Volunteer Policy Stichting ZERO

Guiding principles for the deployment and support of volunteers within Stichting ZERO

Volunteer Policy 2026

Available

The complete volunteer policy of Stichting ZERO, valid from 2026

Published: January 2026 | Format: PDF

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Table of Contents

  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Vision on volunteering
  3. 3. Core values as a starting point
  4. 4. Purpose of volunteer involvement
  5. 5. Roles and activities
  6. 6. Selection and introduction
  7. 7. Guidance and support
  8. 8. Responsibility and boundaries
  9. 9. Conduct and safety
  10. 10. Compensation and facilities
  11. 11. Ending volunteer work
  12. 12. Evaluation and updating
  13. 13. Final provision
1

Introduction

Volunteers form an indispensable pillar within Stichting ZERO. They contribute to creating a safe, supportive and inspiring environment in which young people can develop. This volunteer policy describes how Stichting ZERO works with volunteers, which principles apply, and how responsibilities are arranged.

This volunteer policy has been drawn up in conjunction with the Multi-Year Policy Plan of Stichting ZERO. This policy plan sets out the mission, vision, core values and strategic principles of the foundation. The policy plan forms the overarching framework within which volunteer work takes place.

This document serves as a guideline for volunteers, the board, partners and external parties.

Multi-Year Policy Plan Stichting ZERO: www.stichting-zero.nl/beleidsplan

2

Vision on volunteering

Stichting ZERO does not see volunteers as a replacement for professionals, but as a complement to and reinforcement of the support provided to young people. Volunteers bring time, commitment, life experience and talents that contribute to relational safety and community building.

Volunteer work within Stichting ZERO is always:

  • meaningful
  • carefully supported
  • aligned with the capacity and possibilities of the volunteer
3

Core values as a starting point

The volunteer policy of Stichting ZERO is based on the core values of the foundation. These values form the starting point for attitude, conduct and cooperation within volunteer work.

Care

Attention to the safety, well-being and boundaries of volunteers and young people

Unity

Jointly responsible, no one stands alone

Relationship

Trust, commitment and closeness are central

Development

Room for personal growth, for volunteers too

In addition, the deeper values apply: responsibility, vulnerability and community. Volunteers are expected to act in line with these values.

4

Purpose of volunteer involvement

The deployment of volunteers aims to:

  • support activities and programs for young people
  • strengthen a safe and stable environment
  • provide role models and positive examples
  • increase social engagement and cohesion

Volunteers do not carry out activities that are legally or substantively reserved for paid professionals. The deployment of volunteers is always complementary and supportive.

5

Roles and activities

Within Stichting ZERO, volunteers may be deployed, among other things, as:

  • •support for sports and group activities
  • •mentor or role model (under supervision)
  • •support for events or projects
  • •practical support (organization, logistics)

The exact role and involvement of a volunteer are always tailored to:

  • •the talents and experience of the volunteer
  • •the needs of the young people
  • •the nature and context of the activities
6

Selection and introduction

Stichting ZERO applies a careful procedure for the deployment of volunteers:

  • an introductory meeting
  • alignment on expectations, availability and boundaries
  • where applicable: submitting a valid Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
  • agreement with this volunteer policy and the applicable code of conduct

Stichting ZERO reserves the right to refuse a volunteer application if it is not deemed suitable.

7

Guidance and support

Volunteers are supported by a fixed contact person within Stichting ZERO.

This support consists of:

  • ✓clear instructions and agreements
  • ✓accessible, low-threshold contact
  • ✓room for feedback and reflection
  • ✓support with questions or difficult situations

Stichting ZERO ensures a safe working environment in which volunteers feel heard and supported.

8

Responsibility and boundaries

Volunteers:

  • ✓always act in the interest of the young people
  • ✓respect privacy and confidentiality
  • ✓know their role and stay within agreed responsibilities
  • ✓report concerns or incidents directly to their contact person

Volunteers do not take on care-providing, treatment-related or decision-making roles without explicit alignment.

9

Conduct and safety

Stichting ZERO maintains clear standards regarding conduct and safety. Volunteers are expected to act with respect, professionalism and care.

This means, among other things:

  • respectful interaction with young people, colleagues and partners
  • no transgressive behavior, whether verbal, physical or digital
  • professional conduct, including in informal situations
  • compliance with applicable laws and regulations

When there are signs of unsafety or undesirable behavior, action is taken immediately in accordance with the internal procedures of Stichting ZERO.

10

Compensation and facilities

Volunteers do not receive a salary.

Where applicable, the following may be offered:

  • ✓an expense allowance
  • ✓a travel allowance
  • ✓or facility support

within the applicable fiscal and organizational frameworks.

11

Ending volunteer work

Volunteer work can be ended at any time by both the volunteer and Stichting ZERO.

Preferably this is done in consultation, with attention to careful handover and completion.

Stichting ZERO may end the volunteer work with immediate effect if:

  • agreements are structurally not honored
  • there is unsafe or undesirable behavior
  • the interest of young people requires it
12

Evaluation and updating

This volunteer policy is evaluated periodically and adjusted where necessary, so that it continues to align with:

  • the mission and vision of Stichting ZERO
  • legal frameworks
  • the day-to-day practice of volunteers and young people
13

Final provision

By carrying out volunteer work at Stichting ZERO, the volunteer agrees to this volunteer policy and the associated arrangements.

Where this volunteer policy does not make explicit statements, the Multi-Year Policy Plan of Stichting ZERO is decisive.

Become a volunteer?

Are you interested in volunteering at Stichting ZERO? Get in touch with us for more information about the possibilities.

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Volunteer Policy | Stichting ZERO