Equality Act 2010: Key legislation ensuring non-discrimination in volunteer selection processes and treatment of volunteers, covering protected characteristics such as age, gender, disability, race, and religion
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Regulations governing how personal information of volunteers must be collected, stored, processed and protected during the application process and volunteering period
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Although volunteers are not employees, organizations still have a duty of care and must ensure safe working conditions for volunteers
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: Legislation particularly relevant if the voluntary work involves contact with children or vulnerable adults, requiring appropriate checks and safeguards
The Volunteer Rights Inquiry 2010: Framework outlining best practices and recommendations for volunteer involvement and management in organizations
Public Benefit Requirement: Statutory requirement for charities to demonstrate their activities, including volunteer programs, provide public benefit
Charity Commission Guidelines: Regulatory framework and guidance for charitable organizations involving volunteers, ensuring proper governance and management
Working Time Regulations 1998: While not directly applicable to volunteers, provides best practice guidelines for managing volunteer time and commitments
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: Legislation governing the disclosure of criminal convictions in volunteer applications and protecting reformed offenders from discrimination
DBS Requirements: Disclosure and Barring Service checking requirements for volunteers, particularly those working with vulnerable groups or in sensitive positions
Common Law Duty of Care: Legal obligation requiring organizations to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to volunteers through their activities
Confidentiality Obligations: Common law principles regarding the handling of confidential information by volunteers and the organization
Volunteer Agreements: While not legally binding contracts, these documents set out expectations, roles, and responsibilities between volunteers and organizations
