Volunteer Policy

VOLUNTEER POLICY

Rutland Street Church

Document Owner Elders of Rutland Street Church
Applies To All volunteers serving at Rutland Street Church
Adopted By [Names of elders]
Date Adopted [DD Month YYYY]
Review Date [DD Month YYYY — annually]
Legal Basis Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Volunteers Employment Protection Act 1973

1. Our Volunteers

Volunteers are not helpers on the margins of ministry — they are the church doing what the church does. Every person who sets up chairs, leads a small group, makes food, or cares for children is serving God and serving people. This policy exists to make sure that service is safe, supported, and sustainable.

2. Who Is a Volunteer?

A volunteer is anyone who freely gives their time and skills to support the life and mission of Rutland Street Church without payment. This policy applies to all volunteers in any regular serving role.

Volunteers are not employees

This policy does not create an employment relationship. Volunteers are not entitled to wages, holiday pay, or other employment entitlements. If there is ever any uncertainty about whether an arrangement is employment or volunteering, seek advice before you proceed.

3. Bringing Volunteers On

Before someone begins a regular volunteer role, we ask them to:

  1. Have a conversation with the relevant team leader or elder about the role
  2. Complete a volunteer application or expression of interest form
  3. Undergo police vetting if the role involves working with children — this is mandatory under the Children's Act 2014
  4. Read and agree to our Code of Conduct

New attenders are generally not placed in ministry roles until they have been known to the church for a minimum of [X months].

4. What We Ask of Our Volunteers

  • Serve reliably and communicate early if you can't make a rostered commitment
  • Represent Rutland Street Church with integrity inside and outside the church
  • Follow the Code of Conduct and any specific guidelines for your serving role
  • Raise any safety concerns with a team leader or elder promptly
  • Complete any training relevant to your role

5. What We Commit to Our Volunteers

  • We welcome and value every volunteer's contribution
  • We provide clear guidance, support, and team leadership for every serving role
  • We keep volunteers informed about matters that affect them
  • We ensure every volunteer role is safe — physically and emotionally
  • We listen to feedback and concerns from volunteers

6. Health and Safety

Our volunteers are covered by our health and safety obligations under the HSWA 2015. All volunteers should:

  • Know where the first aid kit and emergency exits are
  • Report any hazard or unsafe condition to a team leader immediately
  • Report any incident or near miss — even minor ones

7. Concerns and Conduct

Most concerns can be resolved with a conversation. If a volunteer has acted contrary to our Code of Conduct or Child Protection Policy, the elders will address it pastorally and fairly. Depending on the seriousness, this may include a conversation, a period of stepping back from a role, or removal.

8. Finishing a Volunteer Role

Volunteers may step down at any time. We ask for as much notice as possible. In some cases, the elders may need to end a volunteer arrangement — this will always be handled with care and a genuine conversation.

All policies