Enabling safe and effective volunteering during COVID-19

The Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has published guidance aimed at helping organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The guidance is for people who run volunteer-involving organisations or groups, or manage volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering yourself, or are an existing volunteer, read guidance on how to volunteer during the coronavirus pandemic and on how to help others safely.

Please note that the guidance only applies to England.  There is different guidance on volunteering in WalesScotland and Northern Ireland.

The guidance includes advice on:

  1. Who can volunteer
  2. Volunteering outside the home
  3. Workplace closures
  4. Volunteering in groups and around others
  5. Travelling to volunteer or while volunteering
  6. Face coverings
  7. Coronavirus testing for volunteers
  8. Volunteers in critical roles who can access schools or educational settings
  9. Accommodation for volunteers
  10. Ensuring volunteers and their workplaces are safe
  11. Safeguarding volunteers
  12. Insurance and volunteers
  13. Volunteers who claim benefits or who are ‘furloughed’
  14. Involving volunteers in mutual aid groups and community support groups
  15. Local information and resources

To access the guidance, follow this LINK to the GOV.UK website.