How do we ensure that volunteers and employees feel safe and heard within organizations? This year, the Wassenaar Volunteer Center started a Social Safety pilot with the Confidential Contact Person (VCP) as part. This pilot was started in close collaboration with Fit in Wassenaar. We are committed to a socially safe environment within volunteer work.
Organizations that work with volunteers have an important responsibility to ensure social safety. According to theWorking Conditions Act and the Management and Supervision of Legal Entities Act (WBTR)Organizations are obliged to implement a policy against undesirable behavior – such as bullying, discrimination, sexual intimidation or abuse of power. A confidential contact person from the VCW is an accessible point of contact where volunteers can go with concerns or reports. At the VCW, Suzan van der Goes is the point of contact as confidential contact person and Ida Spelt has been appointed confidential counselor. The VCP has already helped several social organizations to draw up clear rules of conduct to ensure social safety. Suzan van der Goes and Ida Spelt have also given various workshops and organized meetings with Fit in Wassenaar with the theme of social safety.
In the coming months:
- We share practical tools and information material with local organizations.
- We are organizing a meeting on October 28 about Social Safety
The Volunteer Center Wassenaar, in collaboration with Fit in Wassenaar, offers local social organizations:
- Access to independent confidential contact person Suzan van der Goes and confidential counselor Ida Spelt.
- Advice and support in setting up your own policy regarding social safety.
- Information meetings and training.
As an organization, would you like to know more about social safety or join the pilot or follow-up processes? Please feel free to contact us:
📧 suzan@volunteercentralewassenaar.nl
📞 06 43 11 26 15
🌐go to the knowledge base at www.volunteercentralewassenaar.nl
Together we make volunteer work in Wassenaar safe, inclusive and future-proof!
Important aspects of social safety for volunteers
Clear rules of conduct
Provide a code of conduct that describes desired and undesirable behavior.
Communicate these rules clearly and make them accessible to everyone.
Open and secure communication
Create an atmosphere where volunteers feel free to share problems or concerns.
Designate a confidential contact person whom volunteers can contact.
Prevention of undesirable behavior
Provide training on social safety and inappropriate behavior.
Encourage an inclusive culture that focuses on respect and collaboration.
Reporting procedures and follow-up
Offer an accessible way to report abuses.
Take reports seriously and ensure transparent follow-up.
Physical and emotional safety
Ensure a safe working environment, for example through social control and supervision.
Pay attention to mental well-being and recognize the efforts of volunteers.
