33. Should we inform Benefits Advisers when an individual in receipt of benefits starts volunteering?

Individuals in receipt of benefits are asked to inform their advisers if they take up voluntary work. It is good practice to let them know that this is the case but it is entirely up to them whether they tell them or not. Because of negative attitudes and lack of information many people feel more comfortable keeping their volunteering secret. As an organisation you have no duty to inform the benefits office who is volunteering so you should leave it up to the individual to decide. Do bear in mind that if someone has not informed the benefits office that they are volunteering they may be wary of their name or photo appearing in any publicity so do always check first before ‘outing’ someone as a volunteer.