Overview
Volunteers are central to the success of many charities, but managing volunteers also brings important legal responsibilities. This training session, “Volunteers and the Law,” is designed to help charity trustees and volunteer managers understand the legal framework that applies to volunteers and how to manage volunteer relationships lawfully, safely and effectively.
The session will explore the legal position of volunteers, including the critical distinctions between volunteers and employees, and the risks associated with unintentionally creating employment relationships. Trustees and managers will consider how agreements, expenses, roles and expectations can affect legal status. The training will also cover key data protection considerations, ensuring that personal information relating to volunteers is handled lawfully and appropriately.
We will examine health and safety responsibilities, clarifying the duty of care charities owe to volunteers and others, and how to manage risks in line with legal requirements. The session will also address safeguarding and safer recruitment, highlight good practice when recruiting, supporting and supervising volunteers, particularly where they work with children or adults at risk. Finally, we will consider additional considerations relating to age and UK residential status, including checks and restrictions that trustees and managers need to be aware of.
Benefits of the Learning for Trustees and Volunteer Managers
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Understand the legal status of volunteers and how it differs from employment
- Reduce the risk of unintentionally creating employment rights
- Be aware of key data protection, health and safety, and safeguarding duties
- Gain confidence in applying safer recruitment practices for volunteers
- Understand legal considerations relating to age and UK residential status
- Be better equipped to manage volunteers fairly, safely and compliantly
This session supports trustees and volunteer managers to fulfil their legal responsibilities while creating positive, well-managed volunteer experiences that support the charity’s aims and protect everyone involved.
The learning takes approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to complete. The course is available for individuals to attend or can be run as a workshop for up to 10 delegates.
