Comment of Heritage

Thank you for your query regarding the possibility of providing volunteers at City libraries with a stipend to assist with transport and other related costs. The City’s Volunteer Policy Framework defines volunteering as providing services to the community without remuneration, benefits or other consideration in exchange for the service. The policy therefore does not provide for volunteers to receive a stipend or payment for their services. The policy does however make provision for certain support that enables volunteers to perform their duties. This may include equipment, protective clothing, uniforms and, where applicable and available, transport or transport allowances to enable the volunteer to provide the service. We appreciate the valuable contribution made by volunteers at our libraries and understand that transport costs can be a practical challenge. However, any support provided to volunteers must be considered within the provisions of the City’s Volunteer Policy and the applicable arrangements for the specific volunteering programme.

Thank you for your query regarding the possibility of providing volunteers at City libraries with a stipend to assist with transport and other related costs. The City’s Volunteer Policy Framework defines volunteering as providing services to the community without remuneration, benefits or other consideration in exchange for the service. The policy therefore does not provide for volunteers to receive a stipend or payment for their services. The policy does however make provision for certain support that enables volunteers to perform their duties. This may include equipment, protective clothing, uniforms and, where applicable and available, transport or transport allowances to enable the volunteer to provide the service. We appreciate the valuable contribution made by volunteers at our libraries and understand that transport costs can be a practical challenge. However, any support provided to volunteers must be considered within the provisions of the City’s Volunteer Policy and the applicable arrangements for the specific volunteering programme.