Squad Captains are an essential part of the Olio community. They lead teams of Food Waste Heroes and keep collections running smoothly so we can save and share as much food as possible. We're hugely grateful to everyone who takes this on.
Why do squads need a Captain?
Olio works with thousands of stores and businesses, and we're not in close daily contact with every one. Squad Captains oversee things on the ground and act as a point of contact for both the squad and the store, so collections keep working well.
What does a Squad Captain do?
Squad Captains keep collections running so food doesn't go to waste, through three main duties:
1️⃣ Welcome and engage the squad
👋 Welcome new FWHs when they join, and share any store-specific info
🤝 Keep the environment positive and supportive
🆘 Help the squad with questions or issues
😁 Check in on wellbeing
2️⃣ Lead by example on Olio's guidelines
📅 Food safety — never share food past its use-by date
🥐 The 10% allowance — share far and wide, and promptly
🙋 Remind volunteers to reply to Olio's Little Helper after each collection
⏩ Report any issues to Olio via the Volunteer Hub
3️⃣ Tell Olio about any change of arrangement, such as:
⏰ A change in the store's opening times
📅 Scheduling issues
✅ Updated allergen information
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. Please call the site to check if there is any surplus. 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 squad chat to ask if any of your fellow FWHs are available to rescue the food from going to waste.
🚨 So these responsibilities can be carried out, Squad Captains can't block, or be blocked by, members of their squad. If either of you blocks the other, the system will automatically reverse it.
How do I become a Squad Captain?
All Squad Captains must first be registered as Food Waste Heroes. Once you are registered as a Food Waste Hero, there are different routes you can take depending on whether you are already part of a squad.
If you are already part of a Food Waste Hero squad that does not yet have a Squad Captain:
Please click the link in your squad’s group chat description, or head to the Volunteer Hub, select the Squad you want to become the Captain at, and hit 'Become the Squad Captain'. You will then receive a message within the Olio app with further instructions. You need to watch a training video and can book in an optional induction call with Olio.
If you are not yet part of a Food Waste Hero squad:
Claim a collection slot at a business near you! Click here to see which slots we have available, claim a slot, then follow the steps above, for Food Waste Heroes who are already part of a Food Waste Hero squad.
How many squads can I be Captain for?
As many as you can manage! There's no limit, but please think about how much time you can give each squad. We reserve the right to decline if we have doubts the role can be fulfilled well.
Can I stay on as Captain if I can't collect regularly?
Yes. Ideally a Squad Captain is an active collector with a good relationship with the store, but we know circumstances change. If you can no longer collect regularly but still want to help, you can stay on as Captain, simply unassign yourself from your collection via the Volunteer Hub and you'll keep the role. You'll stay in the squad chat to help new FWHs find their feet, and you can still cover one-off collections.
How do I step down as Squad Captain?
We’re very sorry to hear that you’d like to step down as Squad Captain and hope you've enjoyed the experience. Please visit the My Squads section of the Volunteer Hub, select the squad you'd like to resign from, and click 'Step down as Squad Captain'.
The squad will be notified, and the position will become vacant for a new Squad Captain to take your place. If no one steps forward, the longest-standing collector from the Squad will automatically be appointed as the new Squad Captain.
Why might I be removed as Squad Captain?
Being a Captain is a big responsibility, and it's important Captains are active and present for their squads. If a Captain hasn't messaged in their squad chat for more than a month, they may be removed so the squad keeps getting the support it needs, and another FWH can step in
.
What do I get for being a Squad Captain? 🎁
We're so grateful to our Squad Captains. The role offers valuable team-management experience and a real connection with your squad as you save food from waste. 💚 Volunteering is also a great way to build your skills. If you need a reference, just let us know, and if we have enough detail on your efforts we'll be happy to help.