Hi

We are currently reviewing our Community First Responder Uniform. Traditionally we supplied a polo shirt (more if they did excessive hours) , high vis and a jacket. During Covid we received a grant which allowed us to also supply trousers and boots. However this has continued and we are beginning to get into a position where the costs are increasing significantly.

We have made the decision that we will supply one jacket, high vis, polo shirt, trousers and boots but we will also now "sell" uniform for any volunteers who would like to have more. They will be making a mandatory contribution and they will be expected to return anything which has the SCAS crest on.

Another option we are also exploring is second hand uniform - we have excessive amounts of good quality uniform and many of our CFRs have expressed an interest in being able to use this uniform.

Interested in the extent of uniform everyone is providing?

We just provide a polo shirt and a fleece jacket for volunteers who are in the entrances to our building as Hospital Guides.

Our Trust provides these and a budget for purchasing them each year, and has done so for as long as the record I have; go back.

The reason I wanted to comment to help others, looking to get this embedded; Volunteers are included within the scope of the Trust 'Professional Appearance Policy' (formally known as the dress code policy :)). The policy broadly refers to all of the reasons we need uniforms appropriate to our roles; IPC, Public Confidence and comfort. That policy stipulates volunteer, students and staff all together that they need to be able to access this and the Trust has a responsibility to provide it.

This policy position makes it quiet difficult to challenge that we shouldn't have a budget to meet that need.