Certainly there should be no arbitrary age limits on volunteering, and organisations that impose a 'retirement age' on their volunteers are behaving in an unfair and discriminatory way. Although The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 don’t apply to volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations should think hard about whether such age-related policies are really necessary.
Some organisations may consider that some tasks are too physically demanding for older volunteers to perform. If a volunteer shows signs of not being able to perform certain tasks, then it’s worth considering how the role can be adapted to avoid such tasks. Obviously, it would be necessary to speak to the volunteer about your concerns first, and to gauge how they feel about their own ability to continue carrying out the role. If you feel that the volunteer is struggling to perform the role, then you could suggest adapting the role to better suit their needs, or find a different role for them within the organisation. The key thing is to work with the volunteer to find a solution that is satisfactory for both of you.
Where there is really no alternative to asking a volunteer to leave, this has to be handled with a great deal of sensitivity. Like all volunteers, older people volunteer for a wide range of reasons. These may include the wish to feel useful, for companionship, to utilise skills that may not have any other outlet, or to regain or maintain their confidence. Be ready with suggestions on where they may be able to achieve their aims elsewhere – perhaps other organisations might offer suitable volunteering opportunities. If possible, continue to include them in the social life of the organisation. It is also important to show gratitude for the work the volunteer has done, so do remember to thank the volunteer for the contribution they have made to your organisation.
Last reviewed: May 2009
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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.
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