriate orientation and training for the
job
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Receive quality effort and service from a
volunteer
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Be kept informed of changes
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Negotiate visits
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Personal accident insurance against worker
compensation insurance
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Provide feedback about volunteer efforts
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A verbal reference or statement of service, if
appropriate
Release volunteers under certain
circumstances
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Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
Expect clear and open communication from
the volunteer
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Make the decision regarding the best
placement of the volunteer
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Select the best volunteer for the job by
interviewing and screening all applicants.
This can include reference and police
checks, and where appropriate, a prohibited
employment declaration for roles which
involve working directly with children.
Establishing an Amputee Peer Support Visiting Service - Training Manual for NSW Health Services
Confidentiality agreement
VISITOR CODE OF CONDUCT
(INCLUDING PRIVACY AND CONFIDENITALITY ISSUES)
As a volunteer within the NSW Health system, information provided to you by a new amputee should not be
disclosed unless it is with the expressed consent of the person to whom the information relates. Information privacy
is protected by law and as a volunteer you are bound to keep confidential any information you acquire in the course
of your visits.
a) Patients should be treated with respect and dignity in a culturally appropriate manner.
b) Patients should be informed in advance of all visits and have given prior approval.
c) Patients should be free to discontinue visits.
d) All communication with patients should take into account their age, health status and cultural background.
e) Patients’ rights and confidentiality should be maintained at all times.
f) When unsure about an issue or the best action to be taken Peer Support Visitors should consult with the
Amputee Peer Support Program Co-ordinator.
g) Peer support visitors are bound by the policies and procedures of the health service they are visiting.
Health S ervices have a duty of care to all patients/clients receiving services. For this reason volunteers will need
to undergo probity screening when undertaking a visitor role in the NSW public health system. Probity checks are
conducted for the following convictions:
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sexual offences
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serious offences involving a threat or injury to another person
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other serious offences but only where directly relevant to the duties of the position.
If the Health Service chooses not to utilise a Peer Support Visitor because of a criminal conviction the person
should be informed of the reason for the decision. All records relating to criminal record checks associated with the
above will be treated with the strictest confidence and respect for the privacy of the individual.
It is the responsibility of all Peer Support Visitors to act in accordance with the occupational health and safety
legislation and policies of the respective health service. Please sign below to confirm your understanding and
acceptance of the responsibilities of this role in relation to privacy and confidentiality.
I have read and agree to abide by the Confidentiality Agreement and Peer Visitor Code of Conduct:
Name of Peer Support Visitor:
Signature: Date:
Module 1 - What is a volunteer?
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