SSAFA Volunteer Knowledgebase

Induction Plans for Volunteers - Prison in Reach Volunteer

Updated on

Attached here for download is a PDF of the below document: 

Top level local Induction plans for volunteers

Volunteer RolePIR Volunteer
Frequency of inductions (i.e. first Monday of each month and times etc.)

Many of the elements typically associated with induction are embedded within our training programme Supporting Offenders. This includes the following:

Training on SSAFA

Policies and procedures

Code of Conduct

Volunteer role expectations

Support and supervision

Health & Safety

Method of delivery (face to face / Teams / hybrid etc.)Via Teams and some face-to-face training programmes.
Named lead / roleYasmin Jankowski-Doyle

What will be covered

TopicFurther detail
RecruitmentRecruitment within VCJS is carried out on an as-needs basis and involves advertising the role, conducting interviews and because of the low numbers we can manage each volunteer individually.
CaseworkAll cases, financial and non-financial are supported via the Wales RO team.  We operate a shared VJCS mailbox allowing for oversight and continuity.
SupervisionVolunteers attend Clinical Supervision every six weeks (or more often if needed) and we maintain regular contact through individual phone calls.
Volunteer Safety Handbook Introduce the Volunteer Safety Handbook and ensure volunteers have access to a copy and become familiar with its contents. 

Guidance notes:

Some things to include might be:

  • Brief history of SSAFA and its mission, vision, values, and BRAVE Standards
  • A brief history of the service
  • Special projects or services run by the branch, division or service committee or serving community team
  • Explanation of volunteer policies, procedures, and code of conduct
  • Learning and development opportunities of volunteers
  • Volunteer role, support, and supervision
  • Tour of the building where applicable
  • Health and safety – working safely and comfortably in the office, home and car
  • Team introductions
  • How the role works and interactions with staff and other volunteers

Having this information will enable VDMs to better explain the induction process to volunteers throughout the recruitment process. Also at recruitment events, where we speak to potential volunteers about all of our roles and in developing content for our website and recruitment materials.

Previous Article Induction Plans for Volunteers - CEV, Branch Secretary & Branch Treasurer
Next Article Top level local Induction plans for volunteers