When it comes to Arts awards and galas, the rules regarding the contractual rights of volunteers are the same as in any other business event; extremely limited! Some argue that there could be much to gain from events such as these on the level of self-satisfaction, as very well pointed out in Kristina’s piece on Tuesday. However, the rights of the volunteer, assuming any contract has been produced at all, would only be limited to the terms as set out in the agreement.
Volunteers are usually given a volunteer agreement that explains:
- The level of supervision and support they’ll get
- What training they’ll get
- Whether they’re covered under the organisation’s employer or public liability insurance
- Health and safety issues
- Any expenses the organisation will cover
The volunteer agreement isn’t compulsory, but sets out what volunteers can expect from the organisation. It doesn’t form a contract between the volunteer and the organisation (Gov.uk, 2013).
While there is currently no legislation specifically covering volunteer workers or any legal definition of what a voluntary worker is (NCVO, 2013), it may surprise you to know that in a section entitled ‘Legal status of volunteers’ on the National Council for Voluntary Organisations website (NCVO), to which a link is given from the Gov.uk website, there is a rather large section informing organisations that they should NOT ‘create volunteer contracts’. There is also a checklist of things to avoid saying and putting on paper, for example: “steer clear of words with contractual connotation” (NCVO, 2013).
Here is a direct quote from the site: “While organisations will wish to have detailed, formal contracts for paid staff, it is actually safer to avoid them when it comes to volunteers. They can lead to false expectations of obligation on both sides.
For this reason, you must avoid setting out the volunteer relationship in terms of rights and obligations. Instead, express your goals as intentions, hopes, or policies. This reflects the voluntary nature of the arrangement… Organisations have to be careful that the volunteers don't become employees in the eyes of the law” (NCVO, 2013).
Click here for a link to the site or see below for more information
References:
The Legal Status of Volunteers, 2013. National Council for Voluntary Organisations. [online] Available at : < http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/workforce-development/hr-employment-practice/managing-volunteers/legal-status > [Accessed 18 April 2013].
Volunteers' rights, expenses and placements, 2013. GOV.UK. [online] Available at: < https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/volunteers-rights > [Accessed 18 April 2013]
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This is really helpful information, especially as a lot of organisations will try to get one over on you! Thanks hope!
ReplyDeleteNo problem! We want to make sure that the average person who may not neccessarily know these things, can at least make an informed choice when it comes to volunteering
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