Providing training for volunteers

The possibility of receiving training is a strong motivating force for many volunteers. Many value it more highly than cash payments.  However, voluntary organisations must exercise care in managing opportunities for who gets training.

Agreements must not characterise training as a right for volunteers.Instead, they can express the intention of offering training when and where possible in order to help the volunteer carry out their role more efficiently.

Training must be given only when it can be seen to be directly related to the work the volunteer is doing.

Additionally, the organisation is not entitled to require anything from the volunteer, such as a minimum time commitment, in return for training. Such binding arrangements have been ruled by the courts to constitute a contract of employment.

Further information

• The legal status of volunteers - more on keeping the boundaries between employees and volunteers
• Volunteering England provide a range of information on training and inducting volunteers.

 Back to Managing Volunteers overview