A Compact for the Borough of Colchester
trust, understanding and partnership
Code of good practice on Volunteering
The Compact for the Borough of Colchester is an agreement between
the borough’s statutory, voluntary and community sectors. It aims to
develop trust, understanding and partnerships by setting out a shared
vision and principles as well as general undertakings.
This code of good practice sets out specific undertakings about
volunteering for all signatories to the Compact.
The Compact also contains codes of good practice on:

funding

working together

diversity
The importance of volunteers
1.1
Volunteering is as an important expression of citizenship and
essential to democracy. It is the commitment of time and energy
for the benefit of the individual, society and the community, and
can take many forms. It is undertaken freely and by choice,
without concern for financial gain.
1.2
The need to recognise the value of the contribution made by
volunteers and the need to resource the hidden cost of
volunteering are particularly important. Essential to these two
priorities is Good Practice (as outlined below).
Specific undertakings
Effective infrastructure and promotion
To support volunteering and voluntary organisations, all signatories
agree to co-operate to achieve the following:
2.1
To support a strong local voluntary sector infrastructure which
supports voluntary organisations and volunteers.
2.2
To support initiatives to provide accessible information about
volunteering opportunities at local, regional, national and
international level. Including internet technology, while not
excluding those without access to this technology.
2.3
To ensure that voluntary and community activity is worthwhile and
provides opportunities to gain training and experience.
2.4
To support and actively promote ‘employee volunteering’
opportunities where possible and appropriate, particularly in the
public sector. To ensure that voluntary and community activity is
incorporated as a possibility into staff development.
Volunteer management
All signatories agree to strive towards and promote the following good
practice:
2.5
To recognise the importance of high standards and strive for the
effective management of volunteers, and that this responsibility
requires allocation of organisational resources. Those who
recruit, induct and manage volunteers should have this
recognised as part of their job description and receive appropriate
training and support.
2.6
To ensure that as part of the reciprocal relationship volunteers
should be given thanks, offered out of pocket expenses where
possible and appropriate and opportunities for development.
There should also be appropriate training, insurance, supervision
and support.
2.7
A commitment to make it easier to get involved in volunteering
and work towards inclusive policies and practices, breaking down
real and perceived barriers.
2.8
To adopt or implement diversity policies that tackle discrimination
in volunteering. These should cover a wide range of personal
differences.
Applying this code
3.1
Signatories can join the Compact Steering Group to help develop
the agreement. The Steering Group will consult with signatories
about new codes of practice and changes to the agreement. They
will do this by post and at the Community Forum. This forum
meets quarterly and is organised by Colchester Community
Voluntary Services.
3.2
As part of making the Compact work, there will be an annual
meeting for the signatories to review the operation and
development of the Compact, including this Code of Good
Practice.
3.3
For more information about the Compact for the Borough of
Colchester, please contact:
Colchester Borough Council  282104
Colchester Community Voluntary Services  505250
Colchester Volunteer Centre  768930