Case Study on Working with Volunteers at Chippenham Library Summer Reading Challenge 2010

1. Case Study on Working with Volunteers at Chippenham LibrarySummer Reading Challenge 2010 Tracy Hager tracy.hager@wiltshire.gov.uk

2. Introduction & Context Area Children�s Librarian Member of the Children�s Team so aware of county-wide issues Each library is unique with regard to capacity Libraries under great pressure and changing rapidly Librarians can be highly competitive! (But also very supportive) My case study is isolated to Chippenham Library I undertook this case study to reflect on my experiences recruiting and managing the Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) Volunteers during summer 2010 in Chippenham library.

3. Wiltshire In Wiltshire we feel that listening to children talk about their books helps link us to our communities, increases our book knowledge and helps children with their communication skills, confidence and reading comprehension. Without volunteers, we would not have the capacity to engage with these readers as profoundly.

4. Wiltshire support documents Staff FAQs on recruiting SRC volunteers Poster for SRC volunteers SRC volunteer opportunity description SRC volunteer application form Email template to contact previous SRC volunteers Referee�s letter for SRC volunteer Under 18s consent form & risk assessment Interview questions for SRC volunteer Guidance notes for staff running SRC volunteer training sessions Handout for SRC volunteers Books to recommend for the SRC 2011 Volunteer badges Volunteer rota The recruitment process started in March, when we put the posters out in the library and undertook informal interviews. Each new volunteer that we accepted needed to either fill in a CRB form, or provide parental consent, and sign an agreement. They then had to come in for one of three hour long training sessions before the SRC was launched in mid-July. It was at this point that the 5 volunteers failed to make contact to tell me they were dropping out. I tried ringing and emailing but was only able to speak to one 16 year old girl and was informed by the mother of another. During each training session, each volunteer was talked through and given a pack that included: A step-by-step guide to how the SRC is run in Wiltshire A guide to safeguarding children with FAQs A list of books that they could recommend Contacts They were also introduced to staff and given a tour of library and stock In addition to this training, volunteers were supervised when they first began, to ensure they felt confident to do it on their own. They were always encouraged to ask for help at anytime no matter how small the query. The recruitment process started in March, when we put the posters out in the library and undertook informal interviews. Each new volunteer that we accepted needed to either fill in a CRB form, or provide parental consent, and sign an agreement. They then had to come in for one of three hour long training sessions before the SRC was launched in mid-July. It was at this point that the 5 volunteers failed to make contact to tell me they were dropping out. I tried ringing and emailing but was only able to speak to one 16 year old girl and was informed by the mother of another. During each training session, each volunteer was talked through and given a pack that included: A step-by-step guide to how the SRC is run in Wiltshire A guide to safeguarding children with FAQs A list of books that they could recommend Contacts They were also introduced to staff and given a tour of library and stock In addition to this training, volunteers were supervised when they first began, to ensure they felt confident to do it on their own. They were always encouraged to ask for help at anytime no matter how small the query.

5. Document 1Staff FAQs on recruiting SRC volunteers What is the minimum age for a volunteer? The minimum age for a volunteer is 15, the same minimum age we would recruit a member of staff How are we publicising the opportunity? Posters will be created centrally and sent out to libraries in March, to display prominently in libraries SH will also arrange for the opportunity to be advertised on the do-it.org.uk volunteering database; details of any people who volunteer through this route will be emailed to Sarah Hillier, who will forward to the relevant librarian to then contact. When is the closing date for applications? An early closing date is set for applications (end April), in order for volunteers to go through the CRB process, however there is leeway with this. If you have a late application from a potentially good volunteer with a current CRB (less than 3 years old) you can accept this application quite late (May/June), especially if you need more volunteers (this is up to the local librarian). If you have a late application from a potentially good volunteer (without a current CRB), you can still accept their application, but with absolute deadline of end May (6 weeks before challenge start). Who requires a CRB check? All new SRC volunteers that do not have a current CRB check (i.e. less than 3 years old and issued through Wiltshire Council) and are at least 16 years old Current CRB checks issued through Wiltshire Council for people who work in schools or similar are acceptable 15 year olds do not require checks The potential volunteer needs to bring in the original (or copy) for staff to see. Contact Tracey Kilbane at HQ for CRB application forms and details Example - Just read bold bitsExample - Just read bold bits

6. Document 2 Poster for SRC volunteersDocument 2 Poster for SRC volunteers

7. Document 3SRC volunteer opportunity description Title: SUMMER READING CHALLENGE HELPER Place: Various Wiltshire Libraries Reports to: Community/Children�s Librarian Purpose:To support children taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge Responsibilities: Listening to children talk about the books they have read Encouraging children in their reading - to complete the challenge Encouraging children to explore new and different reading choices Giving out stickers and other incentives Registering children for the challenge Requirements: likes and is empathetic with children (aged 4-11) � essential is reliable, friendly and patient - essential is good at verbally communicating with children, their accompanying family and friends - essential Has an interest in books and reading, especially children�s fiction � essential A reasonable knowledge of current children�s fiction � desirable� A Criminal Bureau Record check - essential (will be sorted out if appointed) Applications will be accepted from younger applicants (15+) as well as adults Commitment: Will vary in each library - to be agreed with Librarian At least one 3 hour session per week, morning or afternoon, for 6 weeks (or the equivalent) i.e. minimum of 16 hours commitment This may include some Saturdays and other busy times e.g. lunchtimes Length of Opportunity: The Summer Reading Challenge 2011 runs from 16 July to 3 September 2011 (7 weeks), so volunteers would be needed throughout this period (specific times to be agreed with the Librarian) Expenses: n/a Selection process:Depending on the number of suitable applicants we may have to restrict the number of placements we can offer in individual libraries Training: Training to be arranged and provided locally � session to cover the purpose of the Reading Challenge, Children�s If interested: Please ask a member of staff for an application form Closing date 30 April 2011 A Criminal Bureau Record check - essential (will be sorted out if appointed) Applications will be accepted from younger applicants (15+) as well as adults Commitment: Will vary in each library - to be agreed with Librarian At least one 3 hour session per week, morning or afternoon, for 6 weeks (or the equivalent) i.e. minimum of 16 hours commitment This may include some Saturdays and other busy times e.g. lunchtimes Length of Opportunity: The Summer Reading Challenge 2011 runs from 16 July to 3 September 2011 (7 weeks), so volunteers would be needed throughout this period (specific times to be agreed with the Librarian) Expenses: n/a Selection process:Depending on the number of suitable applicants we may have to restrict the number of placements we can offer in individual libraries Training: Training to be arranged and provided locally � session to cover the purpose of the Reading Challenge, Children�s If interested: Please ask a member of staff for an application form Closing date 30 April 2011

8. Document 4 SRC volunteer application form Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer 2011 Application Form Library: Personal Details Name (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms): Address: Tel. No: Email: Are you over 18? Yes/No If under 18, please give your age: Do you consider yourself disabled? Yes/No Skills and Experience Please list your skills and any experience which may be relevant to this job: What is it about this type of voluntary work which interests you? Would you be interested in other library volunteering opportunities e.g. Home Library

9. Document 5 Email template to contact previous SRC volunteers Dear Volunteer, It�s coming towards that time of year again where we start preparing for The summer reading challenge. This year�s challenge, Circus Stars, starts on Saturday 16 July and finishes on Saturday 3 September. As someone who volunteered for us last year you know what a rewarding experience volunteering in the library can be and what a difference the reading challenge can make to some children�s reading confidence. If you would be willing to give up some of your free time to volunteer again, it would be much appreciated. We do ask for a minimum commitment of 16 hours over the duration of the challenge. If you have volunteered for us in the last 3 years we won�t need you to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check this year. The closing date for summer reading challenge volunteers is 30 April. Look forward to hearing from you� Best wishes Librarian

10. Document 6 Referee�s letter for SRC volunteer Name & Address of Referee Dear Reference requested for Name of Volunteer Your name has been given by the person named above in support of their application to become a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer in [name of] library during July and August this year. This opportunity involves registering children aged 4-11 for the Summer Reading Challenge, listening to them talk about the books read and encouraging their reading, as well as giving out stickers and other incentives. We are looking for someone who likes and is empathetic with children of this age. They must be confident, reliable, friendly and patient, also good at verbally communicating with children, their accompanying family and friends. An interest in books and reading is also important. I would be grateful if you could answer the questions on the accompanying form concerning the suitability of this applicant for the opportunity I have described. Please return the reference form to the person applying for the volunteering opportunity or to the library mentioned above. Thank you for your assistance in this matter Yours sincerely XXXX

11. Document 7 Under 18s consent form & risk assessment Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer 2011 Parent / Guardian Consent Form for under 18s I give consent for my son/daughter �����������������������. (insert full name of child in BLOCK CAPITALS) to volunteer at �����. Library as a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer ? I confirm that I have read the Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer Role Description ? I give my consent for library staff to contact my son/daughter via email and/or telephone in relation to the placement I understand that, while the library staff will take all reasonable care of my child, unless they are negligent they cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury suffered by my son/daughter during the course of their volunteering. I also understand that the library staff are not responsible for the safety or transport of my son/daughter to or from the library. Your Details First Name: ������������� Surname: ������������� Address: ������������� ������������� Postcode: ������������� Tel No (Home): ���������� Mobile: .������������� Email: ����������������������������.. Signed: �������������. (Parent / Guardian) Date: �������������. Note: Photographs may be taken that include your son/daughter. If you do not wish such pictures to be used for normal publicity purposes including publication online, please tick the box: ? If you have any further questions please get in touch. Insert Name of Librarian Librarian, xxxxxx Library Communities, Libraries, Heritage & Arts Wiltshire Council � xxxx Library | Address�| Address | Town | Wiltshire | Postcode Tel: xxxxxxxx Email: xxxxxxxxxxx

12. RISK ASSESSMENT OF SRC VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 To be completed by the host manager before the SRC commences. It is a statutory requirement that volunteers under 18 are not given duties that: ? Are beyond any physical or psychological limitations which they might have; ? Expose them to any substance which is toxic or is classified as a carcinogen; ? Expose them to ionising radiation; ? Expose them to extreme heat, noise or vibration. In addition, all other risks must be assessed and adequately controlled. The significant risks the young person may face during the course of their placement have been assessed as: ? Failure to identify hazards due to inexperience of workplace environment ? Injury due to fall from height, objects falling from height, striking against inanimate objects, slips, trips and falls ? Injury due to poor manual handling technique ? Injury due to inappropriate behaviour of staff, student or member of the public ? Prolonged or inappropriate IT use, exposure to inappropriate materials ? Being inappropriately familiar with young children The precautions in place to adequately control the risk or eliminate the hazards are: ? The young person will be given an induction on the first day. This will comprise health and safety procedures, fire and evacuation procedures, first aid, manual handling training and how to report incidents. ? They will be supervised at all times during the working day, training and instruction will be provided prior to beginning tasks/activities ? The building and its equipment will be tidy and in good order, loose furniture e.g. kick steps not obstructing thoroughfares ? Working height to be no more than 2 metres above permanent floor level ? The young person will be removed from any abusive/confrontational situation ? Computers and workstations are compliant with DSE regulations, breaks given regularly, filtering and the firewall are in place preventing access to inappropriate websites ? The young person will not be left alone with young children at any time The precautions given above are adequate and in place. Signed by Host Manager;���������������Date�/�../� I have received information regarding the risks and control measures involved in this placement. Signed by parent/ guardian��������������Date�/�./�. Risk assessmentRisk assessment

13. Document 8 Interview questions for SRC volunteer What do they know about the Library Service? What do they know about the Summer Reading Challenge? Depending on the answer - give them an overview What experience do they have had working with children and young people? How good is their children�s book knowledge? Can they talk about some recent children�s books they have read or know about? If they were asked for recommendations how would they reply? (we will give some training but it will be limited) Ask if they have any questions You are not expected to do a formal interview like we do for staff, but there are certain areas you will need to cover. Depending on who the potential volunteer is (e.g. a teacher or full time mum) you may need to ask more questions/probe deeper. You will need to cover the following questions. Question 2 Likes and is empathetic with children (aged 4-11) Ask them what are the important qualities for working with CYP, we are looking for someone who: Is friendly and patient Is good at verbally communicating with children and their accompanying family and friends At the end of the session you may wish to �appoint� straight away or consider your options, especially if you are seeing a number of volunteers, tell them when you will be in touch.You are not expected to do a formal interview like we do for staff, but there are certain areas you will need to cover. Depending on who the potential volunteer is (e.g. a teacher or full time mum) you may need to ask more questions/probe deeper. You will need to cover the following questions. Question 2 Likes and is empathetic with children (aged 4-11) Ask them what are the important qualities for working with CYP, we are looking for someone who: Is friendly and patient Is good at verbally communicating with children and their accompanying family and friends At the end of the session you may wish to �appoint� straight away or consider your options, especially if you are seeing a number of volunteers, tell them when you will be in touch.

14. Document 8 Interview questions for SRC volunteer(What we are looking for- asking for examples) Affinity with children Active listening skills Encouraging children in their reading Giving out incentives Ability to deal with challenging customers Availability and commitment Reliability Knowledge & interest in children�s books At this point they are accepted or not listening to children talk about the books they have read Encouraging children in their reading - to complete the challenge (we prefer to approach this through fun and enthusiasm rather than too serious or school-like) Encouraging children to explore new and different reading choices � key message - children don�t have to read one type of book Giving out stickers and other incentives and registering children for the challenge- the mechanics Ask how they feel about dealing with difficult people? Have they had to do this before? What did they do? What would they do if it happened in the library? Give them possible (though unlikely) scenarios e.g. an adult library user who complained about the noise made by children or a parent who is complaining about some aspect of the challenge. Go through how to deal with � being polite, listening and referring to a member of staff. Talk about when they are going to be available. We are looking for commitment of ideally at least 16 hours ideally � this can be over a number of sessions � to be agreed between you and them Talk about what they can expect from us: Training to be arranged locally (or possibly in another library) � approx 1 hour session to cover the purpose of the Reading Challenge, Children�s Library Services generally and overview of Children�s Books currently available. Regular supervision � will be someone designated to supervise/support them Will be observed closely initially If we feel they are not suitable after being observed, they will be asked to leave Talk about what we expect from them Reliability � let us know asap if they wish to stop volunteering or can�t make agreed sessions They will be seen as a member of staff � it is important that the image to customers is a positive one e.g. if it is not busy - bring something to read/to do/look professional/busy or ask supervisor for something to do They will need to have a CRB check (if 16 or older and if not had one in last 3 years with Wiltshire Council), explain what this means if they don�t have one. listening to children talk about the books they have read Encouraging children in their reading - to complete the challenge (we prefer to approach this through fun and enthusiasm rather than too serious or school-like) Encouraging children to explore new and different reading choices � key message - children don�t have to read one type of book Giving out stickers and other incentives and registering children for the challenge- the mechanics Ask how they feel about dealing with difficult people? Have they had to do this before? What did they do? What would they do if it happened in the library? Give them possible (though unlikely) scenarios e.g. an adult library user who complained about the noise made by children or a parent who is complaining about some aspect of the challenge. Go through how to deal with � being polite, listening and referring to a member of staff. Talk about when they are going to be available. We are looking for commitment of ideally at least 16 hours ideally � this can be over a number of sessions � to be agreed between you and them Talk about what they can expect from us: Training to be arranged locally (or possibly in another library) � approx 1 hour session to cover the purpose of the Reading Challenge, Children�s Library Services generally and overview of Children�s Books currently available. Regular supervision � will be someone designated to supervise/support them Will be observed closely initially If we feel they are not suitable after being observed, they will be asked to leave Talk about what we expect from them Reliability � let us know asap if they wish to stop volunteering or can�t make agreed sessions They will be seen as a member of staff � it is important that the image to customers is a positive one e.g. if it is not busy - bring something to read/to do/look professional/busy or ask supervisor for something to do They will need to have a CRB check (if 16 or older and if not had one in last 3 years with Wiltshire Council), explain what this means if they don�t have one.

15. Document 9 Guidance notes for staff running SRC volunteer training sessions  Duration of training 1 hour max or as appropriate Method Verbal instruction plus handouts, SRC materials and examples of books; with groups or individuals Objectives To inform the volunteer about: Background to Children�s Library Services The purpose of the Summer Reading Challenge Their role as a volunteer helper Some children�s books to recommend Health & Safety Issues PLEASE NOTE: General Induction to the library Housekeeping

16. Document 10 Guidance notes for SRC volunteers Logistics (where, who, what�) Mechanics (order of incentives, how to fill in register�) Remembering our library agenda (new members, issues, gathering qualitative and quantitative evidence�) Support docs. Health & safety

17. Document 11 Books to recommend for the SRC 2011 Some recommended books for Summer reading 2011 Picture Books for 4-6 year olds We also have descriptions and do this for different age groupsWe also have descriptions and do this for different age groups

18. Document 13Volunteer rota Timetabling I created a very basic timetable that broke into two-hour slots, from opening time until we closed each day for the six weeks that the scheme ran. This was kept in a folder with the SRC box, which contained bookmarks, stickers, membership cards etc. All volunteers were told verbally and in their guides, that our busiest times were on Monday mornings, and each day between 12-2. We encouraged at least 2 people to sign up for each shift and to let us know if they would be unable to come in. Timetabling I created a very basic timetable that broke into two-hour slots, from opening time until we closed each day for the six weeks that the scheme ran. This was kept in a folder with the SRC box, which contained bookmarks, stickers, membership cards etc. All volunteers were told verbally and in their guides, that our busiest times were on Monday mornings, and each day between 12-2. We encouraged at least 2 people to sign up for each shift and to let us know if they would be unable to come in.

19. Space Hop at Chippenham Library

20. Chippenham SRC 1037 children registered 647 completed the challenge by reading all six books. In total 4293 books were read and reviewed (mostly verbally) by Chippenham children over a 6 week period. Chippenham is a busy library and staff would have been unable to cope with the volume of children taking part in the challenge without the help of the volunteers. Under staff supervision the volunteers were responsible for registering children taking part in the challenge, listening to their book reviews and giving them their rewards.Chippenham is a busy library and staff would have been unable to cope with the volume of children taking part in the challenge without the help of the volunteers. Under staff supervision the volunteers were responsible for registering children taking part in the challenge, listening to their book reviews and giving them their rewards.

21. Recruiting Chippenham library staff were very proactive in encouraging volunteering opportunities by enthusiastically talking to anyone who expressed an interest and not just relying on the poster. We received 33 applications, of these 28 actually volunteered 5 people aged 16-25 applied but dropped out before we began

22. Chippenham recruitment stats 11 volunteered previously 7 new 2 recruited by family members already volunteering 4 from Thrillseekers teen reading group 2 from work experience placements 2 walked in after recruitment 28 TOTAL

23. More stats Age of volunteers 13-15 10 16-25 10 26-60 7 60+ 1

24. Total hours The 28 volunteers initially committed to 18 hours each over the summer (a requirement on our volunteer placement description) = 504 hours in total, however, 11 did not fulfil their 18 hours, so we actually received 425 volunteer hours. Also, amongst the committed volunteers, 11 did not come in for some of their pre-scheduled shifts, nor did they let us know. This totalled 33 hours that we were completely stood up

25. The way we actually run SRC in Chippenham Assemblies Fun & friendly! Highly competitive Sensitive to all abilities and types Follow-up with schools Aim to be a well oiled machine SRC 2010 � the story

26. What made a good volunteer? The best volunteers were the ones who engaged with staff, parents and particularly children The ones who would always turn up on time and stay longer when we had queues Had good multi-tasking skills The ones who really got involved and came up with creative ideas, or knew what had to be done without being asked A few examples of volunteer initiative: Encouraging children to write reviews when they were too shy to talk about the books Allowing the children to write on their own stars and hang them up themselves so they would know where they were on the wall (stars were put on the wall display to track progress) Convincing children outside of the library to come in and take part, e.g. at their own children�s schools

27. Problems with volunteers The ones who did not turn up on time or at all The ones that were too shy or reserved to make the children feel comfortable The ones that seemed to be doing it only for something to put on their CV or university application The ones that did not ask questions and consequently made mistakes It proved difficult dealing with these volunteers, making them aware of the difficulties they had given us, when they missed shifts. I received a number of negative responses, represented in three different (documented) ways: (see next slide)

28. Example 1 One 17-year-old girl missed shifts, was chronically late and seemed resentful that we had any expectations. When she came in, no matter how friendly staff were, she behaved awkwardly. Her attendance had been perfect the previous summer so we were aware of a marked difference. I asked her how she would like to handle her timetable with us; did she want reminder calls? Did she feel that 18 hours was too much on top of her full-time job? She always said she was fine but continued to be unreliable and moody with staff.

29. Example 2 I rang a 15-year-old boy who failed to come in for his shift. He said he had to look after his younger brother. His mother arrived in the library later that afternoon to tell us that her son had been lying and she wanted our support in reprimanding him. I explained that I was uncomfortable about this as it risked turning a positive relationship negative, I did however agree to speak to the boy and explain why we asked for a commitment. When we eventually spoke, he said he just �wanted to sleep in�, (his shift was at noon). He didn�t understand why it mattered since he was a volunteer and not an employee.

30. Example 3 A mother and her 18-year-old daughter were having various problems at home (primarily mental-health issues of the daughter). The first time I rang them to see if they were coming in, I was on the phone for nearly 20 minutes unable to interrupt as the mother went into great detail about her troubles. I suggested they take the pressure off themselves and try again next summer. They insisted on volunteering and brought their problems with them. This had to be managed each shift that they worked.

31. Our response These issues were taken back to our children�s team and discussed in depth. We agreed that it is incredibly difficult to manage volunteers in the same way one would an employee, as it feels inappropriate to be anything other than grateful when someone is giving their time for free. However, they are potentially getting a lot from this experience, and these things need to be stressed. We offer good references to those who honour their obligation and do a great job and in future we plan on implementing an online accreditation scheme made available by Wiltshire Youth Service for young people up to age 25. It is also a very fulfilling opportunity for many people whatever age.

32. Feedback from volunteers 28 evaluation forms were sent out with thank you cards and volunteers were invited to a thank you tea. The questions were ranked between 1-10 (with 10 being the best) 23 were returned. The survey yielded very positive responses: - All 23 respondents rated their volunteering experience as 8 or higher (mostly 10s) All 23 respondents rated their training/guidance as 8 or higher 11 volunteers felt that they did not require any extra support 17 respondents thought the challenge was good & very rewarding 22 respondents said that they would volunteer next year Library staff regularly checked on volunteers and made sure that they felt supported. This gave us regular feedback on what was and wasn�t working. At the end of the summer, each volunteer was also given an evaluation form and told they could fill it in anonymously.Library staff regularly checked on volunteers and made sure that they felt supported. This gave us regular feedback on what was and wasn�t working. At the end of the summer, each volunteer was also given an evaluation form and told they could fill it in anonymously.

33. Volunteer quotes �Volunteering changed my perspective on libraries completely� 19 yr old volunteer �She felt like she was helping children change their lives� Mother of a 16 yr old volunteer �Back at school, there was such a buzz about the challenge and the talk in the staff room was about how much it improved reading, community and confidence� Dinner Lady volunteer

34. Feedback from parents There was a great deal of verbal feedback, almost on a daily basis, saying how brilliant the volunteers were with the children One volunteer, a 16 year old boy was particularly good and many parents commented on how creative he was in drawing shy children out, and making them laugh. He was great with all of the children but there were also lots of comments from parents of boys who said that it was great for their sons to see an older boy so excited about books.

35. Feedback from library staff They felt that we had improved on how the challenge was managed this year and that it was predominately down to volunteers and their excellent service Everyone agreed that it would have been impossible to cope if we had not had volunteer help They felt that volunteers actually committed more time than was logged, because some of the volunteer hours were missed i.e. when volunteers stayed later than scheduled, came in as a library customer and saw that we needed help etc. There were inconsistencies from the volunteers in their delivery and engagement Overall, the volunteers made too many mistakes. Volunteers were given too many things to do. The register did not accurately credit children for the books that they had read. This is important for the children�s self-esteem and because their results were fed back to schools to be celebrated in assemblies. With so many volunteers, close monitoring of individual work was not possible. The time it took to remedy these mistakes equated to roughly 7 hours on the phone to clarify information. This contact revealed and remedied 40% of mistakes on the register. As well as listening to the children talk about the books, providing the incentives, and logging the books on the register, we asked them to create a star display for children who had read 2, 4 and 6 books. The register did not accurately credit children for the books that they had read. This is important for the children�s self-esteem and because their results were fed back to schools to be celebrated in assemblies. With so many volunteers, close monitoring of individual work was not possible. The time it took to remedy these mistakes equated to roughly 7 hours on the phone to clarify information. This contact revealed and remedied 40% of mistakes on the register. As well as listening to the children talk about the books, providing the incentives, and logging the books on the register, we asked them to create a star display for children who had read 2, 4 and 6 books.

36. Breakdown in my time managing volunteers It is estimated that managing volunteers took over 35 hours from beginning to end. This included:- 3 hours planning 5 hours running training sessions for volunteers 1 hour staff training 10 hours initial supervision 12 hours admin, problem solving and telephone calls 3 hours �thank you� event and writing cards 5 hours volunteer evaluation and collating results

37. Actions for next year Revising selection process including interview and training criteria to ensure we get the right volunteers (and the right number) Ensuring a named member of staff should be responsible for managing the volunteers each day, and monitoring and supporting them during each session Investigate offering formal volunteering accreditation Put a greater focus on choosing volunteers with good people skills Being realistic and clear about what volunteers are signing up for, about how much time they are expected to commit to and ensuring the importance of turning up regularly and on time Emphasising the importance of accurately recording information Communicate reality of consequences to the child if errors are made (e.g. missing a child out in assembly) Clearly communicate that either party can end the volunteer opportunity at any time Put a greater focus on choosing volunteers with good people skills Being realistic and clear about what volunteers are signing up for, about how much time they are expected to commit to and ensuring the importance of turning up regularly and on time Emphasising the importance of accurately recording information Communicate reality of consequences to the child if errors are made (e.g. missing a child out in assembly) Clearly communicate that either party can end the volunteer opportunity at any time

38. Contact tracy.hager@wiltshire.gov.uk http://www.readingagency.org.uk/young/volunteering/