Volunteer Agreement

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for The Equality Project. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Better Together. We rely on passionate and committed volunteers like you to help us run a successful and unique event. Every volunteer becomes an ambassador for The Equality Project: friendly, unique, outgoing, helpful and in the moment. Please visit this link for background information about our main event Better Together.

The Equality Project will:

  • Provide you with orientation and induction;

  • Provide you a healthy and safe workplace;

  • Provide you with volunteer insurance coverage, whilst you are acting as a Better Together volunteer;

  • Provide you a defined roles and develop clear job descriptions;

  • Provide you with appropriate levels of support and management;

  • Respect you as a valuable team member and acknowledge and value your contributions;

  • Provide clear conflict resolution processes;

  • Provide you with a 2-day pass to the Better Together conference;

  • Adhere to the guidelines set out by Volunteering Australia.

Your rights as a volunteer:

  • To be respected and treated as a co-worker and to not be exploited;

  • To have access to training sessions where appropriate and possible;

  • To have on-the-job supervision provided by a designated member of staff or Team Leader volunteer;

  • To have the necessary support and direction in order to carry out designated duties;

  • To be entitled to take breaks from their volunteer work, when appropriate;

  • To be able to contact the Volunteer Coordinator at any time during the event for support, raise concerns or questions.

Volunteers are expected to:

  • Start at the scheduled time, and be dressed and groomed appropriately;

  • Wear the event branding e.g. t-shirt, cap/hat and/or event badge when on-shift;

  • Be asked to carry out specific duties to the best of their ability;

  • Respect the authority of, and decisions made by, The Equality Project CEO and staff;

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the event;

  • Be honest, reliable and professional;

  • Adhere to and follow policy, procedure and guidelines;

  • Not smoke or consume alcohol while in your event t-shirt;

  • Be conscious of the sustainability of our environment.

Punctuality

We request that volunteers are punctual. If an unforeseen situation arises whereby a volunteer will be late please contact the Volunteer Coordinator so other arrangements can be made.

Attendance

If you are unable to attend your shift, please notify the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible so that a replacement can be organised.

Etiquette

All volunteers are representatives of The Equality Project, and as such must be professional, courteous and respectful to the public at all times.

Dress code

Volunteers are supplied with the appropriate means of identification. This may take the form of a t-shirt and/or accreditation lanyard. All volunteers are required to wear such items during the time of their shift. Attire must be appropriate for the task you are undertaking.

Drugs & alcohol

The use of alcohol and drugs are prohibited whilst working your shift. Any volunteer found to be under the influence will be retired for the duration of the event and disciplinary action may be taken.

Confidentiality

Occasionally volunteers will be privy to confidential information of the event. Volunteers must not divulge this information to other parties under any circumstances, either during the term of volunteering or after ceasing as a volunteer.

No remuneration

You agree that any work you perform for The Equality Project is on a voluntary, unpaid basis and you will not be entitled to any remuneration benefits however described. Reimbursement for any travel and/or accommodation expenses cannot be claimed.

Paid employment

Volunteer work for The Equality Project is not a prerequisite for paid employment and volunteering does not guarantee a paid position.

Media

Volunteers are not authorised to speak to the media on The Equality Project’s behalf.  Any requests by the media must be directed to the Event Coordinator on duty.

Conflict resolution

The Equality Project is committed to resolving any conflict to the satisfaction of all parties. Please direct any conflicts to the Volunteer Coordinator in the first instance. If the conflict involves this person, please direct the issue to the The Equality Project CEO. The issues, discussions and resolution achieved will be recorded in writing and a letter confirming the outcome of the meeting will be sent to all parties involved.

Sign-on

Sign on/off forms must be completed at the start and end of every shift at Better Together, to aid us in accurately reporting on the person-hours required to produce the event. Volunteer hours are recorded for insurance purposes and to assist with the collection of statistical data in support of funding applications. Please ensure you complete a registration / time sheet.

Termination

Where the conduct or behaviour of a volunteer places the health or safety of another person at risk or results in any illegal activity, that volunteer's involvement in the event may be immediately terminated by the Volunteer Coordinator or The Equality Project staff.

Privacy statement

By applying, you agree to us collecting the personal information you provide. This information will generally be used solely by The Equality Project® for the purposes of ensuring that we assign you to an appropriate volunteer position, for contacting you regarding the event, and maintaining health and safety records for all volunteers.  We may give this information to third parties, but only where we are required by law to do so or the information is needed for operational purposes. You have the right to request details, or amend any personal information that the Equality Project holds about you by contacting The Equality Project at any time.

Health & safety

The Equality Project is committed to providing a safe working environment for all its volunteers and will provide relevant induction sessions in relation to event-specific health and safety issues. Volunteers are obligated to act responsibly with regards to health and safety as outlined in the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and associated regulations.

Recognition of volunteer dedication

The Equality Project thanks and acknowledges the contributions and achievements of our volunteers and recognises that Better Together could not happen if not for your dedication and commitment. The Equality Project can provide all registered volunteers with a digital certificate of participation upon request.

Subsidised or free training

From time to time, volunteers are offered a free or subsidised training spot in any one of The Equality Project’s training programs. If you are interested in attending a training program please inquire if space is available. Only former or current volunteers are eligible.

Certification

Some roles undertaken by volunteers require by law a professional certification or compliance card. If you hold a Victorian Working With Children's Check, Responsible Service of Alcohol or First Aid Certificate, please provide a copy to us.

Other terms and conditions

The Equality Project has, and may introduce, a number of policies and procedures to assist it in producing the conference, comply with its legal obligations and support those working for it. By signing this agreement, you agree to be bound by, and to comply with, these policies and procedures as amended from time to time.

The Equality Project welcomes volunteers of all ages, however if you are under 18 we will need to have a parent or guardian co-sign the Application Form.