STUDENTS' UNION AT BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY

DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR VOLUNTEERS

INTRODUCTION

The disciplinary procedure may be invoked by the Volunteer Support Office where improvement is sought in an individual’s performance or conduct during volunteering activity.  In addition, there are some rules which exist for the safety and protection of all individuals and must not be broken.  Breach of these rules will mean disciplinary action which could result in dismissal from the volunteering opportunity.

The main purpose of the disciplinary procedure is to encourage improvement in those areas where a volunteer is not reaching the standards expected by the Volunteer Support Office.

Except for instances of gross misconduct, dismissal from the volunteering opportunity will not be the first step.

At any stage of the disciplinary procedure a volunteer is entitled to be accompanied by another individual.

PROCEDURE

STAGE ONE:         Where performance or conduct is not reaching the levels required by the Volunteer Support Office, the individual will be spoken to about the shortfall, an explanation requested, and ways in which the problem area(s) may be corrected will be suggested.  The volunteer will be told that this is a formal verbal warning and a note detailing the facts of the case together with the exact text of the oral warning will be placed on record in the volunteer's personnel file.

STAGE TWO:        If no improvement is forthcoming, the Volunteer Support Office representative will then speak to the volunteer again asking for an explanation and give him/her a letter confirming the discussion and stating the consequences which might result from failure to improve.  It will be indicated that this is a first written warning.  Again the emphasis is on improvement and a copy will be put in the volunteer’s personnel file.

STAGE THREE:       If there is still no improvement, or the conduct is deemed to be of such a serious nature, the Volunteer Support Office representative will speak to the volunteer once more asking for an explanation and issuing a second and final written warning which will be placed on the volunteer's personnel file. 

This will indicate that unless improvement is forthcoming the Volunteer Support Office will take steps to dismiss the individual from the volunteer opportunity.

STAGE FOUR:        If there has been no significant and sustained improvement, the volunteer will be asked for a final explanation. If the explanation/investigation is unsatisfactory, dismissal from the volunteer opportunity will result. This will be the responsibility of the Volunteer Support Office. The volunteer will be notified in writing of dismissal and the reasons for dismissal.  A copy of the letter will be placed in the volunteer's personnel file.

Right to Appeal

Any appeal against the disciplinary action taken at any stage, must be made to the Volunteer Support Office in writing within five working days.

Warning Time Limitations

 All warnings will be valid for a period of twelve months pending improved performance.

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