What are the duties of volunteer managers and leaders to ensure compliance with the law and the maintenance of volunteers’ rights?

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.See each of these considerations in more detail in our guide on Volunteers & Your Duty of Care