Western Suburbs Legal Service

Rights and responsibilites of volunteers

The Western Suburbs Legal Service is committed to ensuring that both the organisation and workers benefit from work undertaken at the Centre, whether the work is paid or not. In order to achieve this, we have the expectation that certain rights are delivered to workers as a matter of course, and that you will observe certain responsibilities in return.

Unpaid workers rights:

• To have information about legal service structure
• To have a job that is worthwhile and challenging
• To have the opportunity to develop both personal and work skills within your capacities and interests
• To ideally be reimbursed for travel and child care expenses
• To refuse to undertake tasks that are unsuitable or inappropriate if discussion and negotiation are unsuccessful
• To take a break as appropriate
• To receive appropriate training (initially, and on-going), support and supervision
• To have a job description
• To participate in decision-making structures
• To feel comfortable raising issues of conflict or disagreement and to have these dealt with
• To have access to information about the focus of the legal, and any changes to the organisation which may affect you
• To have clarity about the role of paid staff
• To understand the lines of accountability
• To be given work references which document skills and responsibilities undertaken at the legal service
• To be given a legal service unpaid workers orientation package
• To regularly receive constructive feedback
• To be trusted with confidential information if it is necessary in order to carry out your job
• To be covered by insurance
• To be involved in the direction and management of the legal service by coming onto the Management Committee or attending meetings.

Unpaid Workers Responsibilities:

• To commit yourself to the project and its' requirements
• To be reliable and give at least 24 hours notification to the appropriate person when non-attendance is unavoidable - unpaid workers should attempt to find suitable replacement first, if appropriate
• To use time thoughtfully and constructively and not interfere with others' time
• To share skills and information
• To ask for help when needed
• To attend unpaid workers meeting and participate actively
• To sign a confidentiality agreement
• To remain non-judgemental and refrain from imposing your views and standards on others
• To clear all documents leaving the agency with another staff member
• To attend management committee meetings at least twice yearly - more frequent attendance is welcome
• To undertake training - initially and on-going
• To respect the management, other staff and clients of the legal service