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Youth Volunteering

Engaging Young People in your Organisation

Most voluntary organizations are aware of the valuable contribution that children and young people can make, but may not be aware that because employment legislation does not apply to volunteering, there is no minimum or maximum legal age for volunteering. However, what does apply is the general law of duty to care which organisations are obliged to observe. Before appointing any youngster it is recommended that organizations look at three particular areas, to safeguard their volunteers & themselves:
 
  • Health & Safety (in particular Risk Assessment of any potential hazards)
  • Child Protection Policies
  • Insurance

Involving young people in your organisation may not require much more than some adjustments to existing policies and procedures you already have in place and the addition of a child protection policy if you don’t have one and wish to involve young people under the age of 18. The benefits are that you will increase the number of volunteers to whom you can appeal for help but also that you can enjoy the added value young people can bring to any organisation. Whilst there are no minimum age restrictions on involving children as volunteers the law governing the employment of young people can help guide you as to a sensible approach. For example: Information Sheet from Children’s Legal Centre on Child Employment


The following is a checklist of some of the important issues to be aware of and resources that can help:


Recrutiment policies

Ensure that you’re operating safe recruitment practices

A new brochure outlining the new Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme that will be introduced in 2010 to slowly replace the current disclosure system is now available here.  


Volunteer Policy


Are there suitable roles for young people in your organisation and adequate resources to support this e.g. expenses, training, supervision. Guidance on writing a volunteer policy can be found on the VDS website here  



Health and Safety Policy


Remember to outline safe adult to child ratios/protocols for access to internet/ use of photography and ensure risk assessments are done. See:

http://www.youngworker.co.uk/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/practice.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/fivesteps.htm


Child protection policy


Necessary if you have any volunteers under 18 in your organisation, sample policies are available from CRBS.  


 

Insurance


Have you checked with your insurer exactly what the policy covers. Does it specify a lower age limit for volunteers and if so can it be extended? Insurers are likely to be concerned with the age-appropriateness of the tasks young people do. The insurance market is competitive so if your current insurer will does not meet your needs then look elsewhere. Your local CVS or SCVO may be able to advise on insurers that understand the needs of the voluntary sector. Further guidance on insurance is available on the VDS website here

Youth Volunteering Links

Advice on Disclosure requirements

www.crbs.org.uk