Volunteer Safety Handbook

Updated on Aug 31, 2026

Attached below is the Volunteer Safety Handbook in PDF format:

Please note that the Volunteer Safety Handbook is going through a number of updates - the edition below is therefore not entirley up to date - for any questions please contact your Regional Community Engagement Manager (updated 31/08/2026 SA)

Volunteer Safety Handbook.pdf

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Next Article Volunteer Commitment

Branch handbook

Introduction 9

SSAFA Today
History and Impact of SSAFA
Annual Report
Who's Who - Meet Your Regional Team
SSAFA Regional Roles: Responsibilities and Collaboration Overview Guide
Who we are at SSAFA: our Mission, Vision & Values
Contact Details - Key SSAFA Contact
Armed Forces Abbreviations
SSAFA Jargon Buster

Volunteer standards and good practice 29

Branch Volunteer On-Boarding Process
Volunteer Code of Conduct
SSAFA BRAVE Standards
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
Volunteer Safety Handbook
Volunteer Commitment
Becoming a Volunteer
Induction Checklist
Our Commitment to You
Branch Connection - Guide for Service Volunteers
Guidance for Branch Chairs: Connecting non-Community Engagement Volunteers with Branches
Guidance for Branch Contact Volunteers
Branch Connection - Welcome Email from the Branch Chair Template
Internal SSAFA Reward and Recognition
Volunteer Wellbeing and Support
Support, Supervision and Mentoring
Training Platform
GoAssemble - For Everyone
GoAssemble - For Volunteer Managers
Other Roles within SSAFA
Skills Development
Volunteer Recognition Programs
Awards and Honours
Volunteer Support Network
Feedback and Suggestions
Support & Supervision Framework for Branch Volunteers
Guidance for Branch Chairs: Connecting non-Community Engagement Volunteers with Branches
Lone working
Branch Connection/Branch Contact - Employee Guide

Community engagement 3

Community Engagement
The Vision for Community Engagement in Branches
Community Engagement Strategy

Policies and governance 13

Volunteer Policy
Safeguarding Policy
Volunteer Driver Policy and Guidance
Data Protection Policy
IT Policy
Complaints Policy
Boundaries Guidance for Volunteers
Volunteer Expenses Policy
Manual handling policy
Photography guidelines
SSAFA Branches - Use of funds for Community Engagement
Branch Honorary Life Membership
Use of funds additional guidance

Events and activities 9

Gazebo safety guidance
How to set up a stand
Events team
Third party events
Risk assessment templates
Events team
How to complete a risk assessment
Events team
Public liability insurance

Brand, marketing and communications 23

Brand guidelines
Brand messaging and numbers
Celebrity ambassadors
Community marketing news
Contact details for external audiences
Crisis comms
Design templates
Download ready-to-use templates
How to create a PDF on the Marketing Hub
How to get materials printed
How to order a branded poppy wreath
How to place an order on the Marketing Hub
How to set up a Marketing Hub account
How to source and buy branded merchandise
Internal communications
Logos
Maps
Marketing Hub
Marketing Hub FAQs
Media and public relations (PR)
Public affairs
Stationery and office supplies
Whatever

Media (photography, video etc.) 14

Content ideas
Branch microsite
Facebook
Introduction to social media
Media and public relations (PR)
Photography guidelines
QR codes
Social media policy
The role of your Regional Marcomms Manager
The role of your Regional Marcomms Manager
Social media upskilling for DMVs
Storytelling
Video content
X

Fundraising 22

Collections, due diligence
Collections guidance for volunteers
Corporate engagement
Face-to-face fundraising FAQs
Face-to-face fundraising in your region
Fundraising code of practice
Fundraising support in Scotland
Fundraising Together Policy
Fundraising policy
Gift Aid
Gifts in Wills
In memory giving
Legacy fundraising policy
Lottery
Payroll giving
Philanthropy
Raffles
Regional statutory funding
SSAFA Shop
Supporter engagement
Why do we fundraise?
Will writing services (free!)

Meet your regional team 12

For Branch Volunteers in Scotland
For Branch Volunteers in the North Area
For Branch Volunteers in the Central Area
For Branch Volunteers in Wales
For Branch Volunteers in the South West Area
For Branch Volunteers in the South East and London Area
For Volunteers in Northern Ireland
For Volunteers in Republic of Ireland
For Volunteers in Overseas
The role of your Community Engagement Manager
Meet your Community Engagement Managers
The role of your Volunteer Development Manager

Wider SSAFA services 18

Welfare Operations Services Overview
How to refer a Beneficiary to the Regional Office
Caseworking
SSAFA Mentoring
Gurkha Services, SSAFA
Serving Community Teams
Glasgow's Helping Heroes
Veterans in the Criminal Justice System (VCJS)
Forcesline, SSAFA
RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service
The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF)
Short Breaks for Families with a Disability
SSAFA - Stepping Stone
Domestic Abuse Outreach
Support Groups
Safe to Serve
Military Wives Choirs
Overseas Community Health Services

Community engagement monthly bulletin 1

September 2026 Bulletin

Other Resources

Getting Started at SSAFA
Volunteer Support
Reward & Recognition
Volunteer Learning Base and Training Courses
GoAssemble User Guides
Volunteer role descriptions and induction plans
Suggestion Box
Organisational Initiatives
Welfare Operations Quarterly Service Activity Report
NDP Rollout Information Archive
SSAFA Policies & Guidance
Caseworking
Compass
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Casework
Overseas Casework
Mentoring
Serving Community Teams
Veterans in the Criminal Justice System (VCJS)