1. Purpose & scope
This Policy sets out how volunteering is organised across the HEADTURNED Foundation, including roles linked to the Sanctuary, conservation and rewilding work, Vertical Farming, the Innovation Hub, events, education, media and community activity.
It applies to anyone volunteering their time for the Foundation, whether on a regular basis, for a defined project, or as part of a one-off event or campaign.
2. Principles for volunteering
Our volunteering offer is underpinned by the following principles:
- Mutual benefit – volunteers contribute to meaningful work and gain skills, insight and experience in return.
- Respect & inclusion – volunteers are treated fairly and with dignity, with no tolerance for discrimination or harassment.
- Safety & welfare – animal welfare, human safety and ecological integrity come first.
- Transparency – roles, expectations and boundaries are clear from the outset.
3. Volunteer roles & activities
Volunteer roles vary depending on the needs of the Foundation and the skills of volunteers. They may include, for example:
- practical support around sanctuary environments and habitat care;
- assisting with visitor experience and education activities;
- supporting events, workshops or outreach programmes;
- helping with surveys, monitoring or simple data collection tasks;
- providing professional skills (e.g. design, comms, technical advice) where appropriate.
Role descriptions outline key tasks, required skills, time commitments and any limitations or restrictions.
4. Recruitment, selection & fair access
Volunteering opportunities are advertised as clearly as possible, with information about who the opportunity is suitable for, any requirements, and how to apply or express interest.
Where demand exceeds capacity, we may prioritise applicants based on factors such as:
- local connection to the site or community;
- alignment of skills and interests with the role;
- how under-represented the applicant’s background is in the relevant sector;
- availability to support critical activities or times of year.
Selection decisions are made in line with our Fair Access & Inclusion Policy.
5. Status of volunteers
Volunteers give their time freely and are not employees of the Foundation. This means:
- volunteer roles are unpaid;
- there is no contractual entitlement to hours, wages or employee benefits;
- either the volunteer or the Foundation may choose to end the volunteering arrangement at any time.
Where possible and appropriate, we may reimburse agreed out-of-pocket expenses (for example, travel) in line with our internal guidance and available funding.
6. Induction, training & supervision
All volunteers receive an appropriate induction, which may include:
- an introduction to the Foundation and its mission;
- key policies, including safeguarding and health & safety;
- role-specific training and demonstrations;
- guidance on who to speak to with questions or concerns.
Volunteers are provided with a named supervisor or key contact responsible for day-to-day support and feedback.
7. Safeguarding, health & safety
Safeguarding and safety obligations apply equally to volunteers, staff, visitors and participants. Depending on the role and setting, this may include:
- risk assessments and control measures for activities;
- required training before undertaking higher-risk tasks;
- clear instructions on safe conduct around animals, equipment or habitats;
- background checks where roles involve regulated activity with children or adults at risk.
Volunteers are expected to follow all relevant procedures and to report concerns promptly to staff.
8. Skills development & progression
Volunteering should support genuine skills growth and confidence-building. Where appropriate, we may:
- provide structured feedback or informal reviews;
- offer training sessions or learning resources linked to the role;
- help volunteers reflect on transferable skills gained;
- signpost volunteers to further learning, apprenticeships or career pathways connected to their interests.
9. Conduct, boundaries & problem resolution
Volunteers are expected to follow the same standards of conduct as staff in relation to respect, confidentiality, social media, and behaviour on site. Concerns may be addressed through:
- informal conversations and guidance;
- changes to duties or schedules where appropriate;
- ending a volunteering relationship where behaviour risks safety, welfare or the Foundation’s reputation.
Volunteers can also raise concerns or feedback, including through the Complaints & Feedback Policy.
10. Data & privacy
Personal information collected from volunteers is used only for purposes needed to manage their volunteering safely and effectively—for example, contact details, emergency contacts, relevant health or access information, and role records.
Data is handled securely and in line with our Privacy Notice.