Volunteering by Children and Young People Aged Under 16

Most voluntary organizations are aware of the valuable contribution that children and young people under 16 years of age 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