SSAFA Volunteer Knowledgebase

Induction Plans for Volunteers - Branch Chair

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Top level local induction plans for Volunteers

Volunteer RoleBranch Chair 
Frequency of inductions (for example, first Monday of each month and times etc.)Induction given just after interview of each volunteer
Method of delivery (face to face / Teams / hybrid etc.)Teams
Named lead / roleCEM / RM

What will be covered

TopicFurther Detail
Organisational structure and key contacts
  • Who’s Who: Overview of SSAFA’s organisational structure, including line manager and key points of contact.
  • Roles & Responsibilities: Explanation of who does what within the organisation to help volunteers understand how different teams support each other.
SSAFA overview
  • What SSAFA Does: Brief introduction to SSAFA’s services, including:
    • Support for Gurkhas
    • Specialist Caseworkers (SCTs)
    • Local Branches
    • Mentoring Services
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Highlight other roles so new volunteers have a wider understanding of what SSAFA does
SSAFA values and standards
  • BRAVE Values: Introduction to SSAFA’s core values and how they guide our work.
  • Code of Conduct and professional boundaries: Expectations around behaviour and professionalism.
Practical information
  • Health & Safety Handbook for Volunteers and working safely
  • Overview of key policies and where to find them.
  • Support Channels: What to do if things aren’t going well—how to contact your Volunteer Development Manager (VDM) or other support staff.
Volunteer Commitment and Tenure
  • Volunteer Agreement: Discuss the agreement and ask a few questions to ensure understanding.
  • Tenure Policy: What to expect if you need to take a break or step back from volunteering.
Support and supervision
  • Overview of the support and supervision on offer, including expectations about volunteer engagement with the process and who will provide this.
Volunteer recognition
  • Reward & Recognition - Explain about:
  • Long Service Awards.
  • Gildea Awards: Volunteers can nominate peers and staff for outstanding contributions.
IT and systems introduction
  • Systems Overview: Introduction to the platforms and tools volunteers will use. – Go Assemble, Learning Base, MOSIAC etc. as appropriate.
  • Marketing Hub: What’s available, including SSAFA merchandise and communications documents.
Training requirements
  • Mandatory Training: What’s required and when refreshers are due.
  • Role-Specific Training: Additional training relevant to your role.
  • Ongoing Development: Opportunities for further learning and development.
Next steps
  • 3-Month Check-In: We’ll schedule a follow-up to see how you’re getting on.
  • Networking Opportunities: Information on events or meet-ups organised by branches or services.
  • Additional Training: Discuss any further training that may be useful after settling in.
Role specific induction
  • Housekeeping: Where applicable, cover practical details relevant to the role (e.g. workspace, equipment).
  • Overview of the role and how it works.
  • Local or service specific statistics and the impact of the role.
  • Contact details – (line manager, Regional Office, Safeguarding etc. as appropriate).
  • Give details around existing volunteers within the Branch and their. roles, any actions required re training, GoAssemble updates etc.
  • Explain importance of all volunteers being known to SSAFA, applications via website/GoAssemble.
  • Discuss banking mandate and forms to complete will be sent following this induction. Explain what branch funds are used for.
  • Explain the branch chair inductions run several times a year and they need to book themselves on a course.
  • Each region has a DMV who look after all social media. Discuss microsites and what can go on them. Inform them what the RMM does and arrange an introduction.
  • Explain all events need to be on GA. Risk assessments, public liability insurance, attached to that event. PR team, fundraising team, Sum Up machines. Marketing and equipment.
  • Group mailbox to contact CEM’s can be used and can be shared if needed for other organisations to contact about CE.
  • Local Regional Office, Regional Manager, Regional Chair, CEM, RMM, VDM, VE team, Marketing Hub. SCT local team.
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