If you’re looking for information about the Glenorchy Volunteer Awards please click below to go to the page.
What can a volunteer do?
The following list is just a summary of the types of roles that volunteers can do or provide assistance with:
- activity support – art/craft etc.
- animal carer
- child carer
- classroom helper or excursion assistant at a school
- committee member – Secretary, Treasurer etc.
- computer support
- driver
- Emergency Services – Volunteer Fire Brigade, SES etc.
- food preparation
- fundraiser
- gardener
- lawn mower
- mentor to young people
- office worker
- retail assistant
- shopping helper
- visitor/befriender
- volunteer coordinator
As a volunteer you have particular rights and responsibilities that you should understand before you begin volunteering.
Rights
As a volunteer you have the right to:
- be able to say no if you aren’t comfortable with, or haven’t agreed to, something
- be supported in your activities
- have a clear understanding of your role e.g. be provided a job description
- be given the appropriate guidance/training etc. if necessary to carry out your job
- be consulted on things that affect you and your work
- have a safe working environment (including being covered by insurance)
- be given access to organisation policies and procedures
Responsibilities
As a volunteer you have a responsibility to:
- be reliable and on time
- carry out any tasks you have agreed to
- be trustworthy, respectful, and non-judgmental
- maintain confidentiality
- ask for support and/or training as necessary
Police checks
Most organisations require volunteers to undergo a Police Check to ensure the suitability of volunteers for the role they are wanting to undertake. This is not a difficult process and many organisations can support volunteers to undertake this. It is important to note that it can take around 4 weeks to get the results of this check.
See the Tasmania Police website (external link) for more information.