Before you enrol on this course
The quickest way to enrol is online at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk, simply create an account and select 'Enrol now'. Alternatively, if you have any questions, please call our friendly customer service team on 01752 660713.

Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements, this course is for complete beginners. People with a limited amount of knowledge on the subject may join this course to refresh their knowledge.

Who is this course for?
Anyone that wants to be a volunteer or already a volunteer.

Course Aims
1. Understanding Volunteering: Define volunteering and articulate its significance in contributing to community welfare and personal development. Identify various forms of volunteering, including traditional, virtual, and skilled volunteering. 2. Motivations and Benefits of Volunteering: Identify and explain the motivations behind volunteering, such as personal fulfilment, skill development, social connections, and career advancement. Discuss the benefits of volunteering for individuals, communities, and society, including improved well-being, strengthened social cohesion, and enhanced organisational capacity. 3. Types of Volunteering: Describe different types of volunteering opportunities, such as event-based volunteering, ongoing service commitments, pro bono work, and virtual volunteering. Understand the unique characteristics and requirements of each type of volunteering. 4. Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct: Develop an awareness of volunteer agreements and codes of conduct, including expectations, responsibilities, and ethical guidelines for volunteers. Explain the importance of adhering to volunteer agreements and maintaining professionalism while volunteering. 5. Boundaries in Volunteering: List and describe boundaries that volunteers should be aware of, including personal boundaries, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and professional boundaries in relationships with clients or beneficiaries. 6. Safeguarding Awareness: Understand the concept of safeguarding and its importance in protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, or exploitation within volunteer settings. Identify signs of abuse or neglect and know how to respond appropriately, including reporting procedures and seeking support for affected individuals.

Course Aims
7. Equality and Diversity: Explore principles of equality and diversity in volunteering, including understanding and respecting differences in age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic background. Recognise the importance of promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and non-discrimination in volunteer programs and activities. 8. Health and Safety in Volunteering: Apply health and safety principles to volunteer roles, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and emergency procedures. Understand relevant health and safety regulations and guidelines applicable to specific volunteer activities and environments. Badge Issuance: To earn the Introduction to Volunteering badge, participants must demonstrate understanding and competence in each of the criteria outlined above. Completion will involve attending a workshop and completing tasks to demonstrate understanding.

How will the course be delivered?
This is a mainly theory course with some practical aspects.

Will I need to study or practise outside the classroom?
It is always useful to practise your skills between sessions. But there is no formal requirement to do so.

How will I know I'm making progress?
At the beginning of the session, your tutor will share with you the objectives of the day, which will give you an opportunity to think about your individual aims for the session. At the end of the session, you will have time to share your experience and reflect on what you learned.

What will I need for the course?
Please bring a pen and notepad.

Progression
E-learning qualifications. Learning Advisors will be happy to provide you with information of what progression is available. Visit our website at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk or contact us on 01752 660713 to make an appointment.

Career opportunities
Volunteering, Community Work, Paid employment

Please note:
Most courses attract a subsidy from the Education and Skills Funding Agency and can be used to match funding for ESF. It is a requirement of the ESFA that you complete various forms at different stages of your course, further information is available on request. Courses are subject to a minimum number of enrolments and could be cancelled if recruitment is low. In some cases, an alternative class at a different location may be offered. Room numbers are subject to change - please check when you arrive at the venue.