In 2010, Brentwood Borough Council adopted a Volunteer Engagement Policy and Procedure and an Employee Volunteering Policy in 2011.  These two policies had been reviewed and updated, and informed the delivery of the Volunteering Strategy 2016-2019 which had already been agreed by Members of the Community and Health Committee eon 14 March 2016 (min. Ref 408). 

These policies further embedded the Council’s commitment to supporting volunteers and their integral role in our communities in promoting and contributing to community cohesion. 

The policies ensured that the Council was working to safeguard volunteers and staff and allowed us to deliver quality volunteering opportunities.  

A request from Cllr Mrs Hubbard that the effects of the volunteers should be acknowledged.  This was noted by the Officer.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Reed and SECONDED by Cllr Sanders to approve the recommendation set out in the report. 

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to: 

1.         Adopt the Brentwood Borough Council Volunteer Engagement Policy and Procedures and Employee Volunteering Policy 2016. 

Reasons for recommendation

Adoption of the policies strengthen our commitment to the Council’s vision for volunteering, which ensured that we prioritised engagement with volunteers in service delivery to involve the community in influencing decision-making.  

The policies also encouraged our own staff to undertake leave to carry out their own volunteering to enhance their wellbeing and demonstrate our commitment to supporting our communities.

The policies ensured that we demonstrate the importance of good practice and management of volunteers.