New Leaf Trust - Volunteering
Circle members are volunteers who recognise the value of supporting core members. The process of becoming a volunteer is explained in our “Becoming a Volunteer” leaflet which is available through our contact page on this website.
New Leaf Trust interview and assess applicants to help them decide if becoming a circle member would suit them. Once this decision is made and the volunteer joins New Leaf Trust then preparations are made for them to commence an initial training programme to prepare them for their role as circle member.
Initial Training
The initial training comprises several fixed units which can be completed individually or as part of a group, and then a series of individual units tailored to specific need. Typically, initial training lasts a total of 5 days.
On completion of the training the volunteer is assigned a mentor to introduce them to their new role gradually. References, CRB and background checks are essential. Volunteers must have submitted to these checks before joining a circle.
Our volunteer coordinator is trained and experienced in ensuring that circle members have a positive and rewarding experience. We recognise that people volunteer for different reasons and because of this we have introduced a volunteer reward plan. This plan helps ensure that volunteering is worthwhile and purposeful.
We are planning to introduce NVQ frameworks as an option for those circle members who seek a qualification for their work with New Leaf Trust.