Volunteering, Insurance And Personal Safety, For volunteers and rescues Options

[Ireneplatt]

If anyone would like to volunteer and can't find a rescue from these pages. Either contact your local volunteer centre - your local Thompsons or the yellow pages usually lists them. Or visit

http://www.do-it.org.uk

Type in your post code and how far you are prepared to travel and the type of work you want to do. Rescues can also register their voluntary vacancies on this site by contacting their local volunteer centre.


It is important that all rescues who involve volunteers make sure that their employers' liability cover is up to date. Both paid and unpaid (ie volunteers) members of staff need adequate cover.

Additionally, your public liability cover should clearly cover loss or injury caused by volunteers. In some cases a volunteer could be sued as an individual for damage caused to a third party, so the organisation's public liability insurance should indemnify them against this. It needn't be expensive but is money well spent. There are a few companies out there who specialise in providing cover for the voluntary sector.

Visit

http://www.charitybuyer.com/ppf/charities/...ge/2/search.asp

http://www.volunteering.org.uk/workwith/insurance.htm

http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/publi...ations/cc49.asp

I thought I should post this link to the Suzie Lamplugh Trust as many people on this board are offering to homecheck/ home visit for rescues.

http://www.suzylamplugh.org/

They have various leaflets which are inexpensive and could save your life, such as:

Code G13 Working Safely In Other People's Homes
Many people find that their work takes them into other people's homes. This booklet will help to understand the risks involved and the causes of aggressive and violent behaviour.
Price: £1.30

Volunteers By Individuals

I'm speaking with my professional hat on here.

Its important to realise the inherent dangers to both individuals and volunteers where there is no backup from an organisation. Animals, the individual and their family could be put at risk when inviting a stranger into their home or handing over a much loved animal into that volunteer's (stranger's) care. It isn't possible for individuals to check out potential volunteers fully. Additionally, the volunteer has no way of knowing about the individual asking for assistance or the family members they have offered to help.

Although nothing is 100% foolproof, the majority of organisations do have safeguards in place when recruiting volunteers. They can legitimately ask for references from employers, vets etc. before taking on a volunteer. And, have the backup of their colleagues if for any reason they are doubtful about the motives of the volunteer. Volunteers working with children have to undergo a police check before being taken on by an organisation. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent process for people undertaking the care of animals.

The majority of Volunteer Bureaux around the country will not refer potential volunteers directly to individuals for this very reason.

Please be aware and be safe.