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Volunteer Policies
Organizational Values Statement
The following set of policies has been designed to reflect the mission and values held by Executive Service Corps of Washington (ESC) as an organization. Specifically, the following closely held values impact the volunteer within ESC.
Professionalism
- ESC is an organization made up of professionals delivering professional services to the nonprofit community. This commitment to professionalism can be witnessed in the caliber of work produced by ESC volunteers. A consistently high standard of product is delivered in a timely manner to the client.
- ESC volunteers approach their assignments with the same level of professionalism with which they approach career endeavors. The commitment of the individual volunteer is to provide the same level of service to the ESC client, as that client would receive from a for-profit management consulting firm.
Personal and Professional Growth of Volunteers
- ESC is committed to life-long learning and improvement for all individuals associated with ESC. To meet this end, ESC provides opportunities for training to augment the skills brought by the volunteer to serve the client.
- Additionally, ESC is committed to quality improvement, both organizationally and in the services provided to the client. Demonstrating this commitment, volunteers have the opportunity to receive and engage in feedback and evaluation throughout the consultancy projects.
Volunteer Information
A system of records is maintained on each volunteer. Volunteer personnel records shall be accorded the same confidentiality as staff personnel records. Information about a volunteer will not be distributed, except to clients working with the volunteer or to other ESC volunteers.
Areas of Expertise
Volunteers are expected to recognize the limitations of their expertise and are expected to only offer services to clients that fall within their areas of expertise and experience. If a volunteer cannot provide a client with expertise in an area that falls outside of their knowledge and experience, the volunteer should consult with ESC staff so that a referral can be made.
Guide for ESC Consultants and Coaches
All volunteers receive a clear description of the duties and responsibilities of an ESC coach or consultant in the Guide for ESC Consultants and Coaches. This information is also posted on the volunteer intranet.
Application Procedures
Applicants for volunteer positions with ESC must submit an online application form. This application must include two professional references who may be contacted by ESC staff or an assigned volunteer. All volunteers are interviewed by the Member Relations Manager. The interview determines the qualifications of the volunteer, the skills they have to offer to ESC clients, and their commitment to fulfill the requirements of the position. The interview also provides an orientation to ESC.
Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest
All volunteers who are working with clients or client information are required to sign a confidentiality form and a form requiring them to avoid and disclose conflicts of interest.
Placement of Volunteers
ESC volunteers may serve in internal roles or with nonprofits, schools, or governmental agencies. Their accountabilities are defined by a project scope of work or by a position description. ESC staff appoints volunteers to specific roles based on the needs of client organizations.
Supervision
Consultants, coaches, and other volunteers work under the supervision of an ESC staff member or a volunteer who is in a volunteer management role.
Reimbursement of Expenses
When traveling to client or ESC facilities during work on projects or administrative matters, volunteers will incur expenses. ESC volunteers, guided by Publication #526, Charitable Contributions, of the Internal Revenue Service, are encouraged to deduct these costs on their federal income tax returns as contributions to charity. A copy of Publication #526 is available for volunteers to review at the ESC office. Exceptional out-of-pocket expenses, such as airfare or hotel accommodations, are paid by clients and reimbursed by ESC. Prior arrangements for such exceptions must be made with the Executive Director.