This article provides an overview of the Branch Connection mechanism and specific guidance for those volunteers selected as the Branch Contact.
Branch Connection Overview
Where a volunteer role is managed outside of the branch (e.g. Caseworkers who work directly with their regional office) their details cannot automatically be seen by the local branch on GoAssemble.
We believe that to have a positive experience with SSAFA it is important that all our volunteers benefit from the support and sense of community that belonging to their local branch brings, even though their actual volunteering activity is managed from elsewhere in the organisation.
The ‘Branch Connection’ is merely a mechanism on GoAssemble that enables an allocated member of the branch, the Branch Contact, to contact SSAFA volunteers in their area and invite them to be part of the branch community.
Benefits of a being part of a branch
The benefits of being part of a branch are:
1. One SSAFA: All SSAFA volunteers deserve to have an engaging and fulfilling experience, and part of that is being connected to their local SSAFA community regardless of role.
2. Social Connection and Pastoral Support: A Branch Connection allows volunteers to engage in social events, coffee mornings, and team meetings therefore fostering a sense of community with an opportunity to make new friends.
3. Inclusive Environment: A Branch Connection helps create a welcoming, inclusive and diverse environment to ensure all volunteers feel valued, supported and truly part of SSAFA as a whole.
4. Sharing Experiences: Volunteers can share their experiences with other volunteers from across SSAFA and have the opportunity to hear about all the great work SSAFA does in their local area.
How does it work on GoAssemble?
Once a new volunteer completes their recruitment and induction - they will be linked to their local branch. Due to the way the system works, the Branch Connection link will appear as a role on the volunteer’s profile, in the same way as their chosen volunteer role does. However, a Branch Connection is not a role, it is a means of connecting volunteers to branches, therefore Branch Connection volunteers won’t require training or supervision from the branch team as a new Community Engagement Volunteer would, just a friendly welcome!
Each branch will have an allocated Branch Contact. The Branch Contact will sit in the same GoAssemble team as the Branch Connection volunteers, whilst also remaining in the Branch’s GoAssemble Team. The Branch Contact will have the appropriate permissions allowing them to invite the Branch Connection volunteers to branch social events.
It should be noted that a volunteer can choose to opt-out of the Branch Connection, if this happens the Branch Contact will no longer be able to see or contact the volunteer.
Branch Contact Responsibilities
As the Branch Contact you have been selected by your Chair as the branch point of contact for Branch Connection volunteers when organising social events. Due to GDPR considerations around sharing volunteer details, only one member of each branch can be a Branch Contact and therefore have access to message and invite Branch Connection volunteers to events.
The Branch Contact ‘role’ is not a role, it is a means of enabling branches to message and invite Branch Connection volunteers to branch events, therefore Branch Contact volunteers won’t require additional training or supervision, except to read this guidance document.
Organising Events and Activities Open to all Local Volunteers:
- As a branch you will develop a calendar of events and activities designed to enhance the connection to SSAFA and engagement amongst fellow volunteers, for example coffee mornings, networking opportunities, training or evening activities.
- As Branch Contact you will ensure these events are advertised on GoAssemble to provide easy access for all volunteers and that Branch Connection volunteers are included in the GoAssemble invitations.
Communication with those that have a Branch Connection:
- Ensure volunteers are informed about relevant opportunities by including them in the invite list when creating the events on GoAssemble.
- Communication should be clear, engaging, and frequent enough to maintain interest and limited enough to avoid overwhelming them with information.
Ensuring Appropriate Recruitment Processes are Followed:
- If a volunteer with a Branch Connection expresses an interest to participate in your community engagement and fundraising events, advise them to contact your Community Engagement Manager (CEM) who will be able to add the role to their profile.
- Depending on the role the Branch Connection volunteer wishes to undertake there may be additional training required. Your CEM will be able to support them through this process.
Opting out of a Branch Connection:
- Some volunteers may not wish to join events or receive any contact unless it’s related to their specific role, therefore there is the option for Branch Connection volunteers to end their connection to the branch.
- Please refer volunteers who wish to opt out of having a Branch Connection to the following guidance.
Maintaining Data Protection Standards:
- The Branch Contact GoAssemble permissions will allow you to message and invite Branch Connection volunteers through GoAssemble.
- As Branch Contact you are not required to view a Branch Connection volunteers profile or take any actions in relation to their service volunteer role.
- If you are a Community Engagement volunteer in your branch you should not be able to see their personal details, however you may be able to see some other information on their profile, for example training records.
- If you hold a Branch Executive role in your branch, then you will be able to see additional profile details for Branch Connection volunteers in line with your branch role’s permission settings.
Expenses for those with a Branch Connection:
- All expenses accrued during branch activities, for non-branch volunteers, will be claimed back under their primary volunteer role. The Branch is not responsible for processing these expenses.
If you experience any problems in relation to the above please speak to your Branch Chair or your Community Engagement Manager.