Writing a Staff and Volunteer Policy

Modern slavery is an international problem, it is about the exploitation of other people with the purpose of making money. It’s big business with an estimated £150 billion dollars being made each year from forced labour. You may have heard about cases in the news where victims have been forced to work on farms, nails bars, restaurants, and car washes, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Social care, domestic servitude, sex trafficking (including children), debt bondage, criminal exploitation are just a few other areas where modern slavery is happening.

The Housing Regulator requires all social housing providers to offer residents ‘a wide range of opportunities to influence and be involved in the making of decisions around how housing related services are delivered’. How do you meet that challenge, and what are the key outcomes, mechanisms and measurements that characterise an excellent resident involvement programme? This course is for executive team members, managers, team leaders and officers who wish to establish an outstanding resident involvement process or benchmark their existing service.

Social housing is a vital part of the fabric of our society, providing affordable and specialist accommodation for millions of people through a diverse range of providers. To achieve excellence in service delivery you need an organisation that is properly structured, well managed and has effective governance. This course is for all staff, board members and resident representatives new to the housing sector or wishing to update their knowledge in the rapidly changing housing world.

The Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 has placed significant emphasis on the importance of partnership working between social landlords, the police and local authorities. To get the best out of this new approach housing providers need to understand the range of solutions available to all parties and how they should work in co-ordination with them. This course is for managers, team leaders and officers who will be working with partner organisations on crime and disorder and other anti-social behaviour panels.

The provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 give you new tools to tackle anti-social behaviour in your communities. This course provides detailed coverage of the new civil injunction and how it can be used to best effect. This course is for officers, team leaders and managers responsible for addressing anti-social behaviour and who need the latest information to deliver service excellence in this difficult area.

Anti-social behaviour continues to be a key area of concern for communities. ASB early intervention prevents escalation, saving time and money. This course is for officers, team leaders and managers within ASB and housing management teams. The skills and understanding developed will deliver early and visible results, obtaining maximum benefit from available resources.

Working proactively to build clear expectations around prompt and regular rent payment starts from the day you meet a prospective tenant, and carries through to the sign-up phase. Work done at the commencement of the relationship will pay dividends later in reducing default and avoiding expensive court action in the majority of cases. This course is for officers, team leaders and managers in income management who wish to apply the latest positive practice models in arrears prevention and good customer management.

When possession of a property is in prospect, staff need to have confidence that they understand the grounds on which they can proceed, have addressed all the relevant issues that will be considered by the Judge, and the evidence required for success in Court. This course is for team leaders, managers and officers with responsibility for drafting board papers or for managing the process and exercising their discretion to take possession action.

Asbestos is a hazardous substance, every year over 4,500 people die from asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer. Anyone likely to disturb or damage asbestos containing materials must be aware of the dangers and know what procedures to follow. Our asbestos awareness (category A) training will help you to understand where asbestos can be found, the risks associated with it and how to reduce the risk of asbestos fibres being released. If you plan to carry out work which will knowingly disturb or damage asbestos, you will require a higher level of training (category B or C).

This course is designed for officers, team leaders and managers within housing management and supported housing teams. The rules governing assured shorthold tenancies are different and it is vital that staff understand the nature of this type of tenancy, so as to comply not only with the law, but also with your policies and procedures.

Without budgets, cash flow forecasts and financial monitoring how will you know what money is needed and by when. Financial planning allows you to foresee financial implications of not generating the funds required to operate, allowing you to make better informed financial decisions. This course is suitable for anyone involved in financial management whether for an organisation or individual project. The skills and understanding will enable a more robust approach to planning and monitoring your finances.

Strategic leadership is essential for the success of any board, ensuring the organisation has direction and drive to meet their objectives. The chairperson is a figurehead for the organisation and needs to lead by example. This course is aimed at anyone who is currently in the role of chairperson or thinking about putting themselves forward for this position. The skills learnt will help you to develop a deeper understanding of functions and responsibilities of this role.

We all communicate every day, but do we get our messages across clearly? Do you know that words only make 7% of the overall message being conveyed? Pitch, tone and body language are just a few of the factors you need to consider in addition to the words spoken. Whether it is at work or at home everyone can all improve their communication skills. The skills and understanding developed will make you a more efficient communicator in all aspects of your life.

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, employers need to either prevent or reduce their workers’ exposure to substances that are hazardous to their health. It is an employer’s duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.

Experiencing hostile or challenging behaviour in the workplace can be testing and demanding. Risk of assault is distressing and should be avoided where possible. Dynamic risk assessment, team working, safe positioning and effective communication can assist when reducing risk. Understanding conflict helps you to understand the behaviours displayed and the underlying emotions attached. Understanding the stages of crisis, behavioural indicators and corresponding strategies will help to de-escalate the situation. When this is not possible, exit strategies need to be in place. These key elements are vitally important if you work in an environment where you are potentially at risk.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. Regardless of which type of dementia is diagnosed and what part of the brain is affected, each person will experience dementia in their own unique way. Our dementia awareness online course will help you to understand the different types of dementia and how it affects the individual. We also cover risk factors and other conditions which may lead to dementia. The common core principles look at the workforce and what they should know about dementia, including support and help for those with dementia.

Domestic abuse is an emotive topic. It is not linked to a specific gender, race, age or sexuality, anyone can be a victim. The definition of domestic abuse is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality'. This course explores what domestic abuse is, the different types of abuse, the affects and support available. What would you do if someone disclosed that they are a victim? Would you know how to respond?

The definition of a drug is a substance that alters the way in which the body or mind works. This term applies to alcohol and drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Medicines Act 1968 and the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. In this drug and alcohol awareness course, you will learn about a variety of substances from Crack to Spice and many more in-between. Hear first-hand from recovering addicts about the hold substances can have and how they broke the habit.

A poor workstation set up can be hazardous to the individual, increasing the risk of injuries and ill-health. This DSE awareness course aims to support employees to understand how to complete a DSE assessment of their work station and improve their working environment. This course explores DSE regulations, best practice, the benefits of supported postures and ergonomic work stations. This will minimise the risk of potential health issues and improve comfort whilst at work.

Financial mismanagement can ruin an organisation, result in fines and obliterate trust. Good financial management is essential for ensuring that legal requirements are met in relation to charity and company law. However, it is not the sole responsibility of the treasurer, all committee members/trustees are accountable. This course is aimed at potential or current committee members or trustees within the voluntary and community sector. The skills and understanding developed will help you to understand why transparent financial management is beneficial to the organisation and wider community.

Engagement and participation continues to be key area of work in the voluntary and community sector. Active participation creates an environment in which staff, volunteers, service users and community members are involved in the development and shaping of services delivered to them. This course is for anyone who wants to encourage and support individuals and communities to engage. The skills and understanding developed will enable a more robust approach to engagement and participation.

Equality and diversity in the workplace and wider society is governed by The Equality Act 2010. This is the law which bans unjust or prejudicial treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities, promotes diversity and sets out what is classed as discrimination. This essential course enables staff to fully appreciate how to embed equality principles in their day-to-day work. It is suitable for all staff, irrespective of experience or seniority.

Meetings are an essential element in the life of any organisation. Well organised and managed, they bring together people’s diverse skills and experience and deliver fantastic results. Otherwise they will eat into precious time and fail to generate any benefits. This course is vital for all chairs, deputies and attendees who want to get better results from working in collaboration with other.

The role of the fire warden online training course explores the knowledge and skills required to be an effective fire warden in the workplace. It covers the specific duties and responsibilities of a fire warden enabling the learner to be effective in their role, including both pro-active and re-active requirements. This role of the fire warden online training course is designed to assist those with the responsibilities of fire warden and will enable them to fulfill their role in confidence. The skills learnt will help you to develop a greater understanding of fire risks, simple measures to reduce the risk of fires and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Knowing how to respond in an emergency can be the difference between life and death. Making informed decisions is vital as every second counts in both fire and other emergencies, whether at work or at home. The course explores causes of fire, the fire triangle, fire evacuation plans and responding to other emergencies.. The skills learnt will help you to develop a greater understanding of fire risks, fire equipment and how to respond in the case of various emergencies.

EU Regulation 852/2004 Hygiene for Foodstuffs requires food businesses to ensure that staff who handle food are supervised, instructed and trained in food hygiene and safety in a way that is appropriate to the work they do. Food hygiene/safety training means that staff have an understanding of and are trained in recognising the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety of food from production to consumption. This course is aimed at anyone who handles food and drink within a catering/ hospitality environment, including, restaurants, schools, colleges, fast food/takeaway outlet, luncheon clubs, bars, cafes, etc. Whether it be in a paid or unpaid (volunteer) position.

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are effective from 25th May 2018. These EU regulations provide greater protection to data subjects and makes organisations accountable for the data which they process. They will still apply once the UK leaves the EU. This course is aimed at everyone who handles personal data as part of their day to day role. It will give you a greater understanding of the regulations, lawful basis for processing data, the principles of data protection, data subject rights and data security.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS as it is often referred to is a debilitating long-term health condition. Common causes of HAVS is the frequent and prolonged use of hand-held vibrating equipment, such as sanders, chainsaws, angle grinders, hammer drills, strimmer's, etc. The course will explain the hazards ad risks associated with using vibrating tools and equipment, we will look at completing a risk assessment and how to reduce risks through a variety of measures.

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. A basic knowledge of health and safety is essential for any workplace. This health and safety at work course is designed to give you an overview of different hazards you may encounter whilst at work, how to prevent common accidents and reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. We cover the legislation that is in place to protect the employee and guide the employer, to provide a safe, healthy and effective working environment. The skills and understanding developed will enable you to take a measured approach to health and safety at work.

Social housing is a vital part of the fabric of our society, providing affordable and specialist accommodation for millions of people through a diverse range of providers. To achieve excellence in service delivery you need an organisation that is properly structured, well managed and has effective governance. This course is for all staff, board members and resident representatives new to the housing sector or wishing to update their knowledge in the rapidly changing housing world.

This ladder safety course will enable employers and employees to reduce and control the risks associated with using ladders in the workplace. It will inform learners of the different types of ladders (including step ladders) and how to use them safely. This course explores legal responsibilities, hazards and risks, completing a risk assessment and control measures to reduce associated risks. It will enable the learner to increase their understanding and confidence when working with ladders.

Are leadership and management the same thing? What makes a great leader and what skills are needed to manage a team successfully? How do you manage your responsibilities and targets and track progress? This course investigates these questions and more. This course is for managers, supervisors and team leaders or for anyone thinking about or taking their first steps in to a management role.