Policies and procedures
Policies and procedures are important to any organisation; they explain the processes and boundaries in which you must work. Without them funders are unlikely to make a grant to your organisation.
We have developed sample policies which you may download and adapt to fit your organisation. For further help and advice visit our volunteering page to find a list of useful websites.
These samples may not be perfect for your schools needs, but they are the building blocks on which you can build. Most documents are in Word format so that you can adapt them to your needs. You will need to be logged in to download all the files on this page.
Safeguarding children
When working with children it is vital that all staff and volunteers are aware of your procedures on how you will keep the children in your care safe and what to do if concerns are raised. This should be covered in your safeguarding policy. A safeguarding statement helps to summarise the policy and links it to other policies which impact on safeguarding. There have been recent changes in the referral process and we are currently updating our sample Safeguarding Policy to reflect this; therefore it is unavailable at present.
Downloads
Sample safeguarding policy statement
Restrictive physical intervention policy
Equal Opportunities
There are many situations where discrimination may occur. This is unacceptable and in order for your school to state what will not be tolerated and what action you will take if it occurs, you will need an equal opportunities policy. There have been recent changes to the Equality Act, so we are currently updating our sample Equal Opportunities Policy to reflect this; therefore it is unavailable at present.
Downloads
Staff and volunteers
Staff and volunteers need to know the boundaries in which they must work and what your (the school) and their responsibility is. A staff and volunteers policy will clearly set out what is expected from both sides.
Downloads
Finances
With any organisation financial rules are required to state who is responsible and what procedures must be followed. However, if, for example, you do not have petty cash a simple statement in your financial rules would cover that aspect.
Downloads
Sample financial procedures (58kb)
Financial policy - CLASS (Coventry)
Health and safety
Health and safety should be paramount to your organisation. You have a duty to keep your staff, volunteers and children safe from harm.
Downloads
The Health and Safety Executive has numerous online resources: www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/index.htm
Off-site visits
Off-site visits to museums, fun parks etc will hold an element of risk. Procedures for off-site visits will clearly state the objective of the visit, a plan B in case problems arise and ensure the leader has thought all aspects of the visit through. This needs to be used in conjunction with a risk assessment.
Downloads
Data Sharing
Sharing information is vital for early intervention to ensure that children and young people get the services they require. Information sharing was a key component to the Every Child Matters strategy to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Downloads
Environmental policy
For information about joining the NRC, or help with logging in, please visit the membership pages.