What about the responsibilities of sending organisations?
The Comhlámh Code of Good Practice for Volunteer Sending Agencies is a set of standards aimed at ensuring that overseas volunteering has a positive impact for the volunteer, the sending agency and the host project and community.
The Code sets out 11 different principles that incorporate all aspects of volunteer programmes. All organisations that sign up to the Code of Good Practice agree to:
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1
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Have volunteer programmes based on realistic aims and objectives with appropriate and useful volunteer roles.
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2
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Provide sufficient resources and support to run volunteer programmes in an efficient and sustainable manner.
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3
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Provide marketing and imagery consistent with good practice and clear expressions of organisational aims, ethos and values.
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4
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Provide potential volunteers with free, fair and unbiased information on their organisation and volunteer placements.
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5
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Use fair, consistent and transparent recruitment procedures.
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6
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Assist and provide for the varying support needs of volunteers.
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7
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Ensure that volunteers participate in appropriate preparation, training and induction.
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8
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Ensure the protection, safety and well-being of volunteers and those they work with as far as possible.
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9
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Provide recognition for volunteers.
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10
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Provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
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11
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Provide debriefing for returned volunteers.
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The Code of Good Practice is open to all Irish-based volunteer sending agencies. Signing up to the Code of Good Practice shows that an organisation supports its values and principles, and has agreed to work to implement the principles, if they are not already in place.
Monitoring the Code of Good Practice
The Code of Good Practice is put into practice through a collaborative process based on shared learning and support. Organisations that have signed up to the Code of Good Practice are encouraged to work together and share information that can collectively raise standards across the volunteering sector. Signatory organisations are required to submit an annual self-audit of their implementation of the principles in the Code of Good Practice. They can also participate in an external audit of their Code implementation.
Your role as a volunteer
Ask each organisation whether they have signed up to the Code of Good Practice and what systems they have in place to review and improve their volunteer programme. Implementing the Code of Good Practice is an ongoing process that requires time and effort. If you feel that an organisation is not fulfilling its obligations under the Code of Good Practice, raise the issues with staff and get in touch with us at info@volunteeringoptions.org. Your input, as a volunteer, is a very important part of monitoring the committment to the Code of Good Practice.
You can download the Code of Good Practice, along with the list of signatory organisations that have signed up to implement the principles contained within the Code of Good Practice.
Comhlámh's Code of Good Practice for Sending Agencies
Comhlámh Code of Good Practice 2012