Volunteer Centre Newcastle is a partner in the Newcastle Compact. The compact refers to the relationship between the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and a range of public sector partners.
The compact underpins our shared vision and values of volunteering:
Volunteering: Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy for the benefit of society and the community and can take many forms. It is undertaken freely and by choice without concern for financial gain.
Choice: We believe people must be free to choose to volunteer.
Diversity: We believe volunteering should be open to all, across different backgrounds, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, faith or other factors. However, some projects may not be suitable for particular groups of people as volunteers; this can be discussed with the volunteer.
Mutual Respect: We believe volunteers should expect to gain something in return for giving their time, energy and skills. This could include a sense of worthwhile achievement, useful skills, experience and contacts, sociability and fun or inclusion in the life of the organisation.
Recognition: We recognise volunteers’ contribution to the health and wellbeing of the community, public sector organisations, the social economy and to wider social objectives. We recognise volunteering has costs which impact upon the resources and capacity of volunteer involving organisations. We recognise volunteers should not be used as replacements for paid employees.
You can read the Newcastle Compact: The Newcastle Compact | Newcastle City Council\