Agenda item

This matter is the responsibility of Executive Councillors for Corporate Resources, Councillor Ross Henley and Asset Management and Economic Development, Councillor Marcus Kravis.

The report seeks approval of a suite of policies and procedures that will allow for recruitment, management, and support of volunteers by SWT.

During the discussion, the following points were raised: -

·       Councillors praised the work that volunteers carried out within the local community.

·       Councillors queried whether the policy was for Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) volunteers only or would it be used by the wider community.

The Economic Development Manager confirmed that it would be used for SWT volunteers only.

·       Councillors warmly welcomed the policy and agreed there were lots of positive points and potential within the scheme.

·       Councillors queried the makerable system that would be used.

The Economic Development Manager gave information on how the volunteers would use the system, which included case notes and data protection.

·       Councillors were pleased that the policy encouraged those that wanted to give their time to work in the community and gave options to those who maybe didn’t want to be in paid employment.

·       Concern was raised that some other voluntary organisations would struggle to engage with volunteers as some may only want to go with SWT due to the policy.

The Economic Development Manager advised that they would work closely with SPARK to try and appoint to other organisations.  They would also encourage as many volunteer posts as possible across the whole sector.

Resolved that Executive approved the adoption of the SWT Corporate Volunteering Policies and Procedures attached to this report.