Volunteers will be given as much advice/training as possible to prepare them for their role. Most details are fully explained in the Four Marks Care Volunteers booklet. Most of our members will have gained many years’ experience in industry, commerce and raising families! We must all adhere to the guiding principles set out by Good Neighbours Network, which is a condition of the insurance cover demanded of Registered Charities such as Four Marks Care. Volunteers will have signed their agreement to FMC conditions which are included here.
The following Q&A is provided for potential volunteers to help answer questions, rather than as guidance for existing members.
How many journeys will I be asked to undertake in a week?
We try to limit requests to one a week/driver; that is not always possible but you are under no pressure to do more than you wish.
Will I be expected to lift wheelchairs or help clients who have mobility problems?
Only drivers who have agreed they can deal with wheelchairs and have space in their boot to accommodate them will be asked to undertake such journeys. Lifting techniques are very important to avoid causing injury to volunteers and no-one is expected to undertake such tasks when a guiding hand or a steadying arm can otherwise be provided; you must not attempt to lift anyone and it’s important that you understand our insurance doesn’t cover you to do so.
What if a client becomes ill en route?
Do as you normally would if a friend or member of your family was affected; stop safely, then act accordingly using your best judgment. More serious situations are dealt with in your FMC Volunteer booklet, if in doubt of course you should call 999.
What if a client asks me to undertake tasks not originally included?
It depends what is asked; you will be best placed to judge but: a) do not agree to undertake journeys – everything must be booked through the Coordinator; b) do not do anything that you are not fully insured to do; c) do not get involved with a client’s property or money. However, if you were asked to stop off at the Chemist and/or pick up their prescription on the way home, or a shop nearby then there is no reason not to do so if it is acceptable to you. Do nothing that puts the client or yourself at risk.
How are parking restrictions affected when carrying disabled passengers?
Special circumstances apply but they can differ by town and car park. Make sure you know in advance the parking arrangements at your destination. If necessary talk in detail with the Coordinator ensuring you observe the parking regulations and display the Blue Badge with the clock section correctly set at the time of parking. The Blue Badge is a great asset but it’s not a permit for unlimited parking anywhere!
How much can I reclaim for my travel costs, how do I reclaim, when and how quickly will I be repaid?
Currently we reimburse drivers 45p/mile for the distance from Oaks Green (centre of Four Marks) to the clients’, on to their destination, back then to the clients home and then to the driver’s home. The rate we pay is the maximum allowable by HMRC, any higher would make the whole amount liable to income tax. If you have questions about expenses you can email or call our Cashier who will be pleased to help. It’s important that everyone submits expenses on time to our Cashier who can then deal with them promptly.
Do you require receipts for expenses?
These don’t usually occur as the client is responsible for any extra costs such as a hospital car park charges. Original receipts for any other ‘out of pocket’ expenses should be attached to your expenses claim.
If I receive a parking fine when undertaking voluntary work will Four Marks Care pay for this?
No, the responsibility is on the driver to park carefully observing regulations as normal in the same way as observing all driving regulations; Fines received while on FMC duties are your own responsibility; however, if there are particularly extenuating circumstances we will consider them carefully.
How will I be updated with changes in policies and procedures?
We will try to encourage regular informal meetings of volunteers as well as social events. Other information will be communicated as and when required by email or letter and will be updated on the website.
How will my age affect my volunteering for FMC?
There is no upper age limit for volunteers, however from 70 years of age we ask drivers to agree to a three yearly review of their suitability by their Doctor. In addition we ask drivers from the age of 75 to take Hampshire’s Older Drivers Assessment. The cost of this is paid for by FMC as is any charge made by your Doctor. The Older Driver’s Assessment is not a ‘pass or fail test’; it is something done informally at your convenience and from your own home. Those who have undergone this in the past have felt it very beneficial to themselves and their own passengers.
Do I need references to apply to be a volunteer ?
Yes, we ask for the names and addresses of two independent referees to whom we can write.
I have heard about something called the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS – formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau) check before undertaking voluntary work, is that essential?
The DBS check is a standard requirement for anyone undertaking voluntary work with vulnerable persons. It’s nothing to worry about unless your personal history suggests you might pose a threat to our clients. It identifies anyone with a criminal record but of course the results are treated in total confidence and are reported only to our DBS Checker. A conviction in the dim and distant past certainly does not mean you cannot help us.
If I have a criminal record of any sort will that affect me from applying for voluntary work?
No, see above.