How to start volunteering

The initial sign up for the programme is simple -  we just need you to click on the Sign Up Here button above and fill in your details which will give us a bit more information about you and what you feel you could/want to contribute to RQA via the Volunteer Programme. 

Once you’re registered as a volunteer by completing the form, you need to be aware of the different types of volunteering opportunities that are available (shown below). Each volunteering activity entails a timescale to complete or fulfil the task, project or role, from a few minutes on a task to many days per year as Chair of the Board. Please read through this overview of the types of opportunities and what each entails.

Podcasts

Product description:                                                  
Short audio file containing verbal broadcast

Webcasts

Product description:                                                  
Short video file containing visual 

Webinars

Product description: 
Live video broadcast

White papers

Product description:                                                  
Concise descriptive report on a complex issue

Quasar Articles

Product description:                                                  
An article/cast study on a topic of interest to the RQA membership.

Booklets

Product description:                                                  
Publication covering a scientific or technical topic

eLearning modules

Product description:                                                  
Short topical visual/verbal production

Training course tutoring

Product description:                                                  
Face-to face or virtual learning programme

Partnership

RQA recognises and fully appreciates that Volunteers are giving up their free time to support RQA activities.  Simply, the RQA would not exist without the knowledge and commitment of its active Volunteers. However, for the relationship between RQA and Volunteers to be effective, there are obligations on both sides that should be observed.  This is not a legally binding agreement- this is to aid the understanding, and build the partnership, between Volunteers and RQA.

It is valuable for RQA Volunteers to appreciate what they can expect from RQA and,likewise,what RQA can expect of Volunteers.

Volunteers can expect RQA to:

• Provide each Volunteer with a main point of contact so they know who to get in touch with for queries, comments,etc.
• Provide a clear role profile explaining what the Volunteer will be doing and why.
• Provide appropriate resources and support for Volunteering activities.
• Ensure that Volunteer opportunities are open to all RQA members.
• Consult with Volunteers and keep them informed of changes to Volunteering activities.
• Update Volunteers on how their activities are making a difference.

RQA expects Volunteers to:

• Be reliable and responsible for the work that they undertake.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with other volunteers, RQA staff and members.
• Adhere to RQA policies, decisions and procedures, including confidentiality.
• Update RQA regarding activities that they undertake.

Role profile

All Volunteer positions have a profile which describes the details of the Volunteer's responsibilities and requirements to ensure clarity regarding the tasks,projects and roles being undertaken.

Keeping in touch

The Volunteering section of the RQA website holds all the information relevant to the RQA Volunteer Programme. RQA posts updates on the website to keep Volunteers and members informed of the latest tasks and projects; we're always looking for updates- please get in touch if there's anything we need to know.

Confidentiality and data protection

RQA holds volunteer details and records to document the contribution made by volunteers. RQA is registered under Data Protection legislation and we will not pass on any information to third parties. We understand that individual's details change; it is important that Volunteers update their RQA profile with any new information.

Equal opportunities

RQA operates an equal opportunities policy in respect of both paid staff and volunteers. All volunteers will be treated equally with respect to opportunities to volunteer, or the type of work allocated to them.

Concerns

We hope that Volunteers will not encounter any issues while  volunteering with RQA. However, Volunteers have the right to discuss any concerns they may have with their contact at any time. If for any reason, a Volunteer has a concern that cannot be discussed with their contact they should alert the RQA office.

Feedback

Volunteers know better than anyone about volunteering with RQA- their feedback is vital. If at any point a Volunteer feels that their volunteering experience could have been better,please get in touch with the RQA office.  RQA relies on Volunteer feedback to improve our processes and actions.

RQA also occasionally distributes feedback questionnaires; we really appreciate the responses from our active Volunteers. We are also always keen to hear about the individual experiences from RQA Volunteers, feel free to share any stories.

Moving on

RQA understands that there are many reasons and situations which may result in members no longer being able to continue volunteering. Volunteers should let the RQA office know as soon as possible if they're unable to continue Volunteering.

On the basis of their voluntary work, volunteers who have volunteered for more than 40 hours have the right to request a reference.

Further help and support 

If Volunteers can't find the answer to their particular query, please email us volunteering@therqa.com to discuss anything further. Thanks again for joining the RQA Volunteer Programme.