Volunteer Management Policy

How we support and manage the people who give their time.

Entity: School Of Fish

Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

Date of Review: 01/01/2026

Next Review Date: 01/01/2027

1. Introduction

School Of Fish highly values the contribution of volunteers. Whether assisting on the bankside, helping with equipment maintenance, or supporting our administrative tasks, volunteers help us deliver high-quality angling education to children and adults.

This policy sets out the principles and framework for how we support and manage volunteers. It ensures that volunteers are treated fairly, understand their role, and are recognised for their contribution.

2. Definition and Status

• Voluntary Nature: Volunteering with School Of Fish is a gift of time. It is not a contract of employment.
• No Obligation: The arrangement is binding in honour. School Of Fish is under no obligation to offer tasks, and the volunteer is under no obligation to accept them.
• Flexibility: You are free to withdraw your help at any time, though we appreciate as much notice as possible to ensure session coverage. Once accepted, you are responsible for the tasks volunteered upon.

3. Recruitment and Screening

Because we work with children and vulnerable adults, we apply a rigorous screening process to all volunteers.

• Application: Volunteers must complete a simple registration form outlining their skills and availability.
• Informal Interview: A chat with the Owner or Lead Coach to discuss the role and suitability.
• References: We require two character references.
• DBS Checks: All volunteers who have regular contact with children (for example, Bankside Assistants) will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check. This is non-negotiable for safeguarding purposes.

4. Induction and Training

We do not expect volunteers to know everything immediately. We will provide:

• Induction: An overview of School Of Fish, including our Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Biosecurity policies.
• Role Specific Training: Guidance on how to safely assist children with casting, unhooking fish, or setting up equipment.
• Supervision: All volunteers will have a named supervisor (usually the Lead Coach) for every session.

5. Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Typical volunteer tasks

• Bank Runners: Walking the bank to assist Junior Anglers with tangles or baiting up.
• Netting Assistance: Helping land fish safely.
• Logistics: Helping unload vans and set up pegs (fishing spots).
• Photography: Taking photos for social media, only when asked to by the lead coach and following the consent rules in our Safeguarding Policy.

Volunteers must not

• Be left alone in sole charge of a group of children, unless they are fully qualified Lead Angling Coaches with explicit permission.
• Transport children in their private vehicles.
• Administer First Aid, unless they hold a valid certificate and are authorised to do so.

6. Expenses

We want to ensure that volunteering does not cost you money. To strictly maintain volunteer status (and not employee status), we reimburse actual out-of-pocket expenses only. We do not pay flat rates or pocket money.

• Subsistence: Reasonable costs for lunch may be claimed if volunteering for a full day (over 4 hours), provided a receipt is produced.
• Process: All claims must be submitted on an Expense Claim Form with attached receipts within 30 days.

7. Health, Safety, and Insurance

• Insurance: School Of Fish holds Public Liability insurance, which covers volunteers, and Employer's Liability insurance as required for its employees.
• Duty of Care: Volunteers must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
• PPE: Volunteers must wear appropriate footwear and eye protection (glasses or sunglasses) while fishing is in progress. School Of Fish will provide high-visibility vests or branded clothing if required.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

In the course of your volunteering, you may have access to confidential information (for example, a child's medical condition or a parent's contact details).

• You must not share this information with anyone outside the organisation.
• You must only photograph children when asked to by the lead coach, and only under the parental consent and handling rules set out in our Safeguarding Policy.
• Any breach of confidentiality is considered a serious matter and may result in the termination of the volunteer arrangement.

9. Resolving Problems

We want your experience to be positive.

• A safeguarding concern: If you are worried about the welfare or safety of a child or adult at risk, contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead at safeguarding@schooloffish.co.uk without delay. Don't wait to raise it informally. See our Safeguarding Policy.
• If you have a concern: Please raise it informally with your supervisor or the Owner. We will take it seriously and try to resolve it.
• If we have a concern: If your behaviour is not meeting our standards (reliability issues, safety breaches), we will have an informal chat with you.
• Ending the arrangement: If a resolution cannot be found, or in cases of serious misconduct (theft, safeguarding breaches), School Of Fish reserves the right to end the volunteer arrangement immediately.

10. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Volunteers are expected to adhere to our Equality & Diversity Policy. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the bankside.

11. Safeguarding Referrals

Where a volunteer is removed from a role involving children or adults at risk because they have caused harm, or because they pose a risk of harm, School Of Fish has a legal duty under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 to refer them to the Disclosure and Barring Service. This duty applies to unpaid volunteers in exactly the same way as to paid staff, applies where a volunteer resigns before a decision is reached, and overrides any obligation of confidentiality owed to the volunteer.

Volunteers report any safeguarding concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately, following the Safeguarding Policy. A volunteer who feels unable to raise a concern internally may use the escalation routes set out in that policy.

Questions About Volunteering?

Get in touch and we'll be happy to talk it through.

info@schooloffish.co.uk