Established in 1996, the Principles of Volunteering were a result of national consultation undertaken by volunteers, not-for-profit organisations, policy makers, and unions. Unlike paid employment, volunteering is not regulated by any one body. In these circumstances, and to establish best practices, the principles of volunteering can be used. Once you are clear about your volunteering needs, then you can set about creating an environment that works well for everyone.

Here is a breakdown of the principles covered. 

Volunteering needs to benefit both the community as a whole and the volunteer themselves: While people do like to volunteer to assist a charity to feel good about themselves, ultimately it must benefit the community or an organisation as well.

Volunteer work is always unpaid: There can be slight confusion here as realistically while volunteers should not be paid, they should not be out of pocket either. They may be reimbursed for various expenses or receive an allowance to cover such costs as travel fares, etc. For the most part, cash is exchanged upon presentation of a receipt.

Volunteering is always a personal choice: This principle is to differentiate from unpaid employment or other obligations that individuals have to do by law such as voting, jury service or community service. Freedom of choice is the distinguishing feature here.

Volunteering is not compulsorily carried out in order to receive a government pension or allowance: If volunteering was compulsory, then it cannot be in itself voluntary. Volunteering should always be a personal choice. If the option to not volunteer is taken away, then it no longer falls under the traditional definition of volunteering.

Volunteering is an activity performed in the NFP sector only: Volunteering is carried out in the not for profit sectors to prevent the exploitative behavior from private companies. This way volunteering is seen to contribute to the social or community element mentioned above.

Volunteering is not a substitute for paid work: While much satisfaction can be gained from volunteering, it cannot replace paid work as there is no income involved. To differentiate from the outset, individuals seek paid employment for both job satisfaction and security from income. The latter does not enter the equation when it comes to volunteering.

Volunteers don’t replace paid workers or threaten the security of their job: To avoid any form of exploitation, volunteers should not be doing tasks that were originally deemed a paid role within an organisation. Paid and volunteer work within an organisation should always be distinguished at the outset. Roles may be similar, but differences should be clear and substantial.

Volunteering is a vehicle for individuals or groups to address human, environmental and social needs: Volunteering is often seen as a vehicle for social change and provides much competition to businesses in the profit sector when it comes to particular issues or social problems. The community input provided by such volunteering organisations is important.

Volunteering is a legitimate way in which citizens can participate in the activities in their community: Every individual has a right to contribute to their community in whatever way they can. Volunteering cements this right regardless of education, cultural background, age or gender.

Volunteering respects the rights, dignity and culture of others: Any individual or groups which have intentions to divide the community go against the basic principles of volunteering. Volunteering should respect individual differences for it to benefit the personal volunteering.

Volunteering promotes human rights and equality: Volunteering should never be used as a form of cheap labour and should always promote human rights and equality through the service to others. While providing a service is important, volunteering should always aim to have a larger social purpose and commitment.