24. We’re using the same grievance and disciplinary policy for both paid staff and volunteers. Should we be doing this?

It is generally better to have separate procedures for volunteers. Working with volunteers is different from working with paid staff, and some policies and procedures should recognise this. The management structures for paid staff may be different, for example. You may wish to make the procedures for volunteers simpler and clearer. Procedures written for paid staff tend to be written in language better suited for complex legal documents. Volunteers should be aware at all times exactly where they stand; the grievance or disciplinary procedure they are referring to should not be unnecessarily complicated or difficult to understand. Bear in mind that some of your volunteers may not have English as their first language, or may have learning difficulties.

Another reason for having separate procedures is the issue of the legal status of volunteers. While employment tribunals will be looking mainly for evidence of payments and obligation on the part of the volunteer, one part of lessening risk is to create a clear distinction within the organisation between paid staff and volunteers. Having different procedures does not mean giving volunteers a lesser status, it simply recognises that they have different needs to those of paid staff.