Purpose and scope
Volunteers are at the heart of Prerit Welfare Foundation's work. This policy explains what volunteers can expect from us and what we expect from volunteers. It applies to all volunteers, volunteer teachers, interns and volunteer staff, whether they work in person or online.
Joining as a volunteer
- Volunteers apply through this website. Each application is reviewed by a volunteer coordinator.
- Suitable applicants are invited for a conversation and an orientation about our programmes, this policy and the Child Protection Policy.
- Roles that involve regular contact with children or vulnerable people require identity verification and may require references or police verification before the volunteer starts.
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Students below 18 may join specific activities only with the written consent of a parent or guardian and under supervision.
- Every volunteer confirms that they have read and will follow this policy and the code of conduct.
No fees and no payment
The foundation never charges a fee to volunteer, apply, attend training or receive a certificate. Volunteering is unpaid: no payment is made for volunteering unless it has been agreed in writing by the foundation, for example a stipend stated in an internship letter. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed only when they were approved in advance and are supported by bills.
Code of conduct
While volunteering with us, you agree to:
- treat every person - beneficiaries, colleagues and the public - with respect and dignity, without discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, disability, age or any other ground;
- be punctual and reliable, and inform your coordinator in advance if you cannot attend;
- be honest, and never accept gifts, money or favours from beneficiaries or their families;
- never collect money, donations or materials in the foundation's name unless authorised in writing;
- not consume alcohol, tobacco or drugs while volunteering, and not volunteer under their influence;
- not use the foundation's activities for political or religious campaigning, or for personal or commercial gain;
- follow the instructions of your coordinator and the safety guidance for each activity.
Safeguarding
All volunteers must follow our Child Protection Policy. In particular:
- follow the two-adult rule - never be alone with a child out of sight of other adults;
- do not contact children privately by phone, messaging apps or social media;
- never use physical punishment or humiliating language;
- report any concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult to your coordinator immediately.
Confidentiality and personal data
Volunteers may learn personal information about beneficiaries, donors and colleagues. This information must be kept confidential, used only for the assigned work and never shared, copied or posted. Documents and materials belonging to the foundation must be returned when an activity or association ends. Personal data must be handled in line with our Privacy Policy.
Social media, photographs and speaking for the foundation
- Do not post photographs or videos of beneficiaries - especially children - unless consent has been recorded and the foundation has approved the use.
- Never share details that could identify a child or a vulnerable person, such as full name, school, address or location.
- You are welcome to share your volunteering experience, but do not speak on behalf of the foundation, make commitments in its name or share information about donations or beneficiaries without permission.
- Media enquiries should be passed to the foundation.
Activities, records and certificates
Tasks and activities are assigned by your coordinator and can be followed in your dashboard. Certificates are issued only for verified service - activities and hours confirmed by your coordinator - and can be downloaded from your dashboard after approval. Certificates are never sold and cannot be issued for participation that has not been verified.
Concerns and grievances
If you have a concern about your volunteering, a colleague or an activity, speak to your coordinator. If the matter is not resolved, or you are uncomfortable raising it directly, use the Grievance Redressal page. Concerns are handled confidentially and fairly.
Ending a volunteering role
Volunteers may end their association at any time; we ask that you inform your coordinator so that activities can be handed over. The foundation may end a volunteering role if this policy, the Child Protection Policy or the law is breached, if information in the application is found to be false, or if the role is no longer required. When a role ends, the volunteer must return any materials and stop representing the foundation. Serious misconduct may be reported to the authorities.
Last updated: 16 Oct 2026