Introduction and Scope

First of all, thank you for deciding to invest your precious time to support our mission of Sharing Happiness….

Sukhawati Foundation recognises the significant and valuable role that volunteers play in supporting us to achieve our goals. This policy reflects our commitment to ensuring volunteer work is integrated into the heart of Sukhawati Foundation, that volunteering with us is a constructive and rewarding experience and that all volunteers are treated in an equal, and fair manner.

This policy sets out to provide guidance to staff and volunteers and outline procedures and support mechanisms available to volunteers. It defines the term “volunteer” and provides a framework of best practice which we will endeavor to follow when appointing, managing and supporting the volunteers.

Volunteering at Sukhawati Foundation

Volunteers are individuals or groups who offer their time, experience, knowledge and skills without financial gain beyond reimbursement of expenses; helping us to achieve our goals. There is no contract of employment between Sukhawati Foundation and its volunteers and volunteers are not considered employees of Sukhawati.

Sukhawati Foundation Commitment to the Volunteer

Sukhawati Foundation views its volunteers as a valuable resource and is committed to providing support and recognition of their input. Volunteers are supported through the resources necessary to complete their duties; induction and appropriate training and a supervisor. Volunteer contributions are recognised through written references (where appropriate), invitation to special events and opportunities to provide feedback to the improvement of volunteer management at Sukhawati Foundation. Volunteers have the right to refuse any request made of them and are not bound by contract, but are obliged to volunteer in line with this Handbook, the Volunteer Policy and the Volunteer Agreement.

This Volunteer Policy is bound by the following principles:

1. Sukhawati will ensure volunteers are properly integrated into its organizational structure, that they are kept updated of organizational developments and that necessary processes are in place for them to contribute to our work.
2. Sukhawati does not aim to bring in volunteers to replace paid staff. 
3. Sukhawati recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development opportunities and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs.  
4. Sukhawati expects staff to work positively with volunteers.

Commitment of the Volunteer

Adults aged 16 to 65 years old are accepted as volunteers; proof of age must be shown by providing a valid ID during application process

There are 2 types of volunteer opportunities available at Sukhawati 

1. Regular Volunteer
   • You can participate regularly for 4 hours once a week for 3 months or more.
2. Short Term Volunteer
   • You can participate regularly for 4 hours once a week for at least 3 weeks. 

1. Group volunteer option is also available which can be discussed and planned together with the Sukhawati Foundation. 

1. Sukhawati expects volunteers to behave in a manner which reflects positively on the organization and to promote the key organizational messages where possible. 
2. Sukhawati expects volunteers to execute agreed duties, unless otherwise informed. 
3. Sukhawati expects volunteers to be supportive of staff, other volunteers.
4. We would ask that all volunteers volunteering on a regular basis to please, where possible, give us two weeks’ notice if they are considering leaving their volunteering role.

Check out the activities by field that you can do at Sukhawati Store and apply for volunteer work!

Selection process 

Sukhawati Foundation selection of volunteers is designed to ensure that we recruit volunteers who are suitable for the activities they are willing to do:

1. Sukhawati will provide volunteers proper orientation with role descriptions which outline duties and responsibilities.
2. Prior to the appointment, volunteers are invited for a visit to our office for the discussion of the proposed role including its requirements and expectations with a view to assessing mutual suitability.
3. Support, guidance and supervision are provided as needed.

Induction and Training

All volunteers will receive a general orientation on the nature and purpose of the organization as well as task specific training to ensure they can carry out their work on behalf of Sukhawati Foundation effectively and efficiently.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Sukhawati Foundation is committed to promoting equal opportunities. Volunteering opportunities at Sukhawati are open to all regardless of race, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity. Sukhawati Foundation recognises the positive benefits a diverse volunteer pool can bring to the organization and is committed to ensuring our selection procedure reflects this.

Confidentiality

Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all privileged information to which they are exposed. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer’s relationship with the organization.

Support and Recognition

All volunteers will have a named supervisor responsible for the management of their work, who is there to provide guidance and assistance. Supervising staff will review the volunteering placement as often as required, with the aim of ensuring that recognition keeps apace with role development. Sukhawati Foundation is happy to provide a token of love to the regular and short term volunteers as an appreciation for their contribution. Reference Letters can also be provided if required. Volunteers may be invited to “thank you” events and consulted where possible in future.

Volunteer Expenses

It is Sukhawati Foundation’ policy that volunteers should not be out of pocket for their contributions, therefore we are happy to reimburse reasonable travel and subsistence costs. Minimizing costs maximizes income to Sukhawati Foundation therefore, Sukhawati Foundation asks volunteers to keep expenses to a reasonable and necessary level. Below is some guidance of what constitutes reasonable expenses and the procedure for claiming them. If you so wish, expenses can be donated back to the charity. If volunteers have any queries with regards to expenses, they should consult the Supervisor prior to any commitment being made.

Concerns and Complaints

Sukhawati Foundation is committed to the welfare of our volunteers and we believe that any concerns brought to light at an early stage can be dealt with in an informal manner. All volunteers have the opportunity to give feedback to the General Manager through evaluation forms or meetings.

Again, Thank you and have a Great Volunteering Experience at Sukhawati!