Volunteer Handbook

University of Adelaide staff, including volunteers are creative, curious, ambitious and enterprising people of diverse cultural, social and academic backgrounds, who work together collaboratively and are united by the University's shared values.

• Integrity - We hold ourselves and each other accountable to be honest and fair.
• Respect - We embrace diversity and uphold the dignity of each individual.
• Collegiality - We explore ideas collaboratively, and are united in our commitment to the University community.
• Excellence - We deliver our best and celebrate outstanding performance.
• Discovery - We are committed to learning and we boldly approach the future with curiosity and energy.

The University Code of Conduct requires volunteers to:

• behave with honesty and integrity in all matters to their volunteering
• treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and refrain from bullying, harassment or discrimination
• follow any reasonable directions from the University
• conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the values, integrity and good reputation of the University at all times
• conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner
• take reasonable steps to avoid and disclose any conflict of interest in connection with their volunteering
• adhere to and maintain confidentiality when collecting or storing records of individuals
• use University resources responsibly and appropriately
• comply with the terms and conditions of the volunteering agreement they have entered into with the University
• be open to collaboration, open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, theories and practices with others
• comply with the University policy and procedure.

Rights of volunteers

• Receive adequate information about what is expected and to understand why you are doing the duties.
• Be assigned a suitable project and/or duty.
• Be provided with support to carry out your volunteer role.
• Be provided with suitable tools, training and materials to carry out your volunteer role.
• Receive respect and support from co-workers, as well as recognition and feedback from your supervisor for your work.
• Provide feedback, suggestions and recommendations regarding your volunteer role or the wider program.
• Work in a safe and healthy environment.
• Have the rights to refuse to undertake any work they feel may put their safety at risk.
• Have your personal records kept in a confidential manner.
• Be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses as agreed prior to your commencement.
• Be covered by relevant insurance.

Responsibilities of volunteers

• Attend volunteer placement at agreed times.
• Contact your supervisor if you are unable to attend work.
• Update your contact details if they change.
• Appreciate and respect the confidential nature of information that may be acquired during the course of your duties.
• Discuss any problems with your supervisor.
• Agree to work in a safe and healthy way and not jeopardise the health and safety of others.
• Abide by policies and procedures as defined by the University Volunteer Program.
• Inform your volunteer coordinator of any pre-existing medical conditions or special needs of which the University should be aware of that might affect your ability to undertake certain duties.
• Report any accident, incident or injury immediately to your direct supervisor.

Volunteers must register with the University Volunteer Program by setting up a MyImpact Volunteer Account and completing the online registration form associated with their local volunteer group. Please contact your Volunteer Coordinator/Supervisor for the registration link.

Please note, that you will need to complete a registration online form for each volunteer group you are volunteering with, as they will require specific questions to be answered for their program. However, fields that are required from the University Volunteer Program will be prepopulated and are only required to be entered once, eg. Emergency Contact Details.

Please refer to the MyImpact site guide for further information about;
•    Logging into your MyImpact Account
•    Resetting your Password and Username
•    Downloading and installing the free app
•    Updating personal information
•    Signing up to volunteering opportunities and activities
•    Accessing eLearning modules
•    Seeing your schedule
•    Logging your hours

It should be noted that each volunteer group may manage their volunteering activities and logging of hours differently to others. If you have any questions regarding the above or the MyImpact Volunteer Account, please contact your Volunteer Coordinator or email volunteer@adelaide.edu.au.

As outlined in the University’s Volunteer Policy, a volunteer agreement form is an agreement between the University and the volunteer and should be discussed and signed by the volunteer and local area volunteer coordinator before commencement. A role description outlining your tasks and duties should accompany the agreement form.

As a University of Adelaide volunteer, you are required to undertake an induction process to provide you with the important information you will need to perform your role and be familiar with the organisation.

There are various elements of the induction process which are outlined in this online Volunteer Handbook. 

Corporate induction

The corporate induction covers policies that are applicable to your role. These will be discussed with you by your local area volunteer coordinator and may include:

• University Volunteer Policy
• Privacy Policy and Management Plan
• University’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) Policy
• University Records Policy (where applicable)
• Child Safe Environment Policy (where applicable)

Volunteer services induction

The volunteer services induction covers an overview of the University Volunteer Program and will include:

• volunteers' rights and responsibilities
• MyImpact volunteer account
• volunteer agreement and volunteer role description
• code of conduct
• training and recognition
• volunteer insurance guide
• University's volunteer counselling services
• volunteer concerns and complaints
• police check or working with children check (where applicable)
• mandatory reporting (where applicable)

Further information on the above points can be found on this page.

Volunteer local induction

The local induction is specifically tailored to your role and workplace. Your immediate supervisor will take you through a tour of your workplace and introduce you to the rest of your team. You will be informed of any specific information you may need on a day-to-day basis.Your local induction may include:

• explanation of work unit structure
• tour of facilities and amenities
• building access
• computer access
• introduction to staff, fire warden, first aid officer
• local hazards including tools, equipment, materials
• location of first aid kit
• fire and emergency plans, including evacuation point
• procedure for reporting hazards, accidents and injuries via UniSafe.

The University of Adelaide is committed to strengthening our culture, and ensuring that our community is supported to work, study and volunteer in a safe and inclusive environment.  Volunteers have the rights to raise their concerns with either their volunteer supervisor if they feel comfortable to do so, or through the Integrity Unit or Safer Campus Community.

Integrity Unit

Integrity is one of the University's five values, and is central to building and maintaining the University's reputation. 

If you have seen something that doesn't look right, or experienced something that didn't feel right, you can contact the Integrity Unit to report your concerns. You can remain anonymous if you wish. For further information about the Integrity Unit or how to make a report please click here.

Safer Campus Community

A safe campus is everyone’s responsibility. The University provides a range of services and responses to assist in volunteer safety, but we rely on the whole campus community to work together to support safety on campus. You can help the university ensure your campus is safe by playing a role in looking out for your own safety, and the safety of others. Visit the Safer Campus Community website for more information.

Dealing with incidents can be difficult. Confidential, professional support is available through the University to help you manage this.

The University of Adelaide's counselling service provides confidential short-term solutions focussed counselling, designed to help you explore and implement strategies to address issues which may be having an impact on your wellbeing. As a formally registered volunteer you can access up to three one hour sessions per calendar year. Click further information for details on how to access the service.

Volunteers who are also current students of the University of Adelaide should access counselling and other support services through Student Counselling Services, Ground Floor, Horace Lamb Building, North Terrace campus (8313 5663).

Volunteers must observe all legal obligations. This includes obligations under the Independent Commissioner against Corruption Act 2012. The University is a Public Authority under the Act; Volunteers are Public Officers and must report to the Office for Public Integrity any activity they reasonably suspect to be corruption, misconduct or maladministration in public administration. Please visit Legal and Risk's, ICAC Resources for Public Officers website for further information.

Training

As a registered volunteer of the University, you will have the opportunity to attend professional and personal development training through the University Volunteer Program. Your local area will provide you with the relevant training for your role and in the areas that are legislatively required.

Volunteer eNews

You have the option to receive our quarterly eNews that will notify you of news, events, volunteer opportunities and training so that you can expand your portfolio of experience if you choose.

Recognition

The University of Adelaide actively encourages and promotes the culture of volunteering and we greatly appreciate the contribution volunteers make to the University community. The university holds recognition events throughout the year and we encourage you to join us. Further details will be provided via your local area volunteer coordinator or via the volunteer eNews.

Below outlines the insurance available to University of Adelaide volunteers participating in University approved voluntary and unpaid activities.

• Pre-conditions to insurance over

Volunteers should be registered with the Division of External Engagement. Cover only applies to events officially organised by and under the control of the University, and volunteer activities undertaken with the knowledge and approval of the University.

• Personal accident insurance (Australia Only)

Volunteers up 90 years of age are provided with Personal Accident Cover. Volunteers between 85 and 90 years are also eligible for limited benefits under the Personal Accident Cover. Personal Accident Cover includes necessary travel to and from voluntary work. Non-Medicare medical expenses will be paid up to a maximum of $5,000. Medicare-related expenses (including the Medicare gap) cannot be claimed under this policy.

• Public liability insurance

Volunteers are provided with public liability insurance to cover any negligent actions or omissions that occur during approved activities associated with their University volunteer role, which results in a loss, damage or injury to a third party.

• Professional indemnity insurance

In limited circumstances, volunteers are provided with professional indemnity insurance to cover professional advice given to a third party as part of their approved voluntary activities, which results in a loss, damage or injury to a third party arising from the advice provided.

• Travel insurance for approved University travel

Insurance is provided to University of Adelaide volunteers whose travel has been approved by their volunteer coordinator.