Volunteer rights - Volunteering England

Volunteer rights

The Volunteer Rights Inquiry was set up in November 2009 following a number of high profile reports of serious breaches of trust between volunteers and the organisations they volunteered for. In the light of these, some volunteers began calling for an external means of complaints redress and defined volunteer rights.

The aim was to begin to understand the nature and scope of the problems experienced by volunteers and to identify suitable remedies. The Inquiry presented its initial findings in an interim report [PDF] Download file type: PDF, size: 515.2Kb (515.2Kb) released in the summer of 2010. Following further consultation and feedback from the interim report, it formulated this call to action and issued its final report [PDF] (233.6Kb) .

Call to action

Although the Inquiry recognises the enormous efforts already made by organisations to improve the volunteering experience, it feels that its call to action will ensure ongoing improvement, as well as addressing some of the concerns it uncovered.

The Inquiry and Volunteering England are asking all volunteer involving organisations to sign up to the ‘3R promise’ proposed below in order to raise standards of volunteer management.

By signing up to the 3R promise, organisations are making a commitment to work towards meeting each of the criteria set out below.

3R promise

We will endeavour to get it RIGHT from the beginning

Our organisation will follow guidance on good practice and ensure it has up to date policies and evidence this in appropriate reports
Our organisation will ensure that concerns of volunteers are listened to and given due consideration.

We will offer means to achieve RECONCILIATION if things go wrong

Our organisation recognises that sometimes things go wrong and makes sure that everyone in the organisation knows how to deal with it
Our organisation will identify a trustee with responsibility for volunteering who will monitor volunteer complaints and encourage rapid resolution in emerging conflicts
Our organisation will explore local mediation services when necessary.

We accept our RESPONSIBILITY

Our organisation explains and accepts its responsibility for its volunteers and their well-being and respects their wish to always have a fair hearing if a conflict arises
Our organisation will work with the Call to Action Progress Group to share lessons and improve standards
Our organisation will report publicly on the implementation of its 3R promise.

Complete the form below to sign up to the 3R Promise