Opportunities Available
There are numerous opportunities for additional volunteers. All the functions mentioned below are currently covered but the more people involved the easier it is for everyone and also it facilitates improving the running of the House.
There are opportunities for three categories of volunteer
Executive Committee
House Committee
Friend of the House
Abbeyfield societies believe in involving local people in the life of the house and there are Abbeyfield volunteers who choose to work directly with residents, befriending them and visiting the house regularly. These volunteers play a very important part in the life of residents; the time they give is greatly appreciated.
Being a Volunteer in any of the above categories carries a general ‘duty of care’ to residents. This entails providing a professional service to residents to a standard which any other provider of social care would be expected to meet.
The advantage on being on a committee is that they would meet with other like minded people and they could contribute on several topics. The disadvantage is a commitment to attend meetings.
Volunteers could be in just one, two or even all three categories.
Executive Committee members
Skills and qualities required: A person with some experience either in business or in dealing with the elderly.
Role:-This would entail attending meetings which are currently held every 6 weeks. The responsibilities of the Executive Committee are:-
give the society purpose
ensure that the society keeps to the law
ensure that the society’s finances are sound
ensure that staff and volunteers work to best effect
make the society accountable to others
manage the House Committee effectively
Commitment required:- To attend meetings every 6 weeks and prepare for the same.
House Committee members
Skills and qualities required:
: A person who wishes to help older people have a better quality of life.Role:-This would entail attending meetings which are currently held every 6 weeks
The responsibilities of the House committee are:-
to act on behalf of the Executive Committee
make sure that the residents’ needs are properly met
to bring active volunteers into direct contact with residents
to observe health and safety requirements
to work within the policies of the society
to oversee the interests of the staff.
Commitment required:- To attend meetings every 6 weeks
Treasurer
Treasurer
Skills and qualities required:
Knowledge of SAGE essential. To add budget figures, prepayments and accruals to existing working system. No regular data entry expected.To spot check Salary calculations. To liaise with accountants to produce year end accounts. To attend occasional executive committee meetings.Role:-To liaise with our Administrator. Could become a trustee but no obligation t do so. Could suit someone who is already a treasurer elsewhere.
Commitment required:- After initial effort to streamline Sage accounts the involvement need only be minimal. From as little as an average of an hour a week. Of course nothing to stop more involvement if it suits.
Friends of the House
Skills and qualities required:
A person to be interested in helping older people have a better quality of life.Role:-There are many varied ways to be of assistance. Please see below.
Commitment required:- From as little as an average of an hour a week.
House Visitors
Skills and qualities required:
A person to be interested in helping older people have a better quality of life.Role:-You would attend and assist at social events. For example, coffee mornings, trips out, shopping and entertainment in house. Alternatively, if you are a car driver, you could help with transport on occasions. A mileage allowance would be paid.
Marketing.
Skills and qualities required:
A person who has a good command of the English Language and who not necessarily has marketing experience.Role:-To make more people aware of the existence of the house, the facilities it provides and the benefits of living there. This to achieved by press releases, advertising, etc.
Minute Secretary.
Skills and qualities required:
To suit someone who can summarise a discussion and highlight conclusions.Role:-To take the minutes of either or both the meetings of the House committee and the Executive committee which currently occur every 6 weeks.
Mini Bus Driver
Skills and qualities required:
To have a clean driving licence and be prepared to take a test in a mini bus.Role:- To fetch a hired mini bus and transport residents assisting them board and disembarking.
Updated
12/02/2010 18:32
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