A day can make a big difference
Sometimes helping out is a one-off. A single day. A practical task that makes a difference locally. Other times, it’s something you already do outside your work. The Employee Volunteering Policy is there to support both.
The policy allows eligible employees to take up to one day of paid leave each year (pro-rata for part-time staff) to support a local charity, community group, or Council service.
That could mean:
- helping with a one-off activity or event
- using your skills for a short project
- supporting a council service, such as care, youth or community work
- using time to support a volunteering role you already have
Volunteering doesn’t have to be ongoing, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. If giving a day helps, that day can count.
The process
As with any time away from work, volunteering leave needs to be agreed with your line manager and recorded correctly. This helps make sure it works for your service and is logged in the right way.
If you’re thinking about using the policy:
- have a quick conversation with your manager
- request the time through MyView (or the application form if needed)
- include details of the organisation or activity you’ll be supporting
A single day won’t suit every role or every service. But where it does work, it can make a big difference - for local people, communities, and for you.