Volunteer Policy

The Amara Centre

Website: https://amaracentre.org/
Contact email: hello@amaracentre.org

Effective date: 7 August 2026

1. Introduction

The Amara Centre values the contribution of volunteers and recognises the important role they can play in supporting our mission to reduce the financial hardship caused by cancer and improve the experience of people affected by cancer.

Volunteers bring valuable skills, experience, knowledge and commitment. Their contribution helps us strengthen practical support, raise awareness and support the development of our charitable activities.

We aim to create a positive volunteering experience based on:

  • Respect

  • Dignity

  • Inclusion

  • Support

  • Shared purpose

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy explains how The Amara Centre approaches volunteering.

It sets out:

  • Our commitment to volunteers.

  • What volunteers can expect from us.

  • What we expect from volunteers.

  • How volunteering will be managed responsibly.

This policy applies to all volunteers, ambassadors and individuals contributing their time to support The Amara Centre.

3. Our Approach to Volunteering

The Amara Centre believes volunteering should be meaningful for both the organisation and the individual.

We aim to provide opportunities where volunteers can:

  • Contribute their skills and experience.

  • Support our mission.

  • Develop new skills.

  • Connect with others who share our values.

  • Make a meaningful contribution to people affected by cancer.

We recognise that volunteers give their time freely and should be valued, supported and treated with respect.

4. Types of Volunteer Activities

Volunteer opportunities may include:

  • Cancer awareness activities.

  • Community engagement.

  • Fundraising support.

  • Event support.

  • Administrative assistance.

  • Communications and social media support.

  • Professional advice or expertise.

  • Advocacy activities.

  • Ambassador roles.

Volunteer opportunities will develop as The Amara Centre grows and as the needs of the communities we support become clearer.

5. Volunteer Recruitment

The Amara Centre aims to recruit volunteers fairly, responsibly and inclusively.

Volunteer selection may consider:

  • Relevant skills and experience.

  • Suitability for the role.

  • Availability and commitment.

  • Alignment with our values.

  • Any requirements relating to safeguarding, confidentiality or safety.

Some roles may require additional checks depending on the nature of the responsibilities involved.

6. Volunteer Expectations

Volunteers representing The Amara Centre are expected to:

  • Act respectfully and responsibly.

  • Support the values of the organisation.

  • Communicate appropriately.

  • Protect confidential information.

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries.

  • Treat people affected by cancer with dignity and compassion.

  • Follow relevant policies, guidance and instructions.

Volunteers must not:

  • Make promises or commitments on behalf of The Amara Centre without authorisation.

  • Provide medical advice unless appropriately qualified and authorised.

  • Misuse their position or the trust placed in them.

  • Share confidential information.

  • Present personal opinions as official charity positions.

7. Support Provided to Volunteers

The Amara Centre aims to support volunteers by providing:

  • Clear information about their role.

  • Appropriate guidance.

  • Relevant communication channels.

  • Training or support where required.

  • Opportunities to provide feedback.

The level of support provided will depend on the nature of the volunteer role and the resources available.

8. Volunteer Conduct

Everyone involved with The Amara Centre has a responsibility to help create a respectful and inclusive environment.

Volunteers must not engage in:

  • Discrimination.

  • Harassment.

  • Bullying.

  • Inappropriate behaviour.

  • Exploitation of people’s trust or vulnerability.

Concerns about volunteer conduct will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

9. Confidentiality and Privacy

Volunteers may come across personal information relating to:

  • People affected by cancer.

  • Donors.

  • Supporters.

  • Other volunteers.

Volunteers must:

  • Respect privacy.

  • Keep information confidential.

  • Only use information for approved purposes.

  • Not share personal information without appropriate permission.

Confidentiality responsibilities continue after volunteering ends.

10. Safeguarding Responsibilities

The Amara Centre is committed to protecting the safety, wellbeing and dignity of everyone involved with our work.

Volunteers must:

  • Follow safeguarding guidance.

  • Report safeguarding concerns appropriately.

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries.

  • Avoid behaviour that could place others at risk.

Further information is provided in our Safeguarding Policy.

11. Health, Safety and Accessibility

The Amara Centre aims to provide safe and accessible volunteering opportunities.

Volunteers should:

  • Take reasonable care of themselves and others.

  • Follow relevant safety guidance.

  • Report hazards, concerns or incidents.

Volunteers should inform us of any reasonable adjustments or support they may need to participate.

12. Expenses

Where appropriate and agreed in advance, The Amara Centre may reimburse reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out approved volunteer activities.

Volunteers should not assume expenses will be covered unless this has been agreed beforehand.

13. Volunteer Feedback

We value feedback from volunteers.

Volunteers are encouraged to share:

  • Ideas.

  • Suggestions.

  • Concerns.

  • Experiences.

Feedback helps us improve our volunteer programme and strengthen our work.

14. Ending a Volunteer Role

A volunteer may choose to stop volunteering at any time.

The Amara Centre may also end a volunteer arrangement where necessary, including where:

  • Organisational needs change.

  • Policies or guidance are not followed.

  • Conduct is inappropriate.

  • Safeguarding concerns arise.

Any decision will be handled respectfully and appropriately.

15. Recognition of Volunteers

The Amara Centre appreciates the time, commitment and contribution of volunteers.

We aim to recognise volunteers as valued members of our wider community and an important part of our work.

16. Review of This Policy

This Volunteer Policy will be reviewed regularly as The Amara Centre develops and volunteer opportunities expand.

Updates will reflect:

  • Organisational learning.

  • Volunteer feedback.

  • Changes in activities.

  • Relevant legal or regulatory requirements.

17. Contact Us

For volunteer enquiries, please contact:

The Amara Centre
Email: hello@amaracentre.org

Website: https://amaracentre.org/

The Amara Centre
Compassion. Hope. Dignity.