MerryGoRound Volunteering Policy

1. Introduction

MerryGoRound is a community charity based in Islington that collects and gifts free pre-loved children’s clothes, shoes and books to local families experiencing hardship. We are run solely by volunteers and are grateful for the time, skills and commitment they bring to help us achieve our mission. 

This Volunteer Policy explains the standards and expectations for volunteering with MerryGoRound, and signposts you to further details on our private volunteer site.

For full volunteer role descriptions, health & safety guidance, safeguarding procedures, induction materials and operational details, volunteers will be given access to our private Volunteer Hub at: https://sites.google.com/view/mgr-volunteer-info

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Set out why volunteers are essential to MerryGoRound.

  • Describe the principles that govern volunteering.

  • Clarify roles, rights and responsibilities for volunteers and the charity.

  • Ensure all volunteers know where to find more detailed procedures and support.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all people who volunteer with MerryGoRound in any capacity, whether sorting donations, preparing bundles, delivering items, helping at events, offering specialist skills, or supporting online and administrative tasks. 

4. Our Commitment to Volunteers

We will:

  • Provide a welcoming, supportive and respectful environment.

  • Offer appropriate information, training and supervision.

  • Ensure that volunteers are aware of any health & safety risks and how to minimise them.

  • Respect the dignity, diversity and rights of volunteers and the families we serve.

  • Recognise and value volunteers’ contributions.

5. Volunteer Roles and Recruitment

Volunteers may assist in roles such as:

  • Sorting and quality-checking donated clothes, shoes and books.

  • Preparing bundles for distribution.

  • Delivering items to referrers or partners.

  • Helping from home with sorting or minor mending.

  • Offering specialist skills (e.g., social media, graphic design, writing funding applications).

All volunteers are asked to complete a volunteer registration form, and where necessary, relevant checks (e.g., DBS) as appropriate for the role. Detailed role descriptions and expectations are available on the Volunteer Hub.

6. Volunteering Principles

Volunteers are expected to:

  • Act in the best interests of MerryGoRound and the families we support.

  • Follow our safeguarding and health & safety guidelines.

  • Work collaboratively and treat others with respect and kindness.

  • Notify one of the trustees if you need support.

Volunteers are not employees and should not undertake activities outside the scope of their agreed role without prior discussion with the trustees.

7. Health & Safety and Safeguarding

MerryGoRound is committed to creating a safe environment for all volunteers, partners and service users.

  • Volunteers must follow all health and safety procedures, including manual handling and hygiene practices.

  • Any concerns about safety or safeguarding must be raised promptly with safeguarding co-ordinator.

Full procedures including safeguarding contacts are in the Volunteer Hub.

8. Support and Supervision

Volunteers will have access to a named contact within MerryGoRound who can provide support, answer questions and help with any issues that arise. Regular updates will be shared via WhatsApp and, where appropriate, on the Volunteer Hub.

9. Recognition

We acknowledge and value the vital contribution of volunteers. We will celebrate volunteers’ efforts through informal thank-yous, shout-outs and periodic volunteer events.

10. Data Protection and Privacy

MerryGoRound will handle volunteer information in line with our Data Protection Policy. Personal data will be stored securely and only used for purposes related to volunteering unless consent is given for other communication.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, organisational practice, or volunteer needs.

Where to Find More Information

For detailed guidance on:

  • Specific volunteer role descriptions

  • Induction and training materials

  • Safeguarding procedures

  • Health & Safety guidance

  • Reporting concerns

👉 See the Volunteer Hub: https://sites.google.com/view/mgr-volunteer-info

Date: December 2025

Review Date: December 2026