Squad Captains
Squad Captains are an essential part of the Olio community, leading teams of FWHs ensuring collections run smoothly so we can save and share as much food as possible. We couldn't be more grateful for these members who are helping maintain smooth collections and supporting Squads.
Why do Squads need a Captain?
Olio works with thousands of stores and businesses. Unfortunately, we don't have close contact with each and every store, so in order to ensure that collections are working well - Squad Captains play an essential role in overseeing things on the ground. They provide a point of contact for the Squad and for stores.
What are the responsibilities of a Squad Captain?
Squad Captains ensure that collections run smoothly so food doesn't go to waste, through these main duties:
1️⃣ Welcome and engage the Squad
👋 Welcome new FWHs when they join, sharing any specific information regarding the store.
🤝 Maintain a positive and supportive environment.
🆘 Support the Squad with any issues or questions.
😁 Check-in on wellbeing.
2️⃣ Lead by example on Olio guidelines
📅 Food safety - not sharing food past the use-by date.
🥐 10% allowance - sharing far and wide, and in a timely manner.
🙋Remind volunteers to reply to the post-collection Olio's Little Helper.
⏩ Report issues to Olio using the volunteer hub
3️⃣Update Olio if there is a change of arrangement
This could be:
⏰ A change in business opening times.
📅 Scheduling issues.
✅ Updated allergen information.
🚨 In order to ensure that it is possible for these responsibilities to be carried out, Squad Captains cannot block or be blocked by members of their squad. Olio will take action to unblock the users if this occurs in error.
For catering sites only: If a slot is uncovered and nobody will be collecting, please make sure the site is aware
Due to the increase of catering sites that Olio is collecting from and to ensure we are managing site engagement, from September 2023 we are asking our brilliant Squad Captains that if a slot is still unassigned 1 hour before the collection to please call the site to check if there is any surplus and let them know that no one is currently assigned to collect the food.📞 If you do not have the contact number of the site, then you do not need to call ahead.
🥗 If the site confirms that there is surplus food to collect, please attend the collection if you’re free or post in the group chat to ask if any of your fellow FWHs are available rescue the food from going to waste.
Step up as Squad Captain if you can no longer collect on a regular basis but want to help out
You can also step up as Squad Captain if you would like to stay in a squad but can’t commit to a regular collection.
This means you’ll remain in the squad chat to let new Food Waste Heroes know how everything works. Plus you can also be on hand to cover any one-off collections!
Why are the longest-standing collectors being automatically appointed as Squad Captain if no one else steps forward?
As it is compulsory for each Squad to have a Captain, we hope that someone steps forward to take on this role. If no one steps forward, the longest-standing collector within the group will automatically be appointed to recognise their experience and commitment to the Squad.
.🎁 What do I get for being a Squad Captain?
We are so grateful for Squad Captains. We hope that the valuable team management experience and connection with the Squad to save food from waste is offer fulfilment. 💚 Please do remember that volunteering is an excellent way to boost your skills, let us know if you need a reference and if we have enough information on your efforts, we can help!
🚨 If we notice that you have not messaged in the group chat for more than a month we will remove you from the role to allow another FWH to assume the role.