Volunteers provide incredible value and expertise to the public and third sectors each year.

It’s estimated that 14 million people formally volunteered at least once a month in 2020/21. They are essential in meeting the demands and needs of many not-for-profit services. Although volunteers do not have the same rights as employees, they still have a right to a duty of care not just to fulfil specific laws but to ensure good relations between trustees, managers, volunteers and employees.

The rights/duties we consider in our full article HERE

Equality — As volunteers act on behalf of charities, charities should take reasonable steps to ensure that volunteers are aware of equality issues and prevent prejudice, discrimination, or mistreatment.

Data Protection — GDPR applies when processing personal data for volunteers as well as when volunteers process the data of others.

Safeguarding — Volunteers are also subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Volunteers, stakeholders and beneficiaries should have appropriate measures and policies to protect them from harm.

Health and Safety — The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places a duty of care on employers to ensure a safe working environment for employees and volunteers. Under civil law, there is a duty of care to volunteers even if you are not an employer too. Relevant risk assessments must include volunteers

.Insurance — Your insurance policy should adequately cover volunteers.