Do Volunteers Have Rights?

Volunteering embodies a spirit of generosity and community contribution and that contribution is highly valued by organisations and the community. Unlike employees or workers, volunteers who gift their time freely, operate without a formal contract of employment and so they do not have employment rights or obligations. Volunteers do have rights as individuals, which might apply to situations they face in their volunteer roles.

To help both volunteers and the organisations they volunteer with to have a mutual understanding of the role and activities of a volunteer within an organisation, instead of a contract there is often a volunteer agreement. There may also be a role description for the specific role the individual would like to take part in. These outline key aspects of individuals' involvement in a volunteer role and the general arrangements of the organisation in respect of its volunteers, without forming any commitments or considerations that could be considered legally to constitute a work arrangement. 

Understanding Volunteer Agreements 

Volunteer agreements may set out: 

• Supervision and Support: the supervision and support you can expect from the organisation to oversee and help you effectively engage in your volunteering role. 
• Induction & Training: the initial induction and any training offered so that you carry out your volunteering role effectively and have the skills, knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully. 
• Insurance Coverage: your cover under the organisation's employer or public liability insurance while volunteering. This is important for your protection in case of accidents or incidents. 
• Health and Safety Measures: health and safety issues relevant to your volunteering activities, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard everyone's well-being. 
• Reimbursable Expenses: expenses that the organisation will cover, such as travel or meal expenses directly related to your volunteering activity. 

Navigating Volunteer Rights 

Although volunteers do not have the specific formal rights afforded to employees or workers, they are still entitled to general protections within the volunteering context, such as to have health and safety and safeguarding properly managed and their data protected in line with GDPR. Do familiarise yourself with the terms of your volunteer agreement, ask questions, and if you have any concerns, raise them with the organisation.

Individuals and organisations should seek guidance from volunteer support organisations or legal experts if needed. In rare cases, it has been found that the agreements and arrangements which organisations have set up with their volunteers have inadvertently been such that they effectively created a legal situation of employment.

Useful Links

Volunteers and the law | NCVO

Involving volunteers in your organisation - GOV.UK