Our Values

If you wish to register with us and advertise a volunteering opportunity you must review and agree that you are in accord with our values.

We are always happy to discuss any aspect of your volunteer involvement and if you are unsure that you meet our values statement we would be happy to discuss it with you.

Volunteer Centre Edinburgh reserves the right to decline to accept registration or advertise any volunteering opportunity if we feel that it is not in line with our values and our minimum standards.

Volunteer Centre Edinburgh values:

Everyone has the right to offer their time to volunteer

Being able to offer your time to volunteer is a basic right. A successful volunteering experience is dependant on a good match between the individual and the role. Not all roles will be suitable for every volunteer but there is usually a suitable role for almost everyone.

All organisations offering opportunities via Volunteering Centre Edinburgh need to agree to our aspiration of equality of opportunity and equality of outcome in all aspects of volunteer involvement regardless of the volunteer's personal characteristics such as age, sex, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, language, sexual orientation, religion or philosophical belief, political or other opinion, social origin, socio-economic status or other status.

There will of course be opportunities which may legitimately not be available to all, such as a women only volunteer role at a women's shelter.  If you are unsure whether your opportunity meets our stance on equality please contact us and we will advise.

Every volunteer has the right to have a great volunteering experience

Organisations involving volunteers have a duty of care to ensure the best possible experience for the individual dontating their time and energy. Good practice in volunteer involvment is simple, effective and good for the volunteer and the organisation. Organisations offering opportunities via VCE must have a commitment to the best possible practice in volunteer involvement. We have a host of resources to make sure you get it right.

Volunteering is always a matter of free choice

Volunteering is a simple concept. Its is the giving of your time for the benefit of others with no financial gain. Volunteering can never be something that someone is compelled to do. It must be undertaken freely and without pressure or sanction. If not, it is not volunteering and it will not be successful.

Volunteers must never be a direct replacement for paid workers.

Volunteers add benefit and enhance organistions. Volunteers augment, add capacity, quality and often a valuable unique dimension. Volunteers cannot be a direct replacement for paid staff and no such volunteering opportunites may be offered via VCE.
 

True volunteering is for the benefit of the social community, the individual and VIOs.

Volunteering happens in many ways both formally and informally. For volunteering to be successful it must have clear social benefit. When it does and when it is effective, volunteering will benefit the indiviual undertaking it and the organisation offering it.
 

We believe that involving volunteers enhances organisations.

Volunteers are a valuable resource and their involvement can bring a wide range of benefits for any organisation.
 

 

 

  • Paul Wilson – 28 June 2010