To encourage participation by the whole family we reserve ALL volunteer places for Under 18s where their parent, guardian or other family member is also volunteering.

1. The parent or guardian must also be a volunteer

The only exception is where the young person is coming with the family of a friend. In this case, either:

a. A parent of the family bringing the Under 18 to the festival (often with children of their own) must be a volunteer, or b. One of the parents of the Under 18 in question normally volunteers together with their child but is unable to attend this year

2. Permission must be received from a parent or suitable guardian before the young person can be confirmed as a volunteer or be given free entry to the festival

For insurance purposes, all under 18s need to have a parent or guardian on site during the times they are volunteering in case of any issues or accidents. The parent or guardian does not need to volunteer at the same time or in the same area. The guardian can be a close family member (e.g. auntie), family friend or elder sibling.

1. Identify the application by the U18 person and send them form “For U18 volunteer to nominate parent/guardian”

This has a version of the rules above that should be intelligible to the average 14 year old, and asks them to nominate their parent or guardian. Receipt of this form triggers tag “U18 has nominated parent” and completes the 'Emergency Contact Details' field in their profile

2. Identify new applications with this tag and send form “Parent or Guardian's Permission for an Under 18 Volunteer” to the nominated parent or guardian

This has a complete set of rules and allows the parent to provide permission for one or more kids. Receipt of this form triggers tag “U18 permission received from parent” and drops the supplied info the 'Emergency Contact Details' field in the parent or guardian's profile. They can also attach a separate permission slip if they wish.

Why the 2-step process?

We often have no idea who the parent or guardian of a young volunteer is - they don't supply enough info on their form. “I'm coming with my auntie” doesn't cut it!“

The U18 can't grant their own permission. On several previous occasions it's turned out that an U18 had never told their parent they were volunteering. I appreciate the system should be clearer when both adult and child are volunteers, but belt and braces is good!

This way we get the right permissions attached to the right people in Marcato, which makes them easier to find

Before the event the Volunteer Manager will identify all U18s in the Sign-In register and any who do not have this info completed. At Volunteer Checkin the registration team will confirm that the contact details are correct and that the parent or guardian is also onsite.

Until all details have been received the Under 18 shall not be rostered or ticketed.

The information collected through Marcato replaces the “Guardian of Juvenile Consent Form” which collects the same information. Copies of this form are still held by Volunteer Central and can be used for last minute registrations if required

Gareth Almond 10 Jan 2020