The Trust encourages volunteers of all abilities as long as they are able to take part safely, work on the Estate requires a degree of physical fitness. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds, bringing a variety of skills and experience.

Volunteers must be over 18 to volunteer on the Estate. We accept Duke of Edinburgh students under 18, however, students must apply specifically as a ‘Duke of Edinburgh volunteer’.

We understand that, for a range of reasons, some volunteers need extra support. We aim to reduce barriers to volunteering, while ensuring the health and safety of all our staff, volunteers, and members of the public. If you have extra support needs, we ask that these are discussed during the meet and greet, an individual volunteer risk assessment may be completed to assess whether you can volunteer safely and any accommodations that can be made are mutually agreed. If you feel your physical capabilities may make volunteering on the Estate difficult, please get in touch with us as we may have a role that will suit you better.

Once accepted, volunteers should use the Better Impact system to view and book onto sessions. Information about each session such as time, location and work involved, is available via the opportunity calendar or list.

Before each session begins a member of staff will talk through the tasks involved  including what, if any, equipment you will be using. When using any tools you will be given a ‘tool talk’ about appropriate tool use. 

Volunteers are advised to wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty and appropriate for the weather – strong shoes or boots are strongly advised. It is also recommended that  all volunteers check their tetanus cover is up to date and make someone aware that they are volunteering with us. Sessions are usually morning, afternoon or all day – all volunteers should ensure they have their own water and lunch.

In house training will be offered, so volunteers can confidently support us for a variety of activities such as school visits, surveying and pond dipping.

External training is occasionally offered to volunteers. As external training is a financial commitment for the Trust this is only offered to longer term volunteers who require training to carry out specific roles and have an interest in that area.

All tools and equipment required to carry out tasks will be provided, as well as training on how to use and maintain said equipment.

Please ensure you use any equipment provided for its primary purpose and ask for additional or alternative equipment to use where required.

Once volunteers have volunteered regularly with us over a period of time, they will be offered some uniform. The Trust offers volunteers a range of uniform such as safety boots, polo shirts, jumpers and a coat.

Volunteers are not required to wear the uniform when working on behalf of the Trust, however, volunteers who have uniform should only wear their uniform when working on behalf of the Trust. Any uniform provided should be returned to the Trust either upon request or when a volunteer resigns. Uniform items will be replaced upon reasonable request.

ALL volunteers are required to wear safety boots whilst working for the Trust. If you are new to the Trust and need support obtaining a pair, please contact us and we will support you with this.

There is no requirement to commit to a certain number of sessions or hours for volunteers. You may choose to assist with an activity that occurs weekly and attend each week or you may only have time to assist with our larger events and volunteer a few times throughout the year.

Signing up for specific events or work parties automatically logs volunteer hours. Tasks completed within your own time, such as litter picking or surveying require that you log your time on Better Impact – after completion.

To comply with GDPR, volunteers will be removed from our system after 6 months of inactivity. If you do not log your time you will be considered inactive and removed.

Training on how to use Better Impact can be provided if necessary.

Volunteers are expected to cover their own personal costs, however, in certain circumstances and on prior written approval, the Trust will reimburse costs that are directly associated with or incurred by an activity.

The Trust invites Volunteers to attend  two social events a year; a Summer BBQ and Christmas Party.  Both events are advertised on Better Impact in advance and are held in recognition of volunteer efforts.

Box Moor Trust also holds volunteer update meetings, providing an opportunity for volunteers to meet Trustees, as well as get an overview of past and future projects. Volunteers are encouraged to provide feedback before and during the meetings and ask any questions they might have.

Suggestion boxes are available at Gadespring Cressbeds and in the Grain Store where volunteers may anonymously leave feedback for review.

The Box Moor Trust recognises that from time-to-time issues may arise and we aim to identify and address these problems at the earliest opportunity.

Any volunteers who have a concern or problem related to the Trust or their volunteering activities should in the first instance discuss it with a member of staff, in person, via email or via better impact, who will assess the situation and determine an appropriate response. 

We understand that at any time you may wish to stop volunteering for the Trust. We ask that you inform of us at your earliest convenience so that we can remove you from our volunteer system and collect any uniform and PPE from you.

The Box Moor Trust has a responsibility to all its volunteers and staff to ensure their safety and wellbeing when working with us. 

It is essential that you are aware of your own responsibilities and actively ensure your own safety and that of those around you at all times.

Generic Risk Assessments and Safe Working Procedures are available for all aspects of the Trust’s activities; specific risk assessments are relayed to volunteers at the beginning of every task – volunteers must sign the risk assessment to show they have been provided the information and will act in accordance.

Volunteers are expected to only carry out tasks that they feel capable of carrying out, in line with their fitness and ability. All volunteers are expected and must discuss any issues which may affect their ability to carry out tasks with a member of staff prior to undertaking said task.

It is up to you to inform us of relevant health information that could affect your volunteering and keep us up to date with any changes. 

Volunteers may be asked to undergo an individual volunteer risk assessment if they have any health conditions that could affect their volunteering.

While working on behalf of the Box Moor Trust volunteers should, at all times, maintain professional and responsible standards of conduct. In particular you should:

1. Observe Trust policies, procedures and regulations which are included in the Volunteer Handbook or notified to you from time to time by means of e-mail or otherwise.
2. Take reasonable care in respect of the health and safety of colleagues and third parties.
3. Take reasonable care of Trust tools, property, and general assets.
4. Comply with all reasonable instructions given by a manager and/or Trust staff.
5. Act at all times in good faith and in the best interests of other volunteers, Trust staff and stakeholders.

The Volunteer Handbook and additional relevant policies are available to view on Better Impact, some can be found on the Trust website. The Trusts Volunteer Policy can be viewed here.