Do UK charities have to use a volunteer agreement?

No, it’s not a legal requirement, but it’s good practice. A volunteer agreement helps clarify expectations and protects both the charity and the volunteer.

Is a volunteer agreement the same as an employment contract?

No. Volunteer agreements are not legally binding and must avoid language that implies employment, such as fixed hours or obligations.

What should be included in a volunteer agreement?

It should outline what the charity offers (like training, support, and expenses) and what it hopes for from the volunteer (like following policies and being reliable).

Can a volunteer agreement help avoid legal risks?

Yes. It helps prevent misunderstandings and shows the charity has taken reasonable steps to manage risks like safeguarding and health & safety.

Should volunteers sign the agreement?

Signing isn’t required, but it can help confirm mutual understanding. The agreement should clearly state it’s not a contract.

Can volunteers claim expenses?

Yes, if the charity agrees to reimburse them. The agreement should explain what expenses are covered and how to claim them.

What happens if a volunteer doesn’t follow the agreement?

The charity can refer to the agreement to manage the situation, but it doesn’t have the same legal weight as an employment contract.

Where can charities get a free volunteer agreement template?

Charity Excellence offers a free downloadable template that can be customised to suit your organisation’s needs.

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Free Policy Templates for Charities

Example UK Unpaid Volunteer Agreement Template

Charity Whistleblowing Policy Template

Gift In Kind Donations To Charity

UK Sexual Harassment Policy Template

Example UK Safeguarding Policy Template For Small Charities & Community Groups

UK Charity Conflict Of Interest Policy Template

UK Charity Reserves Policy Template - Charity Commission CC19 Guidance

UK Charity Risk Register Template, Risk Management Policy and Risk Assessment

UK Charity Social Media Policy Template

Example UK NonProfit AI Policy Template

UK Charity Due Diligence Compliance Checklists

UK Charity Volunteer Management Policy Template

Due Diligence Checklist - Charity Commission Know Your Donor Compliance

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Charity Grant Making Policy Template

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Free Policy Templates for Charities

Example UK Unpaid Volunteer Agreement Template

Charity Whistleblowing Policy Template

Gift In Kind Donations To Charity

UK Sexual Harassment Policy Template

Example UK Safeguarding Policy Template For Small Charities & Community Groups

UK Charity Conflict Of Interest Policy Template

UK Charity Reserves Policy Template - Charity Commission CC19 Guidance

UK Charity Risk Register Template, Risk Management Policy and Risk Assessment

UK Charity Social Media Policy Template

Example UK NonProfit AI Policy Template

UK Charity Due Diligence Compliance Checklists

UK Charity Volunteer Management Policy Template

Due Diligence Checklist - Charity Commission Know Your Donor Compliance

UK Charity Trustee Code of Conduct Template

Charity Grant Making Policy Template

With 50,000 members, we are the largest UK charity community.

Charity Excellence Framework CIO

Explore

Community