Minimum Standards for Recruiting Volunteers

The aim of a volunteer policy is to provide an overview of the various policies and procedures that affect volunteering, for example recruitment, expenses, health and safety and so on. It will also help define the role of volunteers within the organisation and how they can expect to be treated.

A clear volunteer policy demonstrates your organisation/group’s commitment to its volunteer initiatives/projects and individual volunteers. It ensures fairness, integrity and consistency in managing volunteers. It will provide a clear understanding of where they stand and what they can expect from the organisation/group. Your policy will clarify the role of paid employees and recognise the value of volunteers to the organisation.

Download the template policy:
Volunteering Policy Template

What is an Equal Opportunities Policy?
An equal opportunities policy is an organisation/groups formal document that outlines its commitment to fair treatment of all staff and volunteers (if you involve volunteers within your organisation) regardless of:

• Age
• Sex
• Race
• Gender Reassignment
• Disability
• Pregnancy
• Marital Status
• Religion or Beliefs

The policy should include guidelines on your commitment to equality in practice and your procedures for issues regarding discrimination, harassment, and related conflicts.

Why is an Equal Opportunities Policy Important?
An equal opportunities policy aims to provide transparency and accountability within your organisation or group. It should clearly define what represents fair treatment and what is considered discrimination, abuse, and harassment.

Download the template policy:
Equal Opportunities Policy Template

A Health and Safety Policy outlines the approach an organisation takes to ensure the health and safety of staff and volunteers. The policy will display an employer’s commitment to health and safety while giving instructions and information to the team, volunteers and other third parties who have contact with the organisation.

The purpose of health and safety is to protect your staff, volunteers, third parties and members of the public when they are involved with your organisation. You have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, but more than that, it’s a good business practice to adhere to health and safety laws.

Download the template policy:
Health and Safety Policy Template

Public liability is an insurance for organisations/businesses/groups of all sizes. It would cover you if a volunteer or member of the general public claims they have been injured or their property damaged because of your organisation/group activities. This type of insurance covers your business/organisation/group against compensation costs should a claim be made against you for an injury, illness or damage to property from anyone who is not an employee of your business/organisation/group.

If your organisation or group involves volunteers, you should contact your insurance company to ensure they are included in your policy. (This does not usually impact the cost of your insurance).

Safeguarding in the Third Sector

Safeguarding is the action taken by a wide range of agencies and the Third Sector to promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults by preventing and protecting them from harm and abuse. Safeguarding means: protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse and maltreatment.

If your organisation/group works with or around children, young people or vulnerable adults, having strict safeguarding policies and procedures should be one of your top priorities. Everyone is entitled to live their lives free from harm regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnicity.

Download the template policy:
Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy Template