The need for companies and organisations to fully understand the legal rights of volunteers will be highlighted at an event in Aberdeen today (April 18), following reports that more young people volunteer in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.
Eric Gilligan, partner and head of the employment law team at Stronachs LLP in Aberdeen will present at the ‘Third Sector Network: Volunteers – managing their importance and impact’ event, arranged by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
He will address the legal status of volunteers, the legal responsibilities and requirements charities must consider to ensure they comply with legislation, and the necessary protections for organisations which permit employees to undertake volunteer commitments during working hours.
A major study organised by the #iwill campaign to mark Student Volunteering Week in February 2017 revealed that 52 per cent of young people in Scotland volunteer, compared to 48 per cent in Wales, 42 per cent in England and 18 per cent in Northern Ireland.
According to Volunteer Scotland, around 35 per cent of people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire volunteer formally through an organisation, ahead of the national average of 27 per cent. That equates to 140,000 people across the region.
Eric Gilligan said: “With a growing emphasis on the gig economy model involving zero hour contracts, part-time work and volunteering it is important that individuals and the organisations engaging them fully understand their legal rights.
“In particular with volunteering on the rise, and with more young people volunteering in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK, there is a requirement for ‘volunteer-involving organisations’ to have clear arrangements in place to ensure they are legally compliant and that associated risks are managed.”
Fiona Fernie, membership network manager at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said: “As well as having an understanding of what charities must legally have in place for their management of volunteers, it is also important to consider how volunteers should and could be managed to ensure the charity retains control and authority whilst maximising volunteer contribution. We are pleased to be hosting an event with our partner, and sponsor AAB, that will approach both these topics.”
Limited places remain available for the event, for more information please contact Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce on 01224 343901.