How to take on volunteers

Original author: Olga Aikin

Summary

Click on any of the hyperlinks to go to more detailed guidance below.

• Recognise that volunteers can have status as an employee or worker, depending on the existence of a contract and the nature of the arrangement. 
• Where the organisation does not intend for volunteers to have employee or worker status, ensure that the agreement reflects this. 
• Unless they fall within the exception outlined in s.44 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, ensure that volunteers who fall into the category of worker are paid at least the minimum wage.
• Be aware that employers can be vicariously liable for the acts of even those volunteers who are neither employees nor workers.
• Remember to take volunteers into account when considering insurance and health and safety matters.
• Be aware that a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required in certain roles where a volunteer is to work with children or vulnerable adults.