Find the applicable approved reference

This page helps route questions; it does not establish safeguarding policy or replace an approved procedure.

Which reference applies depends on the program, location, volunteer role, and circumstances. Use the current approved material for that context and involve the organization's designated responsible or trained role when a question requires interpretation or action.

Do not treat this sample site as evidence that a particular policy applies at every location. If you cannot identify the relevant approved reference or responsible function, refer the question through your program's established management route before proceeding with a decision.

Start with the question and its context

These are prompts for finding the right source and handoff, not policy answers.

Role scope

A role-boundary question

A volunteer is asked to take on a task not described in the agreed role. Check the role's approved boundaries and consult the responsible staff function before confirming a change.

  • Identify the program and location.
  • Compare the request with the agreed role.
  • Refer an unresolved boundary question to the responsible supervisor.
Responsible handoff

A concern raised during an assignment

A concern needs the organization's applicable approved procedure and the designated responsible or trained role. Do not improvise a response from this general reference page.

  • Use the established route for the program and location.
  • Involve the designated responsible role.
  • Follow the approved procedure for any next steps.
Local applicability

A location-specific requirement

A central program description may not cover every local requirement. Check the reference approved for the volunteer's location and role.

  • Confirm which program and location the question concerns.
  • Use the current source approved for that context.
  • Ask the responsible function to resolve uncertainty.

Route an unresolved question

A non-operational sequence for finding the right source and owner.

  1. 1

    Pause the out-of-scope decision

    Do not extend a volunteer's role or make a safeguarding determination based on this example page.

  2. 2

    Identify the relevant context

    State the program, location, role, and question so the correct reference can be identified.

  3. 3

    Consult the approved procedure

    Use the current organization-approved source for that context.

  4. 4

    Involve the responsible trained role

    Use the established management or safeguarding handoff when interpretation or action is needed.