Good Practice in Volunteer Management Liz Devaney 2010

 It is important to be very clear about the nature of the relationship that exits between a volunteer and the organisation.  This is different in many aspects from the relationship that exists between paid staff and the organisation.

Volunteer managers must take every step possible to avoid an implied legally binding contract with volunteers. Make a clear distinction between volunteers and paid staff in the following areas.  Terminology used  Policies and procedures  Expectations

The nature of the relationship between volunteers and the organisation is informal and voluntary. Employment based policies and procedures should not be applied to the management of volunteers.

A contract of employment does not have to be written down as a formal employment contract. A contract can be inferred where the following conditions exist.  Consideration  Intention  Obligation

There have been cases where volunteers have proved they had an employment contract For example:  Armitage v Relate  Chaudri v Migrant Advice Service

It is advisable to use different terminology for volunteers in the following areas:  What they are joining the organisation to do (role, placement)  Requirements of role (hopes and expectations)  If things aren’t going well (dealing with difficulties/ arrangements where there are problems) Avoid the use of employment-related terms in all volunteer documentation and reduce the formality of your documents.

Depending on the nature of the volunteer role The volunteer agreement may contain any or all of the following 10 elements: 1. The nature and purpose of the voluntary work 2. Length of trial period and arrangements for review 3. How and when support will be provided 4. What training is available to enable the volunteer to carry out their role 5. Volunteers’ expectations

6. Organisation’s expectations 7. How problems/concerns can be reported and how they will be dealt with 8. H ow expenses will be reimbursed 9. Information on any insurance/safety requirements 10. Volunteer’s agreement to carry out their role with regard to the organisation’s policies and procedures.