HCR Volunteering Policy

This volunteer policy outlines the principles and practices by which we involve volunteers and is relevant to staff, volunteers, and trustees within Humanity Care Relief (HCR). It aims to create a common understanding and clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure the highest standards are maintained in managing volunteers.

The volunteer handbook provides further details about the support and procedures in place for volunteers.

We recognize volunteers as an integral part of Humanity Care Relief. Their contributions support our mission and strategic aims and complement the role of paid staff. We aim to encourage and support volunteer involvement to ensure that volunteering benefits HCR, its beneficiaries, and the volunteers themselves.

Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that paid staff understand the role of volunteers and foster good working relationships between paid staff and volunteers. Volunteers will not replace paid staff.

We are committed to offering a flexible range of opportunities and encouraging diversity among our volunteers, including those from underrepresented groups such as youth, individuals with disabilities, and older people.

We recognize that there are costs associated with volunteer involvement and will seek to ensure adequate financial and staffing resources are available for the development and support of volunteering.

We acknowledge the right of individuals to participate in the life of their communities through volunteering, recognizing our responsibility to organize volunteering efficiently and sensitively so that the valuable gift of the volunteer’s time is best used to the mutual advantage of all concerned.

Volunteers are individuals who undertake activities on behalf of our organization, unpaid and of their own free choice.

According to the UK Government’s definition, volunteering is an activity that:

Work experience placements and internships differ from volunteering; please refer to HR for further information. Trustees are volunteers responsible for the governance of Humanity Care Relief.

Volunteers may be involved in various capacities, including:

Volunteers are valued for:

Trustees are responsible for organizing the development and coordination of voluntary activity within Humanity Care Relief, including volunteering policies and procedures and the welfare of volunteers.

All volunteers will have a designated staff member or experienced volunteer for guidance, support, and supervision. Staff responsibilities for volunteers will be explicitly referred to in their job/role descriptions.

The volunteer role is based on trust and mutual understanding. There is no enforceable obligation, contractual or otherwise, for the volunteer to attend or undertake specific tasks, or for HCR to provide continuing opportunities for voluntary involvement, training, or benefits.

However, there is an expectation of mutual support and reliability. Reciprocal expectations are acknowledged – both in what HCR expects of volunteers and what volunteers can expect of HCR.

Humanity Care Relief expects volunteers:

Volunteers are valued for:

Equal opportunities principles will be adhered to in recruiting volunteers. Opportunities will be widely promoted to attract interest from different community sectors. Positive action may be taken to target recruitment where appropriate.

Volunteers will receive induction and training appropriate to the specific tasks they are to undertake.

Volunteers will be offered support and supervision as appropriate, which will be discussed during induction. Arrangements vary according to the volunteer and the role undertaken, including telephone support, group meetings, or one-on-one reviews.

Volunteers will have opportunities to share their views and opinions with HCR’s wider staff, at staff meetings, and in other forums. Formal recognition of the contributions of volunteers will be expressed through annual reports, website articles, and social media.

Humanity Care Relief aims to treat all volunteers fairly, objectively, and consistently. We seek to ensure that volunteers’ views are heard, noted, and acted upon promptly.

We will attempt to address any issues informally and at the earliest opportunity. All volunteers will have a named person they can turn to in case of difficulty.

Volunteers will be made aware of HCR’s complaints policy and how to use it. They will also be informed about how inappropriate behavior by volunteers will be addressed.

Volunteers will receive clear information about what expenses can be claimed and how to make a claim.

When volunteers move on from HCR, they will be asked to provide feedback on their experience. Volunteers who have served for at least three months will have the right to request a reference. They will be supported in transitioning to other opportunities.

The information provided in this document is intended for guidance only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, and HCR cannot accept responsibility for any loss resulting from actions or inactions based on this document.

This is Humanity Care Relief’s (HCR) volunteering policy.

We are a UK-based international relief and development charity. Inspired by Islamic teachings of empathy, generosity, and selflessness, we focus on alleviating poverty and suffering across the world. We operate a 100% Zakat Policy, which means every single penny of your Zakat will go to the victims of poverty, wars, and natural disasters.

Before you support our Food Appeal, Water Appeal, Gaza Emergency Appeal, Syria Emergency Appeal, Pakistan Floods Appeal, or any Emergency Appeal, remember to make the intention that you are donating for the sake of Allah first and helping your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters second. This is very important because as Muslims, whatever act of worship we do, we do it for the sake of Allah.

Along with our emergency appeals, we are working on some amazing projects which will, Insha’Allah, bring prosperity to many Muslim homes from around the world. Donate your Sadaqah and Zakat to our projects like Build a Masjid, Livelihoods for the Poor, Sponsor a Widow, Sponsor an Orphan, Sponsor a Nikah, Donate a Sewing Machine, or help educate the Ummah by donating towards education projects, Sponsoring a Hafiz, Sponsoring a Child in Education, or supporting young people in university and Islamic education. Donate with confidence, Insha’Allah, every penny of your donation is your Amanah, and we will try our best to spend it on people who are in need.

Every year, we as Muslims celebrate two seasons the most: one, Ramadan, and two, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. During these blessed days, we put all our efforts into pleasing Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى by performing good deeds. Here at HCR, we provide you with the platform to perform an important act of worship: charity. In Ramadan, you can donate to the Ramadan Food Appeal, and Ramadan Zakat Appeal, Donate Your Fidyah, Donate Your Fitrana, and Pay Your Kaffarah for Breaking Oath or Breaking Fast, especially during the blessed nights of Laylatul Qadr. In Dhul Hijjah, we are here to help fulfil your duty of performing Qurbani. Whichever cause you choose, choose it with confidence. Insha’Allah.