Volunteer Toolkit Your guide to volunteering in global health - Tropical Health and Education Trust
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Volunteer Toolkit Your guide to volunteering in global health
Contents Your guide to volunteering in global health 1 Volunteer toolkit checklist 03 Considering your project 2 Exploring international development 05 3 Incorporating technology 19 4 Understanding safeguarding 25 5 Recognising innovation in volunteer opportunities 36 6 Monitoring, evaluation and learning guidance 44 7 Communicating your impact 62 8 Integrating gender equality and social inclusion 69 Thinking about you 9 Your safety and security 77 10 Mental health and wellbeing 82 CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT CONTENTS Page 2
Volunteer toolkit checklist
Use this checklist to track your progress using the guidance provided in this toolkit.
Checklist
Virtual In person
Volunteer Volunteer
Have you read and understood the Exploring international development guidance?
Exploring international
development Have you considered how you can include the Principles of Partnership (PoPs) in your
work through reviewing the PoPs checklist?
Have you read through and understood the Incorporating technology guidance?
Incorporating technology
Have you completed the Digital checklist (if appropriate?)
Have you read through and understood the Understanding safeguarding guidance?
Understanding
safeguarding
Have you completed the InterAction introduction to sexual exploitation and abuse course?
Have you read through and understood the Recognising innovation guidance?
Recognising innovation Have you developed learning aims? (optional)
Have you taken the Harvard Implicit Association Test? (optional)
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT VOLUNTEER CHECKLIST Page 3
Virtual In person
Volunteer Volunteer
Gender Equality and
Have you read through and understood the GESI guidance?
Social Inclusion (GESI)
Have you read and understood the Monitoring evaluation and learning guidance?
Monitoring, evaluation
and learning guidance
Have you considered with your partners the main MEL activities for your placement?
Have you read and understood the Communications guidance?
Communicating your Have you considered the moments you might want to capture in communications pieces
impact and noted these down?
Have you read and understood the Ethical collection of data guidance?
Have you read through and understood the Safety and security guidance?
Your safety and security Have you completed the relevant Pre-commencement checklist?
Have you viewed the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance?
Have you read through and understood the Mental health and wellbeing guidance?
Mental health and
wellbeing
Have you created a Wellness Action Plan? (optional)
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT VOLUNTEER CHECKLIST Page 4
Section 2
CONSIDERING YOUR PROJECT
Exploring international development
Understanding the principles which guide
international development work is crucial in
ensuring that the work you carry out is ethical,
effective, and sustainable. This guidance seeks Learning objectives
to ensure that you have sufficient information
and understanding of the guiding principles of 1 C
lear understanding of why all
international development and volunteer work. international development work must
align with the principles of sustainable
development and aid effectiveness.
2 C
larity around the benefits of engaging in
global health volunteer work.
3 U
nderstanding of THET’s Principles of
Partnership and how volunteer projects
can align with and reach the hallmarks
under them.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 5
VOLUNTEERS
Health Partnerships are long-term Health Partnership activities are based
on building capacity through volunteer
institutionalised relationships exchange. Volunteers are the lifeblood
between UK and Low and Lower- of Health Partnerships; without them
Middle Income Country (LMIC)
health institutions. Partnerships
partnerships could not carry out the work
they do. Volunteers come from a variety of
professional backgrounds: academia, project
ARE THE
LIFEBLOOD
aim to improve health services management and administration, as well as
clinical roles from within the health sector
and systems in LMICs through
itself. The support they provide can take many
the reciprocal exchange of skills,
OF HEALTH
forms including vital administrative support
knowledge and experience. from the UK, short term placements such
as running training courses, to longer term
Partners co-develop programmes that interventions such as curriculum development
address institutional and national priorities.
The partnerships themselves are generally
long-term and sustainable, while the projects
or quality improvement initiatives. Virtual or
remote mentoring and capacity development
is becoming increasingly common, particularly
PARTNERSHIPS
which they deliver are discrete and tailored in light of travel restrictions made necessary
to identified health system needs. The aim of by COVID-19 and a realisation that Health
all projects is sustainable impact and mutual Partnership work needs to adapt to respond to
benefit. the climate crisis.
In all of the work that volunteers carry out
Volunteer within Health Partnerships, it is important
Definition
An individual (in
that standards of effective aid and sustainable
development are followed. The following
this context, a UK
chapter outlines some of the thinking and
health professional) who
Volunteer frameworks which have been developed
chooses to spend time, unpaid, doing
An individual (in this context, a UK and used by key development stakeholders,
something that benefits others outside
health professional) who chooses to and aims to provide a solid foundation for
the volunteer’s household or family.
spend time, unpaid, doing something volunteers hoping to engage in or improve
that benefits others outside the Health Partnership work.
volunteer’s household or family.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 6
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is development
ECONOMIC In the past, development efforts have often
focused on one issue at a time, for example,
focusing first on health, then hunger, then
which meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations
to also meet their needs. For sustainable
GROWTH, SOCIAL women’s rights. Nevertheless in nearly all
countries, to varying degrees, social stratifiers
such as age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity,
development to be achieved, it is crucial to
harmonize three core and interconnected
elements: economic growth, social inclusion,
INCLUSION, AND religion, migration status, socioeconomic status,
access to education, place of residence, and
ENVIRONMENTAL
sexual orientation and gender identity have
and environmental protection. been grounds for social exclusion over time.
These social stratifiers are interrelated and
2030 Agenda for Sustainable
PROTECTION
multidimensional. They influence each other; a
Development concept termed intersectionality. In the SDGs
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development there is a recognition that development must
is a commitment to eradicate poverty and balance economic, social and environmental
Previous development plans have mainly sustainability — and that interventions in
achieve sustainable development by 2030
focused on making progress in low-income one area will affect the outcomes in others.
world-wide, ensuring that no one is left
countries, but, in the last decade, focus has For example, actions to support women and
behind. Within the Agenda are the Sustainable
shifted due to growing evidence that a majority girls’ empowerment can also catalyse local
Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all UN
of the world’s poor live in middle-income economies, enable safer childbirth, and build
Member States in 2015. These 17 Goals are a
countries, where inequalities within countries more inclusive communities.
universal call to action to end poverty, protect
are on the rise. Growing concerns around the
the planet and improve the lives and prospects
effects of climate change and environmental The 2030 Agenda takes a radical stance through
of everyone, everywhere. They address the
degradation are prevalent across societies, as its pledge to Leave No One Behind. The SDGs
global challenges we face, including those
well as a realisation that the impact of these are designed to bring the world to several life-
related to poverty, inequality, climate change,
changes transcends the economic status of changing ‘zeros’, including zero poverty, hunger,
environmental degradation, peace and justice.
countries and a more interconnected approach preventable child deaths, AIDS, tuberculosis and
Within each of the goals are targets (169 in
is necessary. As highlighted by the COVID-19 malaria, discrimination against women and girls,
total) which highlight the specific elements
pandemic, health is a global issue, with people and human trafficking.
that need to be achieved in order for the overall
all over the world impacted by the virus
goal to be met.
regardless of economic status. By acting in an
interconnected way, we have a greater chance
of ensuring that global pandemics do not
decimate populations.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 7
Risk reduction and resilience building are to ensure that all those working to finance
becoming increasingly important, not just development do so in a coordinated, holistic way
referring to environmental disasters such which eventually results in a situation where all
as earthquakes or hurricanes, but also to financial aid is complementary to other efforts
environmental degradation, pandemics, rather that contradictory or in competition.
economic shocks, and conflicts. By preventing,
mitigating and preparing, countries and Member States created the Financing for
communities will save money, resources and Sustainable Development Office to promote and
lives. Development should be risk-informed and support this integrated, cross-cutting and holistic
reactive, creating economies that can quickly approach to the financing of development, as
bounce back from financial downturns, health well as the United Nations Economic and Social
systems that can deal with sudden outbreaks Council Forum on Financing for Development
and an agricultural sector which can cope with for reviewing outcomes and implementation of
sudden changes in weather, It should also be the Agenda on an annual basis.
proactive in seeking new opportunities and
areas for support. What is ‘aid effectiveness’?
Having decided on the goals and targets for
Financing for development sustainable development, and the route for
With the agreement of the SDGs came a financing the Agenda, the final corner of the
realisation that finance for meeting these sustainable development triangle is how these
goals was the next hurdle to be overcome. The goals are achieved in terms of collaboration,
Addis Ababa Action Agenda provides a new partnership and effectiveness. What steps
global framework for financing sustainable should governments, development actors and
development, which aims to support stakeholders take to ensure that interventions
implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including are effective, high quality and sustainable?
the SDGs. The Agenda aligns all domestic
and international resource flows, policies and
international agreements with economic, social
and environmental priorities. It incorporates
the SDG means of implementation targets in a
comprehensive financing framework, and serves
as a guide for further actions by governments,
international organisations, the private sector,
civil society and philanthropists. The aim is
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 8
The Paris Declaration and Accra Designed to strengthen and deepen
Agenda for Action (AAA) implementation of the Paris Declaration, the
Paris Declaration Accra Agenda for Action (2008) took stock of
The first thinking around aid effectiveness
progress and set the agenda for accelerated
began in 2005 through the Paris Declaration. Ownership
advancement towards the Paris targets.
This was a practical, action-oriented Developing countries set their own
It proposed the following four main areas
roadmap to improve the quality of aid and strategies for poverty reduction, improve
for improvement:
its impact on development. It gives a series their institutions and tackle corruption.
of specific implementation measures and .
establishes a monitoring system to assess Alignment
progress and ensure that donors and Donor countries align behind these
Accra Agenda for Action
recipients hold each other accountable for objectives and use local systems.
Ownership
their commitments. The Paris Declaration
Harmonisation Countries have more say over their
outlines the following five fundamental
Donor countries coordinate, simplify development processes through wider
principles for making aid more effective:
procedures and share information to avoid participation in development policy
duplication. formulation, stronger leadership on aid
co-ordination and more use of country
Results systems for aid delivery.
Developing countries and donors shift
focus to development results and results I nclusive partnerships
get measured. All partners - including donors in
the OECD Development Assistance
Mutual accountability Committee and developing countries, as
Donors and partners are accountable for well as other donors, foundations and civil
development results. society - participate fully.
Delivering results
Aid is focused on real and measurable
impact on development.
apacity development
C
To build the ability of countries to manage
their own future - also lies at the heart of
the AAA.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 9
The Global Partnership for Effective Engaging in global health Health values and ethics
Development Co-operation the importance of an ethical approach including
The UK health service benefits hugely from the values that motivate those who volunteer;
The Global Partnership for Effective Development its staff engaging in global health. Staff gain
Co-operation (the Global Partnership) is the access to new knowledge and situations, they Monitoring, evaluation and learning
primary multi-stakeholder vehicle for driving learn about diseases they would not necessarily highlighting the need to assess impact, improve
development effectiveness. It aims to “maximize encounter in the UK setting. They gain soft effectiveness and learn from best practice.
the effectiveness of all forms of co-operation for skills such as leadership and communication,
development for the shared benefits of people, These standards overlap with and reflect
intercultural competence and bidirectional
planet, prosperity and peace”, by bringing some of the principles outlined in the sections
learning. They gain experience applying gender
together governments, bilateral and multilateral above. As well as highlighting the importance
equality and social inclusion (GESI) principles
organizations, civil society, the private sector of the UK’s involvement in global health, the
in their projects and learn about innovative
and representatives from parliaments and trade framework explores ways in which institutions
applying gender equality and social inclusion
unions among others, who are committed can encourage their staff to engage in overseas
principles (GESI) in their projects; and learn
to strengthening the effectiveness of their volunteering work, provides tools and resources
about innovative methods used in low income
partnerships for development. for those interested in volunteering in LMICs and
settings which could be transferred back to the
demonstrates lessons learnt from past health
NHS. Published in 2014, the Engaging in Global
It supports practical implementation of effective partnership projects. The framework focuses
Health: Framework for Voluntary Engagement
development co-operation principles, promotes on how voluntary international development
in Global Health sets out proposed standards in
mutual accountability, and works to sustain work can contribute to building and sustaining
five main areas:.
political momentum for more effective co- capacity in LMICs, and outlines the benefits and
operation and partnerships. Effectiveness opportunities for UK employers, professional
including the key principles for effective associations and individual volunteers from the
Agreed in 2011 by more than 161 countries UK health sector.
voluntary engagement in global health;
and 56 organizations, the four principles of
effective development co-operation contribute rganisational commitment
O
to this goal by providing a framework for more including the vital role of UK employers and
equal and empowered partnerships and more professional associations;
sustainable development outcomes. In 2018,
Support for volunteers
86 governments and over 100 development
including preparation and support for the whole
partners engaged in the Global Partnership’s
volunteer journey;
monitoring exercise.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 10So how is this relevant to health Your project might be training pharmacists to
partnership volunteering? manufacture anti-bacterial hand rub, which
will also contribute to Goal 6: Clean Water and
Sustainable development practices are not just
Sanitation.
for large organisations, programmes or projects.
They should be integrated into the design and You may then be devising an innovative
implementation of any intervention no matter method of distributing this around the hospital,
the scope or scale; all well thought through ensuring that infrastructure is in place within the
projects can, and should, contribute to the wider community to allow for community members
development agenda. to access better sanitation (Goal 9: Industry,
Innovation and Infrastructure), and empower
For example, the project on which you are
female ‘Champions’ within the community to
working may have a central focus on health
ensure that all members of the community
(Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing) but it will
benefit from the new services (Goal 5: Gender
also contribute to the targets under various
Equality and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities).
other goals.
Your project should further take into account
social inclusion as a process and a goal, by
SUSTAINABLE improving the terms of participation and access
for people who might be disadvantaged on
the basis of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity,
DEVELOPMENT origin, religion, economic or other status
(target 10.2.). Health Partnership work has
PRACTICES ARE NOT the ability to contribute to targets across the
SDGs, demonstrating the effectiveness of
interconnected development work.
JUST FOR LARGE
ORGANISATIONS,
PROGRAMMES
OR PROJECTS
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 11THET’s Principles 1. Strategic 6. Responsible Under each of the principles sit
Health partnerships have a Health partnerships conduct hallmarks, statements which
of Partnership shared vision, have long-term aims their activities with integrity and partnerships should aim to
Based on the global and measurable plans for achieving cultivate trust in their interactions meet. These are not statements
them and work within a jointly- with stakeholders which can be met overnight but
standards for measuring
agreed framework of priorities and are long term goals which may
aid effectiveness, direction 7. Flexible, resourceful take months, or even years, to
and rooted in THET’s and innovative reach together.
fundamental belief, 2. Harmonised and aligned Health partnerships proactively
Health partnerships’ work is adapt and respond to altered The hallmarks describe best
backed up by evidence,
consistent with local and national circumstances and embrace change practice ways of working
that stronger partnerships plans and complements the in partnership. They are a
lead to more effective activities of other development 8. Committed to hallmark of Health Partnership
health projects and partners joint learning excellence exemplified through
Health partnerships monitor, an extensive library of case
programmes, THET
3. E
ffective and sustainable evaluate and reflect on their studies available through THET’s
developed its Principles of Health partnerships operate in activities and results, articulate website.
Partnership (PoPs) in 2015. a way that delivers high-quality lessons learned and share
projects that meet targets and knowledge with others Though maybe not all of the
Reviewed in 2020, these are 9 achieve long term results PoPs can be implemented at
Principles which THET believes 9. Committed to Gender the volunteer level, and will be
are crucial for ensuring strong, 4. Respectful and reciprocal Equality and Social dependent on the nature of the
effective and equitable Health Health partnerships listen to Inclusion (GESI) volunteer role, volunteers can
Partnerships that will develop one another and plan, implement Health partnerships consider contribute to a number of them
projects which are sustainable, and learn together unequal power relations and including, though not limited to:
empower individuals and inequalities experienced by
have an impact at both the 5. Organised and accountable individuals as a result of their social
institutional and the health Health partnerships are well- identities and conduct GESI activities
system levels. structured, well-managed and and analysis to ensure GESI is
efficient and have clear and mainstreamed into organizations,
transparent decision making programmes, interventions and
processes activities. All Health Partnerships
should aim, as a minimum, for a GESI
sensitive approach.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 12Harmonised and aligned
Case study
Health partnerships’ work
The partnership between the Royal College A few weeks into the project, elections
is consistent with local of General Practitioners and the Ministry in Sierra Leone led to a large number of
and national plans and of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in Sierra changes in the MoHS and individuals which
Leone set out with the aim of increasing volunteers had formed relationships with
complements the activities of
the capacity of primary care workers to were no longer in the same positions.
other development partners manage NCDs in rural areas of Sierra Leone. Rather than continuing with the original
project, based on the decisions made
The hallmarks of good practice under this Long term volunteers on the ground began with original individuals, the volunteers
principle include ensuring that partnership work by forming strong and meaningful persisted in forming new relationships,
work both reflects national health priorities relationships with members of staff based determining the priorities for the new
and builds on both institution’s strategic health both in the central MoHS and in the District MoHS.
plan. Volunteers can play a role in ensuring Health Office of the region in which their
that partnership work is supported by senior project was targeting. While this delay presented a big risk in
management and other colleagues in each terms of the project meeting its deadlines
partner institution, and engage in relevant and targets, ultimately, ensuring that
national regulatory, governance and research the partnership work continued to align
bodies who can support and learn from with partner priorities has meant that the
partnership work. training manual developed by the partners
is now being scaled up throughout the
While it can sometimes be a challenge to gain country.
support from senior management, particularly
when staff are short of time, if project activities
do not align with the institution’s strategy, any
project outcomes may be short lived. Long term
volunteers are often best placed to help other
partnership members gain an understanding of
the context and position of other stakeholders
and can be invaluable in building relationships.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 13Effective and sustainable Case study
The Royal College of
Health partnerships operate in
Paediatrics and Child Health
a way that delivers high-quality partnership with Ola During Hospital
projects that meet targets and in Freetown, Sierra Leone is an
excellent example of how volunteers
achieve long term results can ensure a project is effective and
Partnerships should be made up of sustainable. This project aimed to
interdisciplinary and diverse teams to train paediatric staff to deliver better
encourage resilience and adaptability, respect quality inpatient and outpatient care
GESI principles, able to recognise a diverse to neonates, infants and children
range of barriers and challenges to health in Ola During Children’s Hospital
systems strengthening and base projects through delivery of the ETAT+ training
on recognised good clinical practice and course. Long term UK volunteers pair
health system strengthening principles. with nurse trainers, and together
While volunteers may play a strong role in deliver training at hospitals around
delivering any clinical capacity development, it Sierra Leone to other nurse trainers,
is important that there is always a plan in place who will then be mentored to deliver
for work to be continued once the volunteer has the ETAT+ training themselves.
returned to the UK. Mentoring schemes, where The mentor-mentee relationship
volunteers provide longer term support to between the UK volunteers and the
capacity development through supervision and Sierra Leonean nurses is built on
ongoing support, remotely or in person, or Train trust and has meant a generation
the Trainer, where champions at an institution of nurses have been empowered to
or organisation are trained both in the area of deliver training where they actually
capacity development but also how to deliver work. The aim now is that the UK
this training to their colleagues, are excellent volunteers scale back and the Sierra
ways of empowering local health care staff to Leonean nurses continue training
continue work started through the project. independently.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 14Respectful and reciprocal
Case study
Health partnerships listen to one another and
plan, implement and learn together. Butabika East London Link is a partnership appreciate the context of their partner’s
between East London NHS Foundation work, as well as providing immediate
Partners should clearly define roles and Trust in England and Butabika Hospital in feedback on early-stage ideas. In this
equitably share responsibility for project Kampala, Uganda. partnership, there are short-term, two-
planning, management and implementation, week volunteer placements, but also
including among volunteers working on the The partnership began in 2005 and focuses longer-term visits, including a three-month
project. All partners should listen to and engage on improving mental health services in fellowship programme.
with each other’s needs and ideas, including Uganda. Through training, mentoring,
to produce research papers and funding and exchange visits, the partnership has The partnership benefits from having
bids, while respecting and recognising each managed several successful projects, had people in key leadership positions on
other’s strengths and weaknesses, and diverse including introducing a peer support both sides take part in exchange visits. At
backgrounds. By engaging frankly and positively service for patients with mental health a managerial level, whenever a UK group
with any challenges in their relationship and challenges, better management of visits Butabika Hospital, members of the
externally, partnerships will be strengthened aggression in inpatient settings, and team meet with the hospital management
and encouraged to continue working with each improving child and adolescent mental to provide feedback on current projects
other in the future. health services. and discuss longer-term strategy and
focus. This gives both sides of the
Often when clinical volunteers from the UK The partnership has formal and informal partnership the opportunity to reflect on
begin working in lower resource settings, they ways of reviewing strengths and what is needed and what is possible within
can be shocked or disheartened by the lack weaknesses in projects. Exchange visits current capacity.
of medical equipment or supplies which are are key to mutual understanding, giving
available. By engaging in this discussion early visitors an opportunity to learn and
on and making sure they are fully aware of the
context which they’re going in to, volunteers can
use this as a positive exercise to learn from their
colleagues and support them in their work and
work with partners to design their placement to
fit the context they will be entering.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 15Committed to Gender Case study
Equality and Social Inclusion The Partnership between the Global Gender plays an important role in families
(GESI) Newborn Network, University College of child with disabilities. Mothers are
London Hospitals and Partners In Health/ typically the main caregivers for the child,
Health partnerships consider Inshuti Mu Buzima aimed to develop often after the father leaves the family due
unequal power relations and and integrate an evidence based early to the child’s disability. The EIP aims to
intervention programme for young children empower women to care for their children,
inequalities and try to mitigate
with developmental disability into the promoting inclusion and reducing self-
them by applying at minimum public health system in Rwanda. stigma, but fathers also have an important
a GESI sensitive approach role in enabling attendance at health
The Early Intervention Programme aimed services and the EIP, so the project worked
Complying with the Leaving No One Behind to promote social inclusion for young to engage fathers and train them as expert
principle of the SDGs, health partnerships do children with disabilities and their families parents as well as mothers.
consciously take into account that different by developing knowledge and skills and
places have different histories, cultures and challenging stigma. The expert parents, This had an impact at the community level
institutions which shape norms, values and in usually women, serve as role models to in promoting a positive role for fathers in
consequence different approaches for social support families in raising awareness the care of their children with disabilities,
inclusion. It is important, that volunteers in and challenging stigma at a family and reducing stigma, and supporting mothers
pre-departure preparations do get a good community level. in caring for their children and accessing
idea of where are they going to be placed and services.
which GESI considerations and social stratifiers
are important for their project. If a GESI needs
assessment or a GESI Strategy and Action Plan
have been developed already, they are valuable
It focuses on actions to address these
resources for volunteer preparation. A GESI
unequal power relations and inequalities,
approach considers unequal power relations
reduce disparities and ensure equal rights,
and inequalities experienced by individuals as
responsibilities, opportunities, and respect for
a result of their social identities, and how these
all individuals1.
identities intersect to create experiences of
vulnerability and marginalisation. 1
THET: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Toolkit for health
Partnerships, London 2020, p.4.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 16The PoPs should be used and encouraged by all those working or volunteering within a Partnership. Some of the hallmarks can be worked towards by
individuals, and others will need the collaboration of the whole partnership. The below checklist is designed to help you understand the principles that should be
incorporated in and monitored throughout your volunteering experience.
Principles of Check if Principles of Check if
Hallmarks Hallmarks
Partnership completed Partnership completed
You identify groups at risk of marginalization, You engage a wide range of stakeholders to
vulnerability, and exclusion to target within ensure continuity and local ownership
your projects
You explicitly recognise barriers and challenges
Committed to health systems strengthening, such as
to Gender health worker movement and unreliable
You incorporate GESI related activities into
Equality and supplies
planning, delivery of your project
Social Inclusion
(GESI) You recognise good clinical practice and health
Effective and system strengthening principles
You have signed the Volunteer Agreement Sustainable
Your project is appropriate to the resources
Your plans and objectives are clearly linked to (such as equipment and staff) available
identified needs Your project follows good practice
Your needs assessments and plans are recommendations for project management in
reviewed by your supervisor international development
Your project activities are prioritized and Your role is clearly defined, and you equitably
Strategic planned with measurable outcomes share responsibility for project planning,
management and implementation with your
Your exit strategies for sustainability are partners
developed
You have signed and comply with the Code of
You have reviewed the safeguarding guidelines Conduct
and policies
You listen to and engage with your partner’s
Your work is consistent with local and needs and ideas
national plans and complements the activities Respectful and
of other development partners You and your partners respect each other’s
Reciprocal
strengths and weaknesses, and engage frankly
Your plans reflect national health priorities and positively with difficulties in their
Harmonised relationship and external challenges
and Aligned Your plans build on your host institution’s
You have an understanding of the cultural
strategic health plan
and political context that is reflected in your
project/work
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 17Principles of Check if Principles of Check if
Hallmarks Hallmarks
Partnership completed Partnership completed
You engage individuals with the appropriate You propose ways to overcome challenges
experience and expertise and roles and together that are mindful of context and the
responsibilities have been defined clearly need for sustainability
You and your partners use clear and You are flexible in adapting partnership
appropriate communication channels objectives in response to changing
circumstances, especially when there are
You are aware of the systems and processes multiple partners involved
that your host and sending institution expect
Organised and you to follow You use innovative methods where
Accountable appropriate in their approach to training health
You will keep records following the proper workers and are open to suggestions from a
guidelines and secure permission regarding Flexible,
wide range of sources
data and reports of significant activities, results Resourceful,
and decisions, and share/disseminate them as Innovative You consider the use of a wide range
appropriate of methodologies to deliver projects,
including new technologies
You are up to date with current
advice and adhere to international You stay aware of your own moral distress
guidelines and best practice for international (said to occur when one has made a moral
development organisations judgement but is unable to act upon it) and
seek support when needed
You are open to admitting mistakes and reflect
and respond appropriately You nurture a culture of reflection and
learning with monitoring and evaluation
Your activities are conducted with honesty and integrated into plans from the outset
respect for others
Responsible You work together with your partners to
You comply with the relevant professional code Committed to
Joint Learning identify what works, what doesn’t and what
of conduct for health workers can be learned from this
You have assessed the risks associated with
project activities and duty of care is considered
by all those participating in project activities
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 18Section 3
CONSIDERING YOUR PROJECT
Incorporating technology
The role and impact of technology in both our
personal and working lives is ever changing.
Technology is about taking action to meet a
real world issue and providing the solution. Learning objectives
This in turn has enabled us to understand and analyse our day to day
working in greater detail. Whether this is using project management 1 Improving your project
software to coordinate live projects or using collaborative spreadsheets to
Any transformation should be formed around this key aim. Digital
improve invoicing workflows, technology can provide many benefits to your
enhancements should not be made for your own benefit but for the
volunteering journey.
benefit of all parties. It is important to include Gender Equality and
Technology is ubiquitous and, during your time volunteering, whether in Social Inclusion (GESI) considerations.
person or remotely, there will be a variety of ways in which it may enhance
your ability to work with partners and deliver your project. Despite this,
2 Increased collaboration
it is important to carefully consider if, when and how to use technology, Aim to improve your communication and workflow processes
especially as your partner’s experience may be different from your own. through technology.
3 Enhance processes
Streamline your workload by limiting manual and repeated tasks.
4 Be more flexible
Technology can assist in data gathering and analysis which
improves your project agility and allows for a more open approach
with your colleagues.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY Page 19Benefits Risks/costs Email
Technology has improved both the quality There are numerous barriers to technical access • Email should be used to keep an audit trail of
of volunteering and the experience of the and usability in LMIC countries. Although it may any correspondence between parties unlike
volunteers themselves. By opening up access seem easier and less time consuming to utilise instant messaging where messages can be
of various sources, collaborative tools and solutions which you are already comfortable deleted more easily.
online communication, technology can have a with, there is a strong possibility that these • To streamline your workload, make best use of
positive impact on both the country host and technologies will either be inaccessible, folders, tags and labels for better organisation.
the volunteer. Both hardware and software can unfeasible or exclusive. In order to ensure that no
be used in an innovative way to address real life one is left behind, you should therefore research • Free email extensions such as Grammerly,
problems in a volunteering situation which can and engage with local stakeholders to analyse Gmail Offline and Rapportive can provide
have long lasting impacts on the community. potential technologies which your colleagues are key improvements to your emailing
Internet and mobile phone texting can enable used to and happy to use. You may also need to capabilities (https://uk.pcmag.com/migrated-
individuals and members of marginalized consider possible inequalities in access to such 2510-productivity/3725/the-best-chrome-
groups to consult with medical professionals and technologies often called “digital divide”, which extensions-for-gmail)
receive information on medications. may widen disparities and social exclusion of
specific groups along specific social stratifiers. Video conferencing
• Use video-conferencing to carry out training,
TECHNOLOGY CAN Tools
When deciding on which technology to use,
group or one to one meetings and events with
geographically dispersed partners.
HAVE A POSITIVE
both hardware and software, it is important to
• Tools such as Zoom, Google Hangout, Skype
consider the following scenarios:
and Jitsi offer free videoconferencing solutions
IMPACT ON BOTH
Instant messaging • Record live sessions to build a repository of
• To avoid cluttering your inbox with short training videos, project walkthroughs and more.
emails, utilize free instant messaging solutions
THE COUNTRY such as Slack, Google Hangouts or Discord
to send quick IM’s and calls. Research which
HOST AND THE
technologies are more popular in the region
for better results.
• Use IM for informal communications and
VOLUNTEER receive quick real time responses rather than
more formal or detailed communication.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY Page 20Digital principles
Technology is becoming more and more Build for sustainability
utilised within global health projects, however, Ensure that any solutions provide maximum Scenario
it is important that you consider not just how long-term impact on the project going forward.
A volunteer notices that data held on a
technology can be used but also if it is required
Be data driven patient is not collected or analysed on GESI
in the first place and if the benefits will outweigh
Create quality information and ensure that it is indicators which demonstrates a bias in
the costs. For example, does the benefit and
provided to the correct people for when they patient treatment. As a result, they decide
cost of a new mobile app outweigh the usability
need it. to use a customizable application to collect
and training required for its success? Does the
data on patients. However, the application
use of the new technology potentially exclude Use open standards, open data, open source
is only available on Apple iPhones which are
certain groups of your stakeholders? and open innovation
not common in the region. The volunteer
Conduct an open approach to the wider
When conducting any form of digital then looks to purchase iPhone’s for the key
community to ensure there is no duplication
collaboration, it is important to follow some staff in the department who will be trained to
in work.
basic principles. The Principles for Digital collect the data. What could be some of the
Development aims to establish strong Reuse and improve challenges of this approach?
and effective participation in international Work with your community to use project • Staff will need training to use the phones
development: solutions on a wider scale to improve efficiency.
• Phones/accessories (charging cables) could
Design with the user Address privacy and security break and there is no local maintenance
Engage in conversation and cooperation with Be careful of which data is collected and how available
your partners to design a mutually beneficial it is used, stored and shared. Make sure you
• A potential lack of ongoing software support
system, which enables stakeholders to equally comply with data protection laws.
for the application once the volunteer leaves
participate.
Be collaborative • Information can not be integrated with
Understand the existing ecosystem Share your information, insights, strategies and hospital or national data systems
Research the current systems in place to success to improve implementation efficiency.
• Staff who don’t receive phones could see the
understand where improvement is required and
provision as favouritism
what current solutions can be carried forward.
• Phones could be stolen
Design for scale
Plan for future growth by ensuring any solutions
• Sensitive data may not held securely
can cope with major changes in users, data • No oversight on quality of data inputs
and content.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY Page 21Digital checklist
When you have identified a use for technology, the check list below will help you to consider some key factors.
If you answer no to any of these, this could be a sign that you should reconsider the use of technology in your project.
Key considerations Checklist Key considerations Checklist
Will the technology be effective in solving the issue at hand? Have you engaged with a diverse group of end users along your
main GESI stratifiers prior to implementation in order to ensure
Will end users on the ground have access to the technology? broad access to avoid a digital divide?
Is data stored collaboratively to streamline processes and prevent
Will the technology be compliant with the country's laws and
data build up?
regulations?
Is there local support available for the technology you are using if it
Will the partner be required to bear any potential costs to the
goes wrong or breaks?
technology?
If you require additional hardware delivered to the region from
Does the technology fit or integrate with existing technology on the
abroad, is this feasible? (duty fees)
ground?
Are there alternative solutions exist which are more widely used Can additional hardware be procured locally?
within the country?
Will the technology require any major maintenance?
Will the technology handle low bandwidth in the area?
Is any hardware stored in a secure location?
Is the technology accessible by all regardless of gender, race,
disability, geographical location, etc? Have local staff received the appropriate training to use the
technology effectively (e.g. do you need to provide training in local
Is the technology sustainable and able to be used after the project is languages, etc.) ?
complete?
Is the way you handle data compliant with the local regulations?
Does the local authority have the financial means to support the
technology after the project?
Is data stored securely to prevent leaks?
Have you engaged with any local staff prior to implementation to
ensure their acceptance? Is data accessible to all stakeholders involved including trainees,
trainers and beneficiaries as appropriate?
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY Page 22Dealing with bandwidth issues Turn off background applications on any
device connected to the wifi
A common issue you may come across in
• Running desktop applications in the
your digital volunteering may be dealing with
background which uses large amounts of
poor connectivity, especially with colleagues
CPU (Central processing Unit) will impact
in LMICs. Below is a list of tips which may be
the quality of your calls. This will include any
helpful in improving connection speeds in your
program running videos, large databases,
working day:
interactive content or uploading files to the
Turn off HD video in your videoconferencing internet in parallel.
• In Zoom, click Settings (the gear icon). • Mobile apps such as Facebook, Instagram,
• Click Video in the left-hand menu. Netflix, Snapchat, Spotify, Twitter and YouTube
will also use large amounts of bandwidth.
• In the My Video section, uncheck the box
beside ‘Enable HD’ if necessary. • Configure your PC to start device updates
when you are not using your computer. You
Turn off video and screen sharing if not can read more here.
necessary
• Live streaming video requires a large amount Use collaborative software to share files rather
of bandwidth. By turning off your video and than email attachments • For mobile phones with unlimited data
muting yourself, this will improve connection. • If you do need to share files with a colleague, packages, disconnect them from the network
sending the link to the file stored in Sharepoint if not needed.
• Screen sharing can place the largest amount of
or GoogleDrive should be encouraged. Sending
pressure on your internet connection. Sharing • If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
files as attachments require the file to be
a resource in the chat section can be an easy channels, ensure that devices are spread
uploaded to the mail server and will require
alternative to screen sharing and reduce the across both channels, reducing congestion
considerable bandwidth.
impact on your connection. across one channel.
• Sharepoint and GoogleDrive also allows more
Change your meeting times than one user to edit the same document in Use lower bandwidth software
• As most meetings are scheduled on the hour parallel, reducing the need to send updated • Web browsers such as Opera and Dolphin (for
or at 30 minutes past, you are likely to be met versions back and forth. mobile) are specifically built for slower internet
with high traffic congestion on your gateway. connections
Scheduling meetings at 15 minutes past or to Revise the devices connected to your network
• Use low data mode on mobile devices to ease
the hour can help with better connections. • By logging in to your router, you can see which
the pressure on your desktop/laptop
devices are operational and which devices are
using the most internet. There is a high chance i. support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210596
that many of these devices do not require 24/7 ii. source.android.com/devices/tech/connect/
internet access. You can read more here. data-saver
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY Page 23Conclusion In the current climate, technology is fundamental to your volunteering experience. When planning your digital transformation, it is important to remember a key principle: technology is simply a tool. When you identify a problem, be careful in your approach to finding a solution. Many solutions will claim to solve all your problems, but it is imperative that you are led by the problem, not the technology. After identifying the problem, use your Digital Principles and checklist to ensure that you are open and inclusive as to which solution you chose. Be aware, that technological change and innovation can serve as critical tools for social inclusion; but if you do not build on GESI considerations, the inequality in access to the new technologies might also foster “digital divide” and perpetuate social exclusion. You should be constantly analysing your technology and ensure that even after implementation, you continue to review your objectives. There are thousands of helpful resources and community groups available to you online and using best practices learned by others can help you make a successful impact on your voluntary experience. CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGY Page 24
Section 4
CONSIDERING YOUR PROJECT
Understanding safeguarding
Recognising that everyone has the right to feel and
be safe,
THET aims to safeguard and protect everybody involved in its projects and
programmes – and all those they come into contact with – from violence, Learning objectives
abuse, exploitation, discrimination, harassment and neglect, with particular
emphasis on vulnerable adults and children. Safeguarding applies without
exception across all our programmes, partners and staff. This means that 1 Clear understanding
all those connected to THET should know how to keep children, vulnerable Clear understanding on what safeguarding is and its importance
adults, patients, beneficiaries, staff and volunteers safe. through examples of harm that you may see in the course of
volunteering.
The purpose of this document and associated policies and procedures is to
provide clarity to all on how you should engage with children, young people 2 Clarity on engagement
and vulnerable adults when working for, on behalf of, or in partnership
Clarity on how you should engage with children, young people and
with THET. It is also to help make sure that volunteers are protected while
vulnerable adults when working in global health.
on placement. It is intended to help establish a common understanding of
safeguarding issues, develop good practice across the diverse and complex 3 Increased awareness
areas and contexts in which we operate and thereby increase accountability
Increased awareness of how to respond to a safeguarding incident
across the volunteer placement programme.
if one occurs while you are volunteering.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT UNDERSTANDING SAFEGUARDING Page 25Definitions
A child Do No Harm
A person below the age of eighteen years, A principle that refers to an organisation’s
as defined by the UK Convention of the responsibility to minimise the harm they
Rights of a Child. may be doing inadvertently as a result
of their organisational activities, in this
A vulnerable adult case, through international volunteer
A person aged 18 years or over who either: placements.
Identify themselves as unable to take
care of themselves or protect themselves Remote Volunteers
from harm or exploitation or, due to their Remote volunteers are volunteers who
gender, age or frailty, mental health provide support without physically
problems, learning or physical disabilities, being at the facility through online
and disasters and conflicts, may be unable communications methods. They may
or unwilling to identify themselves as be in country or in their home or a third
vulnerable or subject to abuse, but are country. Other terms used include online
deemed to be at risk. volunteers, arm chair volunteers and
virtual volunteers.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
(GESI) Social Stratifiers
A GESI approach considers unequal Also called protected characteristics, are
power relations and inequalities specific aspects of a person’s identity
experienced by individuals as a result that may result in power imbalances
of their social identities, and how these and thus a greater risk of vulnerability:
identities intersect to create experiences sex, age, disabilities, sexual orientation,
of vulnerability and marginalisation. ethnic or religious minority status, people
It focuses on actions to address these living with stigmatising illnesses, gender
unequal power relations and inequalities, identity, level of education or poverty.
reduce disparities, and ensure equal
rights, responsibilities, opportunities and
respect for all individuals.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT UNDERSTANDING SAFEGUARDING Page 26What is safeguarding? THET uses the NHS ‘What is Safeguarding? Easy Read’ [2011] definition: “SAFEGUARDING MEANS PROTECTING PEOPLE’S HEALTH, WELLBEING AND HUMAN RIGHTS, ENABLING THEM TO LIVE FREE FROM HARM, ABUSE AND NEGLECT.” Safeguarding applies without exception across our programmes, partners and staff. We recognise that it requires the proactive identification, prevention and guarding against all risks of harm, exploitation and abuse. It necessitates appropriate and transparent systems for response, including reporting and learning when risks materialise. Those systems must be child and vulnerable adult-centred and also protect whistle- blowers. They also need to consider the possible existence of specific forms of vulnerabilities in specific contexts, which may be experienced by individuals or groups as result of their social identities. They should also protect the subject of complaint until substantiated and provide secure procedures for reporting misconduct. CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT UNDERSTANDING SAFEGUARDING Page 27
Safeguarding support
for volunteers
WE WORK TO Safe recruitment and employment of
staff and volunteers
ENSURE THAT ALL
THET’s recruitment and selection processes
THET is committed to ensuring the safety and include a risk assessment as well as appropriate
wellbeing of all volunteers involved in our work. background checks (e.g. Disclosure and Barring
We work to ensure that all volunteers are fully
supported in their work overseas through open
communication channels with host institution
VOLUNTEERS ARE Service (DBS) checks in England and Wales or
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks in
Scotland). This is the case for all UK volunteers
leads and THET staff (both in-country and in
the UK) to discuss concerns on a regular basis
and are committed to ensuring processes are in
FULLY SUPPORTED attached to THET’s work. Where checks are
not available, for example where volunteers are
from outside of the UK, alternative background
place to report any concerns in an appropriate
and safe manner. IN THEIR WORK checks will be applied. Safeguarding allegations
that are upheld will amount to a breach of any
OVERSEAS
employment or volunteer contract and result in
Further details of THET’s approach to dismissal or recall from placement.
safeguarding can be found in the
Safeguarding Policy. Registration with professional councils
The Code of Conduct unifies the expectations of
Inductions and training for volunteers It is likely that volunteers undertaking in-person
different institutions and ways for safeguarding
volunteering will need to register with the
All volunteers receive full inductions and are standards to be implemented. Please make sure
relevant professional council in-country to gain
encouraged to meet the host institution leads you read its provisions carefully, it lists behaviours
the correct permissions for the work being
in person or, at the least, via video call prior to that are deemed unacceptable, either by
proposed. Should any safeguarding incident
their placement. This ensures that volunteers the applicable laws or ethical considerations
occur in relation to the volunteer, the council
are adequately informed about the cultures both in UK and in the country of your posting.
would likely be involved in the investigation
and common practices of the country they are If the individual is retained on a long-term
and would decide whether that person could
travelling to and are aware of the behaviours basis, they will receive at least annual refresher
continue working in the country.
that will be acceptable and appropriate. When safeguarding trainings.
initially appointed, all volunteers are required
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
to sign the Code of Conduct and read THET’s
(PSEA): Before volunteering, all volunteers
Safeguarding Policy and any other relevant
must undertake the InterAction introduction
safeguarding policies.
to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Course
available here.
CONTENTS VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT UNDERSTANDING SAFEGUARDING Page 28You can also read
