Policies

Raleigh Venturer & Venturer Manager Agreements

We expect all our staff and venturers to uphold high standards of behaviour and attitude. In order to support the safe and positive delivery of our programmes, we ask all volunteers to sign up to our Agreement. Anyone who fails to abide by it may be asked leave programme.

Terms and Conditions

Volunteers must agree to Raleigh’s Terms and Conditions of an Expedition booking, as well as some basic guidelines to consider so that you can get the most out of your programme. This also ensures your safety and that of others on Expedition.

Safety on Expedition

Raleigh International has always endeavoured to be at the forefront of safety protocols and systems. We believe in providing a safe environment for all our staff and volunteers, and for other stakeholders with whom we work. We have over 40 years experience of delivering safe programmes, and we know what it takes to keep people safe. To minimise risks we focus on prevention, but we’re also readily prepared to respond when incidents happen.

Safeguarding and child protection

Raleigh is committed to ensuring the health, safety, welfare and development of all young people with whom it works regardless of gender, age, stage of development, disability, sexual orientation, religion, culture or ethnicity. Anyone who takes part in activities organised by us should enjoy taking part in these without fear of harm. We guide all staff and volunteers to show respect for and understanding of people’s rights, safety and welfare, and to conduct themselves in a way that reflects our principles.

All Raleigh staff, volunteers and project partners are made aware of our safeguarding policy and reporting structure and are all trained in how to report any concerns they may have. We have a dedicated staff member responsible for safeguarding in every country in which we work. They work closely with our global safeguarding leads based in the UK to ensure we respond effectively to all safeguarding issues.

As part of our commitment to operating responsibly all our volunteers abide by our strictly controlled Child Protection Policy and submit criminal record checks before arrival.

Read our safeguarding and child protection policies

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At Raleigh International we love that everyone is different. Our ambition is to celebrate the diversity of our staff and volunteers.

We are committed to eliminating discrimination and creating a workforce that reflects the societies we live and work in. We are also committed to creating an inclusive workplace culture that supports diversity and inclusion, allowing all colleagues and volunteers to bring their whole selves to work or their volunteering placement, without fear or judgement.

We believe achieving equality, diversity and fairness of opportunity is our shared responsibility and we are working hard to ensure that as an organisation and as individuals we are all accountable. It starts with us.

No Alcohol on Expedition

Our no-alcohol policy provides a safe, nurturing, and productive environment for young adults to make a positive impact, learn valuable life skills, and create lasting memories during their time with us. Other reasons and benefits:

1. Health and Safety: Avoiding alcohol minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and health issues associated with excessive drinking. Participants can focus on their well-being and stay physically and mentally healthy throughout Expedition. Some of our volunteers are also age 17.
2. Clearer Decision-Making: Volunteers to make clear and informed decisions, ensuring that their actions contribute positively to the project’s goals and communities they’re serving.
3. Stronger Connections: Without the distraction of alcohol, participants can form deeper and more meaningful connections with fellow volunteers and the local community. This can lead to lasting friendships and a stronger sense of camaraderie.
4. Enhanced Learning: Volunteers can fully engage in learning experiences and cultural exchange without the impairment that alcohol can bring. This can lead to a richer understanding of local customs, languages, and global issues.
5. Improved Productivity: Increased energy and focus, allowing volunteers to be more productive and effective in their work. This benefits both the project they’re working on and their personal development.
6. Positive Role Modeling: Young volunteers become positive role models for their peers and the communities they serve. They demonstrate that one can have fun and make a difference without relying on alcohol.
7. Conflict Resolution: No-alcohol can lead to better conflict resolution skills as volunteers learn to address issues and disagreements in a clear and constructive manner, helping to maintain a harmonious environment.
8. Personal Growth: The absence of alcohol can provide an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Young participants can gain a better understanding of themselves and their values during their volunteer experience.
9. Safety for Vulnerable Populations: In some volunteer programs, participants may work with vulnerable populations such as children or individuals facing health challenges. An alcohol-free environment ensures their safety and well-being.
10. Focus on the Mission: An alcohol-free environment keeps the focus on the primary mission of the volunteer program, whether it’s environmental conservation, humanitarian aid, education, or community development, leading to more meaningful and impactful outcomes.
11. Ethical Responsibility: Participating in a programme that avoids alcohol aligns with ethical considerations in some cultures and communities. It shows respect for local customs and values.
12. No hangxiety! Removing heightened levels of anxiety post alcohol.

Drinking whilst on Expedition is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the country team and you may be asked to leave Expedition.

No Phones on Projects (Venturers)

As Venturers, you will not have access to your phone whilst on project sites. This can be up to 19 days at a time, however, you will have access to your phone during project changeover at Fieldbase.

Part of our mission at Raleigh International is to empower young adults to become proactive global citizens who can confidently navigate the challenges of the world. Allowing you to disconnect from your phone while on project aligns with this goal by encouraging you to take responsibility for your actions and choices.

We understand the natural instinct of family and friends to be in constant communication. However, we see this period of detachment as an essential part of the learning experience. It encourages participants to make independent decisions, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to face uncertainty with confidence.

We want you to discover the power of self-reliance and embrace your capabilities. This newfound sense of responsibility and independence will be invaluable in shaping your future endeavours and fostering a deeper understanding of your own capabilities.

• Venturer Managers will have their phones but are encouraged not to use them in front of Venturers.
• We recommend you bring cameras but the VMs can take photo memories and we also aim to have a content creator and photographer on each Expedition.

Covid-19

At Raleigh we are committed to the safety of our staff and volunteers, and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic each of our global offices have implemented country-specific policies to help keep staff and volunteers safe. All volunteers signing up to one of our programmes will be informed of the Covid-protocols specific to them. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us.

Staff presence, security information and networks

Raleigh International has a permanent staff presence and office in each of the countries in which we operate. We maintain good working relationships with National Governments, as well as representatives of British High Commissions or Embassies. We regularly consult with the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to gain further information on their latest advice, and have legal representation or support available in each country in which we work. We have well established networks of medical facilities and transport agencies, ensuring that we are ready to respond to any situation.

If you wish to keep up to date yourself on the latest travel advice from the British Government for the country you intend to volunteer in, please visit the FCDO advice page.