About Volunteering for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is a registered charity established in 1976.  Our co-founders were Mr Jim Dennehy and the late Mrs Mary Dunlop.

Our main services are:

• The Guide Dog Programme
• The Assistance Dogs for Families of Children with Autism Programme
• The Child Mobility Programme
• Orientation and Mobility Training
• Independent Living Skills Training

All clients training, aftercare and supports are provided free of charge.  80% of our annual income is generated through fundraising and donations. 

Support for our volunteers is a major focus for the Board, Management and Staff.  Volunteers are central to our plans for the future.

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• Our Vision
• Our Mission
• Definition of a Volunteer
• Principles
• Volunteer Agreements and Voluntary Contribution Outlines

Our vision

A future where persons who are blind, vision impaired and disabled achieve independence and dignity through our world-class guide dog and ancillary services.

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Our mission

To provide the highest quality of services in partnership with our clients while valuing clients, volunteers and each other.

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Volunteers and staff working together are central to the success of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Our organisation is wholly dependent on the involvement of volunteers.  Volunteers bring vital skills, experience, diversity and character which is central to our organisational culture.

It is the responsibility of all staff to recognise and support the commitment of these special people who dedicate their experience, time, enthusiasm and knowledge to our organisation. In line with our mission we actively seek to promote, support and involve volunteers in all aspects of our work principally:

• The breeding, puppy walking, training and care of dogs;
  
• Fundraising , as a member of a branch/support group or as an individual;
  
• In the ongoing  work at our National Headquarters & Training  Centre e.g. office administration, communications, guided tours, school talks, etc;
  
• Specific projects e.g. web design, marketing, finance, business advice, policy development, advocacy, etc;
  
• Client support activities at our National Headquarters and Training Centre and in the community, e.g. recreational inputs for clients on class, free running of dogs for clients, dog boarding etc.

Definition of a Volunteer

A volunteer is an individual who freely assists Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in achieving its mission without receiving any compensation for their time or services offered. Volunteers may from time to time be asked to represent the organisation at particular events or activities. Volunteers are actively supported by the organisation through a set of policies and procedures and through the inputs of staff, management and members of the Board of Directors. 

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Principles

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will ensure that volunteers are fully integrated into the organisation and that structures are in place which encourage them to contribute their skills and knowledge; 

• Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind does not aim to introduce volunteers as replacements for staff.  Volunteers bring the practical assistance, vital skills and diversity which is essential to the ongoing success of the organisation;
  
• Staff at all levels are expected to work positively with volunteers and where appropriate, will actively seek to involve them in their work;
  
• Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and opportunities for personal development.  We will facilitate volunteers in meeting these needs along with providing necessary training for them to do their work effectively.  The organisation will ensure that volunteers are not (within reason) allocated responsibilities which are inconsistent with the above or which could be deemed undesirable or unsatisfying;
  
• Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is committed to ensuring that volunteers have a voice, and that their feedback and inputs are encouraged at all levels.

The policies and procedures relating to volunteer involvement in the organisation are subject to ongoing review.  The input of volunteers into this process is encouraged and is considered in the redrafting of policies and procedures;

• This policy is designed to provide guidance and support to volunteers, staff and members of the Board of Directors.  It does not constitute a contract between the organisation and its volunteers;
  
• The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring that the volunteer policy is implemented.  All staff are expected to facilitate the process as part of their work; 
  
• Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will seek to involve as volunteers all persons who express an interest in supporting our work; 
  
• We will endeavour to ensure that a suitable opportunity is made available.  If no practical opportunity can be developed then the details of the interested party will be kept on file for future consideration; 
  
• Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will not accept offers of volunteer support when we perceive a conflict of interest with the aims and objectives of the organisation.

Volunteer Agreements and Voluntary Contribution Outlines

Volunteers will be provided with a Volunteer Agreement establishing the supports which Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind undertakes to provide for them.  In addition they will receive a written outline of the specific work they will be undertaking.  Neither of these documents is a contract; Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind has no intention of creating a contract with volunteers but believes that an agreement should be in place which  helps provide a full appreciation of their work and the role that they are playing in the organisation .  Volunteers will receive a copy of our Volunteer Guidelines.

Volunteers are included in the organisation’s activities and processes whenever possible.  They will be provided, wherever appropriate with the physical workspace, necessary equipment and supplies in order to maximise their contribution.

Induction and Training

Volunteers will receive an induction into Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the department in which they will work.  They will receive appropriate training in order to support them in carrying out their role.  Whenever possible volunteers will be encouraged to undertake training in line with that being offered to staff.

Child Protection Policy

Irish Guide Dogs for The Blind is required to complete the Garda Vetting Process for all volunteers.
Volunteers will be given a copy of the IGDB Child Protection Policy  and code of behaviour.  Volunteers will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting Form and return to the Volunteer Coordinator with their Volunteer Application Form.

Support

Volunteers will have a named staff member as their main point of contact/support person. Volunteers will be provided with ongoing support and feedback, and will have ongoing opportunities to discuss their future development as well as raising any concerns relating to their work or involvement in the organisation.

Communication

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will actively communicate with volunteers and will include them in the circulation lists for the organisation’s publications and news updates. Management and staff are encouraged to actively communicate with volunteers and to utilise email, text messaging (SMS) etc. as tools to communicate with volunteers providing information on key activities and events.

Volunteer’s voice

Volunteers are encouraged to express their views on matters relating to the organisation.  Where practical and appropriate these inputs will be taken into consideration in the organisation’s decision making processes.

Insurance

Volunteers who are involved in work which has been agreed with or sanctioned by the organisation are covered by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind insurance policies.  In the event of doubt over certain activities or tasks it is advisable to check with your key contact person or other staff members.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety of our volunteers is of paramount importance.  Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Health and Safety policy applies to all volunteers. A copy of the policy is available from your key contact person. Volunteers are requested to ensure that at all times their work and activities on our behalf are carried out in accordance with Health and Safety policies and procedures.  In the event of doubt, volunteers are requested to seek advice from their support person.

Property

All materials supplied to volunteers e.g. fundraising materials, identification badges, dog supplies and accessories remain the property of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and must be returned to the organisation by volunteers when requested.

Equal Opportunities

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind operates an equal opportunities policy in respect of both volunteers and staff; a copy of this policy is included in the Volunteer Guidelines.

Acceptable Behaviours

Volunteers are requested to ensure that their behaviour is consistent with the values and policies as practiced by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Details of these policies are available upon request.

Problem Solving

We aim to identify and solve problems at the earliest possible stage.  Volunteers are encouraged to discuss concerns with their support worker or a member of the management team.  Volunteers who wish to make a complaint in relation to their involvement with the organisation are encouraged to do so using the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind complaints procedure. 

Confidentiality

Volunteers are bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as staff and must not disclose information relating to any matters which the organisation considers private and confidential, in particular information relating to clients and donors.  Volunteers working in particular roles may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Expenses

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind does not expect volunteers to bear any unnecessary expense as part of their commitment to the organisation.  When requested, we will reimburse volunteers for agreed out of pocket expenses incurred as part of their work and in line with the procedures relating to the payment of expenses.  Details of allowances and expenses are contained in the volunteer handbook and will be discussed with the volunteer as part of the induction process.

Review of Policies

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is committed to ongoing reviews of policies and procedures. The input of volunteers into the review process is actively encouraged.
 

An opportunity right for you 

Thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life volunteer with our organisation – from supporting us in the breeding and raising of our puppies right through to raising the finances to fund our extensive programme of services and supports to people who are blind and visually impaired and to families of children with autism. 

We have a variety of volunteering opportunities to offer you.  Whether you have a general desire to volunteer with us and want to learn new skills, or you have a specific set of skills which you feel could benefit our organisation, our aim is to provide you with an opportunity to be a part of what we do. 

When you decide to take up one or more of these roles, additional information, training, induction, resource packs and ongoing support are available from your key contact person in order to ensure that your time with us is as productive and enjoyable as possible.

Who are our Volunteers?

We welcome volunteers of all ages and from all parts of the country, we even have volunteer fundraisers in the United States.  We welcome people from all backgrounds including students on work placement,  young people participating in the Gaisce Awards Scheme, overseas students, retirees, senior citizens, those interested in dogs, those interested in working with people or those looking for a development opportunity.  Some of our volunteers bring particular skills which they want to share, others are open to trying any of the many roles available and developing their skills within a particular area. 

Our typical volunteer is:

• Committed to the vision of our organisation
• Flexible
• Personable
• Energetic and enthusiastic
• A good team player
• Dynamic and willing to take direction
  

To view our Volunteer Opportunities, click here