Standards of working

The relationship between VSO and volunteer is an adult-to-adult relationship.

We expect a certain way of working from the volunteers whilst they are in the process of going overseas or overseas. At the same time we have certain standards that we are accountable for.

Standards of working together for volunteers

• Respond promptly to all communications from VSO. You should reply to telephone or email communications within two working days, written communications within seven working days. Please let us know if you are going to be away from your contact address for more than a week.

• Advise your contact person if we have made any errors in your name or contact details.

• Be an active, flexible partner in your matching process. Please remember that in making a ‘match’ we have to take into account, as well as your own needs, the needs and qualification requirements of the overseas employers and also VSO’s own priorities.

• Be prepared to set aside time for VSO training, self-briefing and preparation. You may be required to attend up to six days of VSO training courses before going overseas.

• Read all literature carefully, and, once you have received it, use the Volunteer Handbook as a first point of reference.

• Consider whether you need to claim your expenses and grants, and if you do, be cost-effective in, for example, using the most cost-effective form of transport. Remember VSO is a charity.

• Bear in mind that you were selected to be a volunteer against a range of ‘dimensions’ including commitment to VSO, openness to learning, flexibility and adaptability. We expect you to show these characteristics in your relationship with VSO.

Standards of working together for VSO

• You will get a prompt response to all communication, from a member of staff who knows your situation.

• We will ensure that corrections, changes of address, status etc are updated on our database within two working days of receipt, and that accurate addresses are used for all subsequent communication.

• You will receive accurate, relevant information about any VSO event you are expected to attend for example, information day, assessment day and training courses.

If you are selected to be a volunteer

• We will send you a post-assessment pack setting out details of the placement process, within seven working days of your assessment day.

• We will match you to the most suitable placement available, taking into consideration your skills, experience and personal qualities, the needs and qualification requirements of the overseas employer, and VSO’s own needs and priorities.

• We will give all the relevant information we have on your placement. However, you should be aware that we are not always able to provide more specific details regarding placements and that the details of placements can often change.

• We will provide training courses or briefing materials to help you adapt to the types of situation you may find yourself in overseas. In designing each of these courses, we will take into account the learning needs of the volunteers.

• We will be helpful, courteous and professional in our dealings with you and will take personal responsibility for addressing your questions.

Let us know if you think these standards needs to be changed or if you have any other comments about them. You can write to Rahul Nainwal, Director, iVolunteer Overseas Programme at nainwal@mitra.org.in