Maternity Champions Project Volunteer Agreement

Blossom Education Ltd (Blossom) delivers expert-led, evidence-based antenatal and postnatal education and support. Blossom has been awarded funding by Harrow Giving to develop and run a Maternity Champions project in the London Borough of Harrow. Harrow Maternity Champions is currently due to run until October 2024, but funding options are currently being explored to extend the project.

Volunteers are a crucial and valued part of the Maternity Champions Project. The purpose of this agreement is to assure you that we appreciate your volunteering with us, and that we will do our best to make your volunteer experience enjoyable, positive and rewarding.

We believe that the volunteer relationship is built on trust and mutual understanding. We aim to be flexible and supportive.

This agreement sets out:

the expectations from you as a volunteer.
what support you can expect from us when you volunteer.

As a Maternity Champion volunteer, we ask that you:

Strive for the best that you can do, and complete your volunteering activities with dedication and commitment.
Complete an induction and essential training courses, and then attend any other briefings and training that we think will help you in your role.
Be positive about, and promote the work of the Maternity Champions.
Work within the parameters of the ‘Maternity Champions Volunteer Role Description’.
Follow and operate within the policies and procedures of Blossom, including our Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health & Safety Policy.
Act responsibly and within the law.
Maintain confidentiality of Blossoms activity, clients, our team and our procedures.
Value and respect the rights of clients.
Let the Maternity Champions Volunteer Co-ordinator know if you are having any problems or if you have any complaints, concerns or feedback.
Maintain the commitment you choose to make. If this should change, that you agree to give reasonable notice when you’re not available so that alternative arrangements can be made.
To agree to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check being carried out.
Inform us immediately of any new criminal convictions.

Maternity Champions – Funded by ‘Harrow Giving’ Page 1 of 3

In return, Blossom will commit to the following: Induction and training

To provide a thorough induction on the work of Maternity Champions, its target client group, your volunteering role and the training necessary to assist you in meeting the responsibilities of the role and Blossoms policies and procedures.

Supervision and Support

To define appropriate standards of our services, to communicate them to you, and to encourage and support you to achieve and maintain them as part of your voluntary work.
To provide a personal named contact within Blossom who will meet with you regularly to discuss your volunteering and any associated issues.
To do our best to help you develop your volunteering role with us, and to be flexible in how we use your volunteering.
Encourage a positive and supportive volunteering experience.
Respect and listen to your feedback, and keep you informed of any changes.

Expenses

To reimburse expenses incurred by you in your voluntary role.
Claimable expenses will include travel to and from home to/from the agreed venue, and during your volunteering as necessary: See ‘Maternity Champions Expenses Policy’ for details about travel and mileage allowances for use of a car.

Health & Safety

To provide adequate training and feedback in support of our health and safety and welfare policy.

Insurance

To provide adequate insurance cover for volunteers whilst undertaking voluntary work approved and authorised by us.

Equality & Diversity

To ensure that all volunteers are dealt with in accordance with our Equality and Diversity policy. Maternity Champions – Funded by ‘Harrow Giving’ Page 2 of 3

Problems

To endeavor to resolve in a fair and just manner any concerns, problems or difficulties which may be encountered while you volunteer with us.
In the event of an unresolved problem, to offer an opportunity to discuss the issues in accordance with our policies and procedures.

Signed:

We, Blossom, accept the voluntary service of (please see named individual below) for the Harrow Maternity Champions project.

The expectations of the role of a Maternity Champion volunteer are stated in the accompanying ‘Harrow Maternity Champions Role Description’.