Volunteer Agreement

What is a Volunteer Agreement?

A Volunteer Agreement outlines the expectations, roles, responsibilities, and the nature of the relationship between the volunteer and the organisation.

Benefits for Volunteers:

1. Clarity of Role: Understand clearly what is expected in their role, helping them focus their efforts effectively.
2. Skill Development: Gain new skills and experiences, which can be beneficial for personal growth and future employment opportunities.
3. Social and Community Engagement: Opportunities to meet new people, engage with the community, and contribute to a cause they are passionate about.
4. Personal Fulfilment: A sense of achievement and fulfilment from contributing to society and helping others.

Benefits for Organisations:

1. Resource Efficiency: Volunteers provide valuable skills and labour, often enabling organisations to achieve more than they could with paid staff alone.
2. Community Engagement: Strengthen connections with the community and enhance the organisation's public image.
3. Diverse Perspectives: Volunteers can bring new ideas and perspectives, enriching the organisation’s culture and approach to problem-solving.
4. Risk Management: Clear agreements help manage risks associated with volunteer work and protect the organisation’s interests.

General Considerations:

• Legal Compliance: Ensure the agreement complies with relevant laws and does not inadvertently create an employment relationship.
• Voluntary Nature: It's important to maintain the voluntary nature of the relationship and not imply any form of payment or employment.
• Respect and Inclusivity: The agreement should reflect respect for the volunteer’s contribution and promote an inclusive environment.

In summary, a volunteer agreement is a beneficial tool for both volunteers and organisations. It provides clarity and structure to the volunteer arrangement, ensuring a mutually beneficial and effective relationship. For volunteers, it offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully while gaining valuable experience, and for organizations, it helps in leveraging community resources and achieving their goals.