Volunteering

Our vision is to bring people closer to nature, with land rich in wildlife. Our mission is a society where nature matters, where everyone has a strong and personal connection with wildlife and wild places.

However, we recognise the conservation sector is one of the least diverse in the UK and we know that not everyone has equal access to nature. This is why we need to reflect, learn and change our approach in the way we work so that we can engage and inspire people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities to take action for wildlife, to protect it and engage in nature’s recovery.

We are committed to making positive steps to bridge the gap of inequity in the sector, which is why we are addressing and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all that we do. We want to better understand the barriers that face underrepresented communities in accessing nature, and work in partnership to create an inclusive landscape that reflects all walks of life. Nature is for everyone. 

We will...

• Not tolerate any form of abuse or neglect within The Wildlife Trusts.
• Take all reasonable steps to protect children, young people and adults at risk who visit our sites, take part in our activities or engage with us online.
• Give equal priority to keeping all children, young people and adults at risk safe from harm, regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, beliefs, sex, or sexual orientation.
• Provide our staff, volunteers and trustees with the knowledge and tools to guide them in protecting children, young people and adults at risk from abuse and neglect.

We will achieve this by...

• Supporting staff and volunteers by establishing a clear policy and procedural framework, transparent reporting and by promoting a culture of learning throughout the movement.
• Encouraging staff and volunteers to discuss any concerns immediately or as soon as practically possible with their line manager/supervisor or designated safeguarding lead.
• Recruiting our staff and volunteers safely by following the principles of safer recruitment guidance.
• Recording and storing information safely and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation.
• Recognising the position of trust in which staff, trustees and volunteers are regularly placed and use our procedures and work with our local authorities to manage any allegations against them appropriately.
• Establishing online safety guidelines to keep everyone interacting online with The Wildlife Trusts as safe as possible.
• Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for children, young people, adults at risk, staff and volunteers, by adhering to health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
• Working in partnership with the statutory agencies responsible for the Safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk.
• Ensuring that any third-party individual or organisation involved in delivering activities on behalf of The Wildlife Trusts has appropriate safeguarding arrangements, experience, qualifications and insurance.