Effective Date: 12 May 2026

Purpose

Volunteers are an essential part of Right First Time UK.

They help us support families, vulnerable people, campaigners, and communities facing hardship caused by public service failures, housing problems, family pressures, and barriers to justice.

This policy explains how we work with volunteers, what we expect from them, and how we ensure volunteering is safe, respectful, and supportive.

We are committed to creating a positive environment where volunteers feel valued, protected, and able to contribute meaningfully.

Our Commitment to Volunteers

Right First Time UK will:

• treat all volunteers fairly and with respect
• provide clear information about volunteer roles
• offer guidance and appropriate support
• promote safeguarding and confidentiality
• ensure volunteers understand boundaries and responsibilities
• provide a safe and inclusive environment
• recognise the value of volunteer contributions
• handle concerns and complaints fairly

We believe volunteers should feel supported, not used.

Who Can Volunteer

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, including:

• parents
• campaigners
• community members
• professionals
• retired individuals
• students
• people with lived experience
• supporters of fairness and accountability

You do not need legal qualifications or formal charity experience.

Commitment, integrity, and respect matter most.

Volunteer Roles May Include

Community Support Volunteers

Helping share information, signposting, and awareness resources.

Campaign Support Volunteers

Helping with petitions, awareness campaigns, public engagement, and research support.

Fundraising Volunteers

Helping with donation campaigns, fundraising events, sponsorship outreach, and local support.

Administrative Volunteers

Helping with records, emails, website updates, social media, and campaign preparation.

Community Ambassadors

Helping represent Right First Time UK in local areas and raising awareness of support available.

Trustee Applicants

Some volunteers may also apply to become trustees and support governance and leadership.

Volunteer Responsibilities

All volunteers are expected to:

• act respectfully and professionally
• protect confidentiality
• follow safeguarding procedures
• respect boundaries and vulnerable individuals
• avoid discrimination, bullying, or harassment
• represent the organisation honestly
• follow organisational policies and procedures
• report safeguarding concerns appropriately
• avoid conflicts of interest where possible

Integrity protects public trust.

What Volunteers Must Not Do

Volunteers must not:

• provide legal advice
• act as solicitors
• represent individuals in court
• give regulated financial advice
• make promises on behalf of the organisation without authority
• misuse confidential information
• use the charity for personal financial gain
• act outside safeguarding procedures

Our role is information, awareness, support, and signposting—not legal representation.

Safeguarding

Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a priority.

All volunteers must:

• understand safeguarding responsibilities
• report concerns immediately
• follow safeguarding procedures
• maintain confidentiality appropriately
• never ignore signs of harm or risk

A designated Safeguarding Lead Trustee oversees safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Volunteers may have access to sensitive personal information.

Volunteers must:

• keep information confidential
• follow GDPR and data protection requirements
• store information securely
• never share personal information without lawful reason

Trust depends on confidentiality.

Expenses

Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed where agreed in advance and supported by receipts.

Examples may include:

• travel
• postage
• approved volunteer-related costs

Volunteering must not create unfair personal cost.

Support and Supervision

We aim to ensure volunteers feel supported.

This may include:

• role guidance
• safeguarding information
• regular communication
• trustee support
• help with concerns or questions

Volunteers should always know who to contact.

Equality and Respect

Right First Time UK is committed to equality, dignity, and respect.

We do not tolerate:

• discrimination
• harassment
• bullying
• abuse of authority
• victimisation

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.

Concerns and Complaints

Volunteers can raise concerns about:

• safeguarding
• unfair treatment
• misconduct
• bullying
• conflicts of interest
• organisational concerns

Concerns will be handled fairly and seriously.

Speaking up protects everyone.

Ending Volunteering

A volunteer may stop volunteering at any time.

Right First Time UK may also end a volunteer role where:

• safeguarding concerns arise
• serious misconduct occurs
• policies are repeatedly ignored
• trust and professionalism are compromised

This will always be handled fairly where possible.

Our Promise

We value every volunteer who helps us create stronger communities, better public accountability, and real support for families facing hardship.

Change does not happen alone.

It happens when people stand together.

Contact

For volunteer enquiries, safeguarding concerns, or support:

Right First Time UK

Email: dan@rightfirsttimeuk.com
Website: www.rightfirsttimeuk.com

Right First Time UK

Real People. Real Support. Real Change.