Legalities
There is nothing legally to stop an organisation from offering a paid job to an existing volunteer.
However, it may be poor equal opportunities practice to recruit from within, without going through an appointments procedure.
If volunteers come to expect that they will be promised paid work as it becomes available, this can affect volunteers' motives for volunteering, and lead to people volunteering just to obtain paid work, rather like an unpaid apprentice. This again runs against equal opportunities, as not everyone is able to volunteer. It may also mean that you end up with a paid workforce that is not representative of your community.
Good practice
It is important to have a clear policy on this issue. If there is inconsistency then volunteers may have false hopes or expectations, or carry resentment that one volunteer was selected out of several other volunteer applicants.
Some organisations simply advertise all posts externally, and encourage volunteers to apply.
Others have internal recruitment procedures, similarly encouraging volunteers to apply alongside paid staff. If no suitable candidate is found the post is then advertised externally.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. External recruitment is purer in terms of equal opportunities, while internal recruitment allows staff and volunteers to develop within an organisation. However you choose to advertise a paid vacancy, ensure that volunteers are aware that they are welcome to apply, but make it clear that this is not a promise of their success in being offered the post. The role should be offered to the most suitable candidate.
Last reviewed: May 2009
Disclaimer
We have made every effort to ensure that this article was correct at the time of publication. It is intended as a summary of relevant issues to help you plan or develop your work with volunteers. Volunteering England is unable to accept liability for any loss or damage or inconvenience arising as a consequence of the use of this information.
Copyright
Please note that this article is subject to copyright, which is owned by Volunteering England. Further information on Volunteering England’s Copyright can be found at: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/aboutsite.htm
