Recruitment Policy for Staff and Volunteers

1. Introduction
Calmer Soul is committed to recruiting dedicated, skilled, and compassionate individuals who align with our mission to provide online wellbeing support through our Huddles. This policy outlines our recruitment approach for staff and volunteers, ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive process that promotes safeguarding and best practices.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all recruitment activities related to:

  • Staff members (permanent, temporary, or contract-based)

  • Volunteers

  • Huddle facilitators and support personnel

  • Any other roles engaged to support Calmer Soul’s activities

3. Principles
Calmer Soul’s recruitment process is guided by the following principles:

  • Fairness and Equality: We provide equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or background.

  • Transparency: Our recruitment process is clear, well-documented, and accessible to all candidates.

  • Safeguarding: We conduct thorough checks to ensure all staff and volunteers meet the highest standards of safety and integrity.

  • Suitability and Competency: Candidates are assessed based on their skills, experience, and alignment with Calmer Soul’s values.

  • Ongoing Development: We provide appropriate training and support to ensure all staff and volunteers are well-prepared for their roles.

4. Recruitment Process

4.1 Identifying Recruitment Needs

  • Recruitment needs are identified based on organisational growth, new Huddles, or increased service demand.

  • Job descriptions and role specifications are developed, detailing responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations.

4.2 Advertisement and Application

  • Vacancies are advertised through appropriate channels such as our website, social media, and partner organisations.

  • Interested applicants submit a CV and a covering letter outlining their suitability for the role.

4.3 Shortlisting and Interviewing

  • Applications are reviewed by the recruitment panel, assessing candidates based on skills, experience, and alignment with our values.

  • Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, which may include competency-based questions, role-specific assessments, and safeguarding-related scenarios.

  • Where appropriate, interviews are conducted online via a secure platform.

4.4 Background Checks and References

  • All successful candidates must provide at least two professional or character references.

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are conducted for roles involving direct interaction with vulnerable individuals.

  • Additional background verification may be required depending on the role.

4.5 Offer and Induction

  • Successful candidates receive a formal offer, including terms and conditions of employment or volunteer engagement.

  • An induction programme is provided, covering:

    • Calmer Soul’s mission and values

    • Role expectations and responsibilities

    • Safeguarding and confidentiality training

    • Online safety protocols for Huddle facilitation

5. Volunteer Recruitment

  • Volunteers undergo a streamlined version of the recruitment process, ensuring they are suitable for the role.

  • Training and supervision are provided to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge.

  • Volunteers are encouraged to commit to a minimum period of service to ensure consistency within our Huddles.

6. Equal Opportunities and Diversity

  • Calmer Soul embraces diversity and inclusion in all recruitment processes.

  • We encourage applications from underrepresented groups and ensure reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities.

7. Safeguarding and Confidentiality

  • All recruited staff and volunteers must adhere to Calmer Soul’s Safeguarding Policy.

  • Confidentiality agreements are signed to protect the privacy of Huddle participants and sensitive organisational information.

8. Monitoring and Review

  • The recruitment policy is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with best practices and legal requirements.

  • Feedback from applicants and staff is used to refine and improve our recruitment processes.

9. Contact Information
For any recruitment inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]

This policy is effective as of 1 January 2025 and applies to all recruitment activities within Calmer Soul.