This article is for all volunteer managers, including volunteers and employees.This guidance sets out the requirements regarding the use of the Adult at Risk flag on volunteer profiles within GoAssemble. If you have a question about its content, please contact the Data Governance team.
The Adult at Risk flag must not be applied to any volunteer profile within GoAssemble.
Guidance: Prohibition on the Use of the Adult at Risk Flag on Volunteer Profiles on GoAssemble
Purpose
This guidance sets out the requirements regarding the use of the Adult at Risk flag on volunteer profiles within GoAssemble.
Guidance
The Adult at Risk flag must not be applied to any volunteer profile within GoAssemble.
Volunteers should not be identified or categorised using this flag based on assumptions, observations, or concerns regarding their personal circumstances or support needs. At no point should a member tick this box, instead please refer to the steps below should you have any concerns about a volunteer.
Where There Are Concerns
If an individual has any concerns about a volunteer's wellbeing, welfare, or ability to undertake their role safely, they must raise these concerns with the volunteer's line manager in the first instance.
The volunteer's line manager will assess the situation and determine whether any further action or support is required.
At no point should an individual tick the “Adult at risk” box to mark that they are concerned about a volunteer.
Where Additional Needs Are Suspected
If someone believes that a volunteer may have additional needs or may benefit from additional support, they must not record this by applying the Adult at Risk flag.
Instead, they should discuss their observations with the volunteer's line manager. The line manager should then liaise with the Volunteer Development Team to seek advice on appropriate support, reasonable adjustments, or any other relevant actions.
Key Principles
- The Adult at Risk flag must not be used on volunteer profiles.
- Do not make assumptions or record perceived vulnerabilities on a volunteer's record.
- Any concerns about a volunteer should be reported to the volunteer's line manager.
- Where additional support needs are suspected, the volunteer's line manager should consult the Volunteer Development Team for guidance.
- Volunteers should be treated with dignity, respect, and confidentiality at all times, ensuring that any discussions regarding support needs are handled appropriately and in line with organisational policies and data protection requirements.