The Trust will:

(i)              Educate the community about horticultural practices, the nutritional value of garden produce and sustainable garden practices

(ii)            Actively engage with the local community for the beautification of the environment by encouraging collective gardening and decision making

(iii)          Promote waste minimisation and ecologically sustainable gardening practices

(iv)           Enhance cultural understanding by providing horticulture-centred community events and education

(v)            Promote health by distributing garden produce and educating the community about the nutritional value and health benefits

(vi)           Provide quality produce for distribution to the local community and those in need

(vii)         Provide horticulture-based training as part of a vocational and educational programme

(viii)       Provide horticulture-based therapy and social assistance as part of a commitment to community and social well being, and

(ix)           Providing other support and assistance consistent with the charitable purpose of the Trust.

Christchurch South Community Gardens Trust Deed Para 2

To achieve these objectives, the Trust welcomes volunteers of all ages, ethnicities, abilities and genders and will encourage volunteers to utilise and develop whatever skills and knowledge they bring with them.  Volunteers are valued for the contribution of their time and skills.

1.5 Familiarise themselves with the Health and Safety requirements of the site

1.6 Abide by the code of conduct for volunteers (see Volunteer Code of Conduct below)

1.7 Follow the reasonable directions of the Manager or authorised personnel

1.8 Not consume any illicit substances or alcohol on site. Vaping is not permitted on site.

The trust is committed to

Provide horticulture-based training as part of a vocational and educational programme and Provide horticulture based therapy and social assistance as part of a commitment to community and social well being.

Para2(vii) and 2(viii) of the Trust’s deed

An example of this could be the Trust accepting as a volunteer a person who is under the care and supervision of a health provider.  However, this is not the only way to achieve this outcome, and to reduce the possible impact of such referrals on the Trusts ability to achieve all its objectives, when dealing with requests to accept such referrals the Trust and its agent (Manager) will follow the procedures set out below.

2.1 All communication regarding referrals will be written, (email or paper) so that a proper record of each request can be kept.

2.2 The manager will not accept requests for referrals where there is an expectation that supervision, paperwork or other tasks associated with the referral will impact on the time available to carry out their designated duties as manager or organisational and site  health & safety. In exceptional circumstances such a referral can be accepted provided the agency involved is willing to compensate the Trust for time lost.

2.3 The Manager will not accept requests for referrals where there is an expectation that such a referral will pose a risk to other volunteers (see Section 1.1 above)

2.4 Requests for supervised referrals, where the volunteer(s) is always accompanied by a support person, may be viewed favourably. The support person is expected to consult with the Manager on a suitable programme for the volunteer.

2.5 The Manager can terminate a referral at any time if:

(i)the volunteer expectations are not being met, or

(ii) the referral has been set up under subterfuge.

2.6 The Manager is responsible for the operational decisions regarding referrals. Should an agency wish to dispute a decision, the Board will review all the correspondence and, after seeking legal advice where necessary, make a final decision which reflects the Trust’s objectives and legal obligations.

Volunteers are expected to

• Conduct themselves in the appropriate manner and maintain reasonable standards of behaviour at all times.

•  Have a good attitude towards their fellow staff and volunteers. This makes for a happy working relationship and environment.

•  Follow the No Gossip Policy. A copy of the policy and agreement form can be obtained from the Manager.

• This is a smoke free facility. CSCGT asks that you be tolerant in that both non-smokers and smokers respect each other’s point of view. Smoking is not permitted inside the gardens’ buildings or on the main site. The Burns corner may be used for cigarette breaks – for review re. CCC Policy on Smoking

•  Recreational drugs and alcohol are not to be consumed on site during work time. You are not to come to work with us under the influence of these substances.

•  Offensive language, including  e.g. racist, sexist, homophobic etc. will not be tolerated

•  People in recovery from drug and alcohol or gambling addictions and/or or people rehabilitating from a prison sentence are entitled to a supportive environment which enhances their recovery and rehabilitation. Language which glorifies criminal activity, gambling, violence or the misuse of drugs and alcohol will not be tolerated.

•  We all have a responsibility to keeping the site tidy and maintain its visual appearance.

•  In the event of visitors or invited guests on site during meal or tea breaks we expect staff and volunteers to be flexible and show co-operation and courtesy about their own break