Dorset Opportunities Programme FAQ's
Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If your question does not appear here or you cannot find the answer you want please do not hesitate to contact us using the details provided.
| Question | Answer |
How do we become a partner in the programme? | To become involved in the programme you will need to be able to offer volunteer placements for a minimum of 1 week and up to a maximum of 6 months. Please note that there is no obligation to employee volunteers at the end of each placement. For more information on becoming involved in the Programme please contact Eleanor Hayne Partnership Development Officer e.hayne@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
How long do the placements need to last? | Placements can last anything from one week to a maximum of six months (placements can last longer than six months but should be reviewed every six months) The frequency of the placement is up to you as well, it can be anything from 1 hour per week to full time, this however should be clearly outlined in the role description that you submit for the placement. |
What is the V Card? | The V Card is an innovative points based reward scheme that has been developed by the Opportunities Programme team. For every hour volunteers give to a project or a role within an organisation they are given a set amount of points, this is then added to an overall balance and they can exchange these for training opportunities or lifestyle opportunities, which are all provided at no cost to you. |
How do we fill our placements? | For each placement that you have you will need to complete a role description form (with the DOP teams help) which will then be submitted to Job Centre Plus and or the Volunteer Centre where people will be referred to the placement and then invited by you for a "meet and greet" interview and then you select the person you feel is most suited to the placement. |
What kind of work can they do? | The volunteers can undertake any form of work so long as it does not fill an existing recruitment gap and any specialist training required is discussed with Ruth Hedger the V Card Programme Officer (r.hedger@dorsetcc.gov.uk) prior to submitting the post to the Job Centre - any training that is required can be paid for from the volunteers individual training budget. |
What do we do about CRB checks? | We have a dedicated member of the team available to process your CRB checks, and as the placements are voluntary the checks will be free of charge. |
What do we do if the placement doesn't workout? | Placements can be terminated by either party at any time. As the placements are voluntary no notice period is required, however as outlined in your contract we do ask that at least one weeks notice is given, except for cases of negligence and gross misconduct. |
Can we fill a placement again once the previous person has left, or does it have to be a new placement each time? | Placements can be recycled and filled as many times as you can accommodate. |
What happens if we can't fill all of our placements? | If you cannot find suitable candidates or don't feel able to accommodate any more placements please let us know and we can reallocate your surplus placements. |
How do we get more placements? | If you feel that you would like more placements please contact Eleanor Hayne Partnership Development Officer and she will be able to allocate places to you. |
How do we apply for the discretionary grants? | For more information on discretionary grants please contact Susan Shield Community Programme Development Officer s.shield@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
What qualifies as a community project? | For more information on what qualifies as a community project please contact Susan Shield Community Programme Development Officer s.shield@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
What do you class as a community? | For more information on what the Dorset Opportunities Programme classes as a community project please contact Susan Shield Community Programme Development Officer s.shield@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
What training is available? | We have a wide variety of training available covering all subject areas, from literacy and numeracy qualifications to NVQ's. For more information on this please contact Ruth Hedger V Card Programme Officer r.hedger@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
What non training incentives area available for volunteers who have signed up for the V card? | We have numerous non training based incentives available for those who do not wish to undertake a training programme. These range from supermarket vouchers to tickets to local festivals and attractions, for more information please contact Ruth Hedger V Card Programme Officer r.hedger@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
Who do I contact for information on the Partnership? | For Information on the partnership please contact Eleanor Hayne Partnership Development Officer e.hayne@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
Who do I contact for Information on the V Card? | For information on the V Card please contact Ruth Hedger V Card Programme Officer r.hedger@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
Who do I contact for information on the Community Projects? | For information on the Community Projects please contact Susan Shield Community Programme Development Officer. s.shield@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
Do you have to be on benefits to apply? | Anyone aged between 18 and 65 can apply to be part of the Dorset Opportunities Programme and the V card. It does not matter whether they are unemployed or whether they are looking for a task to develop there skills and fill some free time. |
How can I apply? | To apply for any of the positions that are offered by the Dorset Opportunities Programme speak to your Job Centre advisor. Alternatively you can contact us directly on 01305 225513 or dorsetopportunities@dorsetcc.gov.uk |
Can a volunteer have multiple placements? | Yes any one volunteer can have multiple placements within your organisation or with different organisations. If they choose to sign up to the V card they will only receive one card regardless of how many placements they may have. |
If a volunteer finds employment, can they still volunteer with us and be on the V card? | Yes - finding employment will not affect the volunteers right to hold a V card, just the speed in which they accrue their points!!! |
| Can we start placements before a CRB check has been returned? | Yes you can, however we recommend that the person in the placement be supervised closely until the CRB check has been returned. |
| What do we do if the CRB check comes back positive? | The decision is entirely yours. Depending on the crime and the risk you feel it could pose to your service users should determine whether the placement is terminated or not. If you do decide to carry a placement on where a CRB has come back positive then we would recommend closer supervision of the individual. |
-
Name: Dorset Opportunities Programme
Email: dorsetopportunities@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225513
Full details for Dorset Opportunities Programme
on your device. The sole purpose of this small file is to remember your location the next time you visit Dorsetforyou.com so you won't need to enter it every time you visit. 
