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. 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 .

Volunteer opportunities, rights and expenses

Find volunteer opportunities

You can find volunteering opportunities on the:

National Association for Voluntary and Community Action website
National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) website
NHS Volunteering website
Reach Volunteering website for volunteers with specific skills - like accountancy, marketing, law, management, mentoring or IT
Volunteering Matters website for young, older and disabled volunteers
Volunteering Wales website
Volunteer Scotland website

View a printable version of the whole guide

Volunteer opportunities, rights and expenses

Find volunteer opportunities

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