22nd Old Boys F.C.
Volunteer Policy
Volunteering with 22nd Old Boys FC
About us
The 22nd Old Boys Football Club were established in 1952 to service the areas of
the Greater Shankill, Ballysillan and further afield. We currently provide around 50
members with a social and physical outlet through the sport of football. Our
members are from the Protestant side of the local community and have little
opportunities to engage and interact with those from the Catholic side. The sport
of football allows this to happen but generally the two sides are still against each
other in a competitive match. We are planning to provide opportunities through
bringing groups together and interacting rather than playing against each other.
Purpose of our volunteer policy
Our volunteer policy has been created to show our volunteers and potential
volunteers that we have spent time and care in planning how volunteers will be
welcomed at 22nd Old Boys FC. It also outlines that all volunteers will be treated
in a fair and consistent way. It should also help our volunteers understand what
support is available to them and what they can expect from us.
Our vision and mission for volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to share your enthusiasm, skills and ideas whilst
having fun and meeting like-minded people. By volunteering for 22nd Old Boys
FC you will be making a positive contribution to community development in our
area. Volunteers are vital to our work.
Attracting volunteers and volunteer agreement
We have a range of opportunities for volunteers to get involved in. To find out
more you can visit our website or contact Brian Kirker via
Once we receive a copy of your completed registration form, a member of our
team will get in touch with more information on specific opportunities and we
can decide together which option best matches your interests and time
availability and also our needs. Your help will be greatly appreciated and really
will make a difference.
Access NI Checks
Some volunteer roles will require an Access NI check to inform 22nd Old Boys FC
of any criminal convictions that a person wishing to volunteer may have. For
example, any volunteer position which involves regulated activity with children
or vulnerable adults will be subject to an Access NI check.
Induction and training
It does not matter how much you already know, as there will be opportunities to
learn, and we have roles to suit every level of expertise.
There will be an induction prepared and delivered by one of our staff. This will
include:
- Some information about 22nd Old Boys FC, our vision, mission and our future plans
- The role of the volunteer
- Introduction to some volunteers
- Tour around our facilities and see some of our initiatives
- Copy of all the relevant policies including this volunteer policy and also our
Health and Safety, Expenses, Equality and Diversity and Conflict Management
- Essential procedures such as timekeeping, rota
- Information about training and ongoing learning opportunities
There will be a trial period of four weeks to give 22nd Old Boys FC and you time
to discover if you are suited to each other. A review will be made midway
through the trial period and also at the end. This is not an assessment, it is just so
that we can be sure that you benefit the most from the volunteering experience
and maximise the time you are giving freely.
Support
Our Volunteer Manager will offer support to you. They will remain your key
contact throughout your volunteering with us. This will include regular meetings
with you to discuss how you are getting on, discuss any training needs and deal
with issues arising. This will also ensure that 22nd Old Boys FC are doing all we
can to make your volunteering experience an enjoyable and meaningful one.
Recognition and reward
We could not do the work we do without our volunteers. To acknowledge this
we will always say thank you and show appreciation for a job well done. There
will always be a listening ear or shoulder to lean on.
We have an annual awards dinner where we recognize our volunteers and have
regular other social opportunities to engage as a team of volunteers.
Expenses
We value our volunteers and want to ensure that there are no barriers to
volunteer involvement. All reasonable out of pocket expenses, if required,will be
reimbursed including expenses for travel and meals (if working more than 4.5
hours in one session). In order to claim expenses, an Expenses Form must be
completed, a valid receipt provided and this should be handed in to the
volunteer manager.
Insurance, health and safety, accidents and risk assessment
22nd Old Boys FC has a valid insurance policy so that volunteers are covered by
public liability insurance, which you are advised to read. It covers the
volunteering activities you will be doing. We will keep reminding you of our
Health and Safety Policy and give simple instructions on how to perform each
task safely. We have clear procedures for accidents and emergencies and will
always have a first aider on field sites.
Resolving problems
We hope that you will have a very enjoyable experience volunteering with us.
However if your role as a volunteer does not meet with your expectations or
with the commitments we have made to you, we want you to feel comfortable
about letting us know. First of all, talk to the person who leads the team where
you volunteer and he or she should be able to sort it out with you before it
becomes a problem. If you do not feel this will resolve things you can speak to
the Volunteer co-ordinator.
Confidentiality
We expect all volunteers to adhere to confidentiality guidelines which will be
explained to you before you begin volunteering with us and this also includes use
of social media and contact with any press.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
22nd Old Boys FC is committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality
and inclusion. When representing 22nd Old Boys FC as a volunteer we expect
you to support our commitment to promoting equality.
This is the Volunteer Policy of 22nd Old Boys FC
