As a group or service what support can we expect to receive from Tempo?

Tempo aims to provide groups/services with as much support as possible. This includes helping you set up Tempo Time Credits in your organisation/service: developing earning and recognition opportunities; communicating how Time Credits work; understanding administration. If your group is part of a programme, they might be invited to local network events. (Tempo Time Credits)

Can Tempo Time Credits be backdated?

No — Tempo Time Credits cannot be backdated. They should be awarded as close as possible to when the time was volunteered. This is to avoid flooding the local network with large numbers of credits at once and prevent people from accumulating a large stockpile that may lose perceived value. (Tempo Time Credits)

Can staff earn Tempo Time Credits?

Staff can earn Tempo Time Credits — but only if any earning activities are clearly differentiated from their paid job duties, are voluntary, and not part of their paid work description. You should have staff sign a form clarifying this. If staff are being given paid time off to volunteer, they are not eligible for Time Credits. (Tempo Time Credits)

Can trustees or school governors earn Tempo Time Credits?

Yes — it is possible for trustees or school governors to earn them. However, there are practical considerations. Tempo encourages organisations to also involve service users in designing and delivering activities where possible. (Tempo Time Credits)

Who is responsible for health and safety?

The organisation/group using or issuing Time Credits is responsible for health and safety, insurance, and their own policies/procedures — not Tempo. If a group doesn’t have these processes, Tempo can provide support and templates. Tempo cannot accept liability for damages from activities organised by external partners. (Tempo Time Credits)

Who is responsible for safeguarding?

From the perspective of an organisation or group, people earning or using Tempo Time Credits should be treated like ordinary volunteers. Volunteer management structures/processes in place for other volunteers should also apply to those earning/using Time Credits; including induction, training, DBS checks if appropriate. If you have concerns, Tempo can advise where to get support. (Tempo Time Credits)

Can Tempo Time Credits be transferred between people?

Yes — Tempo Time Credits are fully transferable. You could give them to a family member or friend to use, or use them to take a friend to an activity with you. They have been used by people to say thank you to others who’ve helped them out. (Tempo Time Credits)

Do Tempo Time Credits affect people’s state benefits?

The page refers to a separate FAQs document for information on this. (Tempo Time Credits)

Can carers or support workers access venues to support people to use Tempo Time Credits?

Yes — carers or support workers can be given free entry with anyone who has earned Tempo Time Credits and needs extra assistance, depending on the policy of the venue you are attending. If a member or someone you know or support has accessibility needs, you should call the venue or partners before visiting; they’ll advise you on their policy. (Tempo Time Credits)

How do we support people to volunteer if they have complex needs?

Tempo works with a wide range of organisations including day centres and social care providers to make sure opportunities for earning and using Tempo Time Credits are available to everyone. (Tempo Time Credits)

How do businesses get involved with Tempo?

Businesses can become a “Recognition partner” (i.e. start accepting Time Credits) — for more information they can contact Tempo via Hello@wearetempo.org. (Tempo Time Credits)

What are the benefits of using Tempo Time Credits?

Using Tempo Time Credits helps build stronger communities. It allows people to get involved in different activities, develop new hobbies, visit places they may not have been to before, and meet others in their local area. It can also help people do things they may not have been able to afford before or had not thought about taking part in. (Tempo Time Credits)

What can you buy with Tempo Time Credits?

Tempo Time Credits can be exchanged for a wide variety of products, services and activities, subject to availability. (Tempo Time Credits)

Do volunteers need to sign up for a set period of time?

No — there is no set period of time. A person might only ever earn one Tempo Time Credit, they may earn them infrequently, or as often as they are able to. (Tempo Time Credits)

How long do people have to use their Tempo Time Credits?

There is no expiry date. However, people must sign up to the Tempo Time Credits website in order to earn the credits. Some recognition opportunities may be subject to availability. (Tempo Time Credits)

How much are Tempo Time Credits worth?

Tempo Time Credits have no monetary value. A volunteer can earn them for the time they have spent contributing to their community. These can be exchanged within the Tempo Time Credit recognition network for a product, service or activity. (Tempo Time Credits)

How are Tempo Time Credits used?

Tempo Time Credits can be used on an activity at participating local venues. They also have activities that are only available online such as fitness classes, courses and vouchers (subject to availability). Tempo Time Credits are completely transferable — people can use their Tempo Time Credits to take someone else to an activity with them, or they can give them to others as a gift or a thank you. (Tempo Time Credits)