Wear the Future values the contribution of volunteers in supporting our mission to mobilise young people to lead sustainable change in fashion. 

This policy sets out how we recruit, support and work with volunteers, and what volunteers can expect from us. 

This policy applies to all individuals who volunteer with Wear the Future in any capacity, including: 

• Programme support 

• Mentoring 

• Events support 

• Research and administration 

• Communications and marketing 

• Advisory or pro bono roles

We are committed to: 

• Providing clear role descriptions 

• Offering appropriate induction and guidance 

• Creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment 

• Ensuring volunteers understand safeguarding procedures 

• Recognising and valuing volunteer contributions 

• Providing a named point of contact 

Volunteers are not employees and do not have a contract of employment.

Volunteers are expected to: 

• Act in line with Wear the Future’s values 

• Follow our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct 

• Respect confidentiality 

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries 

• Treat young people, partners and colleagues with dignity and respect 

• Raise any concerns promptly

Our recruitment process may include: 

• An application or expression of interest 

• Informal interview or conversation 

• Reference checks (where appropriate) 

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for roles involving regular or unsupervised contact with under-18s or vulnerable adults 

The level of screening will depend on the nature of the role.

Volunteers must: 

• Read and adhere to our Safeguarding Policy 

• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to: 

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Eva Novillo, Email: safeguarding@wearthefuture.org 

Volunteers may have access to personal information relating to young people, partners or other volunteers. 

Volunteers must: 

• Handle personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy 

• Not share confidential information without permission 

• Use information only for agreed purposes 

Data protection enquiries should be directed to: dpo@wearthefuture.org 

Wear the Future is committed to creating an inclusive environment free from discrimination. 

We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation based on: 

• Age 

• Disability 

• Gender identity 

• Race or ethnicity 

• Religion or belief 

• Sexual orientation 

• Socio-economic background 

Volunteers are expected to uphold these principles.

Where agreed in advance, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed, subject to submission of receipts and prior approval.

Wear the Future will take reasonable steps to provide a safe environment for volunteers. 

Volunteers must: 

• Follow any health and safety guidance 

• Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others

Volunteer arrangements may be ended: 

• By the volunteer at any time 

• By Wear the Future where appropriate, including in cases of misconduct, breach of safeguarding procedures, or where the role is no longer required 

We will aim to handle any issues fairly and respectfully.

Wear the Future maintains appropriate insurance to cover volunteer activity undertaken on our behalf. 

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if organisational activities change.