Safe volunteering

Safe volunteering

Research has shown that asking volunteers for a Certificate of Good Conduct contributes to safety within a volunteer organization. With such a statement, the volunteer demonstrates that he has not done anything in the past that stands in the way of volunteering. By applying for VOGs, the subject of transgressive behavior can be discussed and you also give a signal that you are working on safe volunteer work. This is a step towards a safe climate within your organization.

Statement of Conduct

It is important that organizations where volunteers are active who work with vulnerable people, pay sufficient attention to the risks of transgressive behavior by volunteers. To limit these risks, an organization must have an active and thorough prevention and integrity policy. Part of this policy may be the ambition to ask volunteers to submit a VOG. Other components can be, for example, the appointment of a confidential adviser or the drafting of rules of conduct. To be eligible for the new regulation, an organization must explain its integrity policy in a policy plan or include a link to its website where the plan has been elaborated.

Volunteers can request a free VOG if their organization has registered for this scheme.

On the website gratisvog.nl you will find the conditions that must be met. You will also find more information there.

training 'social safety adviser'
The municipality of Veldhoven, together with Cordaad Welzijn Vrijwilligerscentrale, has developed measures aimed at preventing (sexually) transgressive behavior in voluntary work. One of the preventive measures for volunteer organizations is to train a volunteer to shape social safety. The task of these 'social safety advisers' is to advise the board and to contribute to the introduction of preventive measures in the organisation. This volunteer is also trained to act in the event of incidents so that they can be referred to the right aid organizations and that good reception is realised.

The free training consists of 3 evenings. The training can, of course, if there is sufficient interest, be coordinated in mutual consultation. If you are interested, please contact Marjon Middel-van de Laar via e-mail address marjonmiddel@cordaadwelzijn.nl

Websites
www.nov.nl (Association of Dutch Volunteering Organizations)
www.inveiligehanden.nl
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