FAQs for volunteers

1. How does the Remap process work?

Traditionally, the Remap process is client-driven. Essentially, someone contacts the organisation requesting an assistive device to overcome a particular obstacle they are experiencing in leading an independent life. Clients approach us direct, or we may be approached by a family member or health professional acting on their behalf.

The panel chairman or case secretary will assign the volunteer who is most appropriate in terms of the skills required. He or she will then meet the client, discuss with them what they want to achieve and work out what the possible options are for a solution.

The volunteer then constructs the assistive device, tests it with the client to ensure it does what is required, makes modifications as necessary, delivers the device and makes sure the client knows exactly how to use it.

If volunteers have particular areas of expertise, the panel or perhaps the network as a whole may look for opportunities to use that expertise to help particular clients who can benefit from it.

2. Will I be reimbursed for my costs?

Remap ensures that volunteers are reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses.

The panel will repay all costs of materials used in a project, and all associated travel expenses. Usually, the main costs incurred by volunteers are for purchase of materials and travel costs.  Volunteers submit receipts after purchases, but with particularly expensive items it is wise to check with the panel chairman before proceeding.

3. If I volunteer, am I covered by insurance?

Yes.  All work undertaken by volunteers for Remap is covered by centrally arranged insurance to protect the charity and its volunteers in the event of damage to a third party or their property and a subsequent successful claim for negligence. You would not be covered, however, for injury to yourself in your own workshop or for, say, damage to your car caused by an accident while on Remap business.

4. What happens if I feel my Remap creation has commercial potential?

Remap volunteers retain all the rights associated with the designs they produce, and if any member wishes to obtain patents or take other steps to market their device, this is entirely up to them. Our emphasis as a charity is on ensuring that as many disabled people as possible get help.

5. What rights do I have as a volunteer?

We simply ask volunteers to use their best endeavours to help our clients and to work within the framework of our Operations Manual.  No volunteer is pressured into doing any job  they don’t want to do and in fact if a volunteer feels they are being asked to do something beyond their capabilities, they should not attempt it. We may encourage you to get involved in activities to help the panel generally, such as fundraising, but no-one is obliged to do anything they don’t want to.

6. Do I need a CRB check?

The law does not require Remap to insist on its volunteers having criminal record checks, although some panels may ask them to do so if local authorities require it in order to refer clients to them.