Purpose
Laraware Welfare Foundation ("LWF") deeply values the contribution of volunteers. This Volunteer Policy sets out the rights, responsibilities, and expectations for all volunteers working with LWF, ensuring a safe, respectful, and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Who Is a Volunteer?
A volunteer is any person who freely contributes their time, skills, or services to LWF without receiving payment or employment benefits. This includes one-time event volunteers, regular programme volunteers, student interns (unpaid), and remote/online volunteers.
Volunteer Recruitment
- All volunteers will complete a registration form available at Get Involved.
- Volunteers working with children or vulnerable beneficiaries will be required to provide a police verification certificate or equivalent reference.
- LWF reserves the right to decline any volunteer application at its discretion.
Volunteer Rights
All volunteers have the right to:
- A clear description of their role and responsibilities
- Proper induction, training, and supervision
- Work in a safe, respectful, and harassment-free environment
- Have their personal data protected in accordance with our Privacy Policy
- Raise concerns through our Whistleblower Policy without fear of retaliation
- Receive a volunteer reference letter upon request, subject to satisfactory service
Volunteer Responsibilities
All volunteers are expected to:
- Abide by LWF's Code of Conduct and all applicable policies
- Attend any training or induction sessions required for their role
- Maintain confidentiality of beneficiary information and internal Foundation matters
- Inform their supervisor promptly if they are unable to fulfil a committed engagement
- Not speak to media or post on social media on behalf of LWF without prior approval
- Not accept gifts from beneficiaries or their families
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately
Child Safeguarding
Volunteers working with children must read and adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy. Under no circumstances should a volunteer be alone with a child beneficiary without another adult present.
Health, Safety, and Insurance
- LWF will take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of volunteers during all LWF activities.
- Volunteers should inform LWF of any health conditions that may affect their ability to perform their role safely.
- LWF does not provide personal accident insurance for volunteers unless specifically stated for a particular programme. Volunteers are advised to arrange their own cover where needed.
Expenses
LWF may reimburse pre-approved, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (travel, meals) incurred by volunteers during authorised activities. Claims must be submitted with receipts within 30 days of the activity.
End of Volunteer Engagement
Either party may end the volunteer engagement at any time. LWF may suspend or end a volunteer's engagement if there is a breach of this policy or the Code of Conduct. All LWF property (ID cards, equipment, materials) must be returned at the end of the engagement.
Grievances
Volunteers with a grievance should first raise it with their supervisor. If unresolved, they may contact:
Grievance Officer: Vineet Kumar
Email: grievance@larawarefoundation.com
Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Foundation management.