Want to help the ICSA Benevolent Fund?

ICSA Benevolent Fund Volunteer Visitor Scheme

Policy on Visits

The ICSA Benevolent Fund aims, that every UK beneficiary should have the opportunity to receive two contacts a year from a visitor, where appropriate.  While one of these contacts should be a visit, the second contact may be a telephone call.  The objectives are to ensure:

• Beneficiaries are provided with an opportunity to discuss their specific needs, which can then be articulated by the visitor to the Fund on behalf of the beneficiary.
• Trustees can be confident that resources are targeted to beneficiaries who are most in need.

The Trustees greatly value the view of our visitors on the circumstances of our beneficiaries and their need for support.  Particularly so when the Fund receives a request from a new applicant, or the beneficiary is making a significant request.  Face to face contact with the beneficiary, can also result in a specific need being identified, for example decorating or help with clothing that might not be articulated by the beneficiary in an application form or letter. 

The number of visits in a year varies for each visitor.  Although a number of visitors are most active on behalf of the Fund, some visitors do not have a beneficiary near their location.  It is therefore possible that a visit might not be called upon by the Fund until a beneficiary emerged in their area.  While most visits focus on assisting with the completion of an annual review form and to provide the Fund with a brief report on the beneficiaries' need for support, many elderly beneficiaries live alone and obtain great comfort from knowing that they have a direct contact with the Fund. 

Please note that confidentiality is essential. Beneficiaries are assured that any information they provide will remain confidential and will only be stored or used to assist with the administration of their request and provision of any benefit.  In addition, no payment is made to visitors other than refunding appropriate expenses. 

Importantly - The Fund requires an Enhanced Criminal Records check on all new visitors. 

If you would like to help the ICSA Benevolent Fund and its beneficiaries, please contact the Charities Officer for further information.