Testing new standards for induction of volunteers in health and social care

Inconsistency in induction practices make it more
difficult for a volunteer to transfer from volunteering in one
organisation to another.  This is particularly true for an
organisation such as the NHS where recruitment and induction
processes can be quite lengthy. If a young person, for example,
volunteers in one area then moves to study elsewhere and wants to
get involved in volunteering in their new, temporary home area,
they are generally required to start the process afresh, no matter
how much prior experience  they have acquired. Moreover if
they only want to volunteer for the short duration of their course
it may  unnecessary and burdensome to spend time repeating
introductory training that they have previously covered
elsewhere.

The standards will also be useful as a benchmark, or checklist
of topics to cover in induction.  They allow for the
development of  a volunteer ‘passport’ in one form or another,
which recognises the relevant training and experience gained by a
volunteer.

So far the standards have been extensively tested in England and
within the NHS.   We are keen to contribute some feedback
from Wales. NHS volunteer managers in Wales have already seen and
have been encouraged to review them. We are keen to find
individuals  also who workoutsideof NHS settings, in order to
see how the standards compare with needs and practices in community
settings too.

If you are willing to take part, please contact Fiona Liddell fliddell@wcva.org, who can send
you a copy of the standards and a template for your response. 
The deadline for responses is Friday 21 June 2019.

Helpforce in Wales is working with strategic partners to 
further realise the potential of volunteering in health and social
care, in line with our longterm plan for health and social care
A Healthier Wales.