You do not have a contract of employment as a volunteer, so you do not have the same rights as an employee or worker. You will usually be given a volunteer agreement that explains: the level of supervision and support you’ll get what training you’ll get whether you’re covered under the organisation’s employer or public liability insurance health and safety issues any expenses the organisation will cover The volunteer agreement is not compulsory, but sets out what you can expect from the organisation you’re volunteering for. It does not form a contract between you and the organisation. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has information on volunteers’ legal status .

When you can volunteer

Age limits There’s no upper age limit on volunteering but anyone over 70 will need to follow relevant public health advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) . Some organisations’ insurance policies do not cover you if you’re under 16 or over a certain age. You cannot work for a profit-making organisation if you’re under 14, even if you’re not paid. Your local council might have extra rules about the work you can do as a young person. Volunteering and benefits You can volunteer and claim benefits if: the only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get Criminal records If you have a criminal record you can still volunteer in most roles, depending on your offences. You might need a Disclosure and Barring Service check if you want to volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.

You are not paid for your time as a volunteer, but you may get money to cover expenses. This is usually limited to food, drink, travel or any equipment you need to buy. You may need to pay tax on your driving expenses if you get back more than you spent. You might be classed as an employee or worker rather than a volunteer if you get any other payment, reward or benefit in kind. This includes any promise of a contract or paid work in the future. You get certain employment rights if you’re classed as an employee or worker, like getting the minimum wage .

Coronavirus (COVID-19) volunteering

If you want to volunteer during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you can do this: outside your home, for example by delivering food and medicine from home, for example by working on a telephone support helpline There is different guidance on volunteering in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland . Who can volunteer You can volunteer outside your home if you follow the social distancing guidance , and: you’re well nobody in your household has coronavirus symptoms If you are over 70 or clinically vulnerable , you can also volunteer outside your home if: the volunteering organisation does a risk assessment you can work in a separate area away from other people You should not volunteer outside your home if you are extremely clinically vulnerable . If you live with someone who is over 70, clinically vulnerable, or extremely clinically vulnerable, consider their needs before volunteering outside your home. You can volunteer from home if you are: over 70 clinically vulnerable extremely clinically vulnerable You should not volunteer if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or if you have tested positive for coronavirus. Ways to volunteer You can: shop for food and medicine (online, or in person) deliver food and medicine help with food banks and homeless services working on a telephone support helpline To apply, volunteer through your local council. Find your council’s website and search for information about volunteering during coronavirus. You can also apply to volunteer through a charity or organisation . Volunteer to help the NHS To volunteer if you’re a doctor or nurse, visit NHS England or contact your local hospital trust . If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during the coronavirus pandemic . You cannot apply to help the NHS through its volunteer responder scheme at the moment. It’s temporarily closed. Other ways anyone can help You can donate to the National Emergency Trust whether or not you’re at high risk. Volunteer the help of your business You can offer support from your business to help with the response to coronavirus.

Volunteer placements, rights and expenses

Find volunteer placements

Find out about volunteering to help with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Find volunteering opportunities on the:

Do-it website
Volunteering Matters website for young, older and disabled volunteers
National Association for Voluntary and Community Action website
local Volunteer Centre website
Reach Volunteering website for volunteers with specific skills - like accountancy, marketing, law, management, mentoring or IT
Volunteering Wales website
Volunteer Scotland website

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