The Passage is committed to ensuing good practice in the recruitment, selection, induction and retention of volunteers. We aim to ensure that volunteers are matched to suitable roles. We also carry out checks to protect the vulnerable adults with whom we work.
Our recruitment procedure consists of the following steps:
Step 1
Application Form
Complete Application Form and return to Emma Long, the Volunteer Coordinator. You should receive an acknowledgement within 3 weeks.
Step 2
Informal Meeting
If there is a volunteering role available that matches your interests and availability, you will be invited in for a meeting with Emma Long, the Volunteer Coordinator (and sometimes the Team Manager) to learn about Passage services, ask questions and discuss the role. Role descriptions are used to determine the best match between your skills and interests, and the needs of the organisation.
Step 3
Reference Checks, Check proof of right to work/volunteer in the UK and Criminal Records Bureau checks (CRBs)
Two satisfactory written references will need to be obtained before a volunteer can start. Most volunteer roles will require Enhanced CRB checks. This is a legal requierment as we work with vulnerable adults. Having a criminal record check will not necessarily mean that you cannot volunteer with The Passage. We would consider the nature of the offence, when it was committed, the circumstances etc before making a decision.
We also need to check that your nationality/immigration situation allows you to volunteer in the UK. We will explain exactly what documents you need to provide for these checks. There are no fees.
Step 4
Arrange Start Date
The first few times that you volunteer with us are an opportunity to get to know more about our work and our clients and to see if you think you will enjoy the role. It is also a chance for the team you are working with to see if they feel you are suited to the role.
Step 5
Induction into the Passage
You can expect a warm welcome from our staff and volunteers, a full induction into your role as well as instruction, guidance and support to carry out your role effectively.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Experience of working with homeless people is not requiered. However, you must have empathy and a non-judgmental attitude and be prepared to be flexible. It is essential that you are able to work within professional boundaries. Reliability and good timekeeping are also important.
The Passage is a Christian organisation. It is not a requirement that volunteers be of the Christian faith, but you must be able to work within and respect this ethos.
The Passage welcomes volunteers with complete inclusivity and equality of opportunity, valuing the richness of diversity and respecting the motivation of all who contribute to our work.