Taking on voluntary staff

It's common for businesses to use young volunteers for part-time volunteering or for volunteering during school holidays.

There are no specific restrictions on volunteering by young people in not-for-profit organisations. However, you should follow the working-time rules that apply to regular employees.

You should ensure that young people are afforded protection. See Volunteer Now's guidance on safeguarding.

Volunteers and voluntary workers are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage - see who should be paid the minimum wage.

Insurance for young people

If you use volunteers who are under 16 years old, you must ensure that your employer's liability and public liability insurance policies cover young workers and volunteers under 16 years old.