Volunteer Policy

Storykeepers Community CIC

Last Updated: August 2026

Our Commitment

Storykeepers Community CIC values the contribution volunteers make to our organisation and the communities we serve. Volunteers bring enthusiasm, skills, experience and fresh perspectives that help us deliver meaningful storytelling projects and create lasting positive impact.

We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and rewarding volunteering experience where everyone feels respected, supported and valued.

Purpose

This policy explains how Storykeepers Community CIC recruits, supports and works with volunteers.

It aims to ensure that volunteers understand what they can expect from us and what we expect from them.

Who Can Volunteer?

We welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or any other protected characteristic.

Some volunteer roles may have minimum age requirements or require enhanced safeguarding checks.

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers may support Storykeepers by:

  • Assisting at workshops and community events.

  • Supporting creative activities.

  • Helping at exhibitions and launches.

  • Assisting with administration.

  • Supporting marketing and fundraising activities.

  • Helping with community engagement.

  • Assisting with heritage and oral history projects.

  • Supporting schools, libraries and community partners where appropriate.

Volunteer roles will always be appropriate to the individual's experience and the needs of the organisation.

Recruitment

Where appropriate, volunteers may be asked to:

  • Complete a registration form.

  • Attend an informal interview or meeting.

  • Provide references.

  • Complete safeguarding checks where required.

  • Read and agree to Storykeepers' policies.

Training and Support

Storykeepers Community CIC will provide volunteers with:

  • A clear explanation of their role.

  • Appropriate guidance and support.

  • Information about relevant policies.

  • Opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback.

  • A named contact where appropriate.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.

  • Follow Storykeepers' policies and procedures.

  • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.

  • Behave professionally when representing Storykeepers.

  • Raise any safeguarding or welfare concerns immediately.

  • Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and partner organisations.

Expenses

Where funding allows, Storykeepers Community CIC may reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while volunteering, provided these have been agreed in advance and supported by receipts.

Health and Safety

Storykeepers Community CIC is committed to providing a safe environment for volunteers.

Volunteers are expected to take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others while participating in Storykeepers activities.

Safeguarding

Volunteers must follow the Storykeepers Safeguarding Policy at all times.

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the appropriate safeguarding lead or host organisation.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Storykeepers is committed to ensuring volunteering opportunities are welcoming, inclusive and accessible.

We value the diversity of our volunteers and believe different experiences strengthen our organisation and the communities we serve.

Ending a Volunteer Role

Volunteers may end their involvement with Storykeepers at any time.

Likewise, Storykeepers reserves the right to end a volunteer arrangement where necessary, particularly where behaviour is inconsistent with our values or policies.

Where possible, this will be discussed openly and respectfully.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as the organisation develops.

Our Promise

Storykeepers Community CIC believes that volunteers are partners in our mission to preserve stories and strengthen communities.

We are committed to creating volunteering opportunities that are enjoyable, meaningful and rewarding, ensuring every volunteer feels welcomed, appreciated and empowered to make a positive difference.