The Volunteering Code

This Code was published in 2000 and revised and republished in 2005. It recognises the value of volunteering and sets out undertakings to enable more people to become involved in voluntary activity as well as to influence behaviour to tackle the various barriers to volunteering.

Volunteering Code [PDF 270KB, 22 pages]

Volunteering Summary [PDF 60KB, 2 pages]

 

The Code identifies four key principles which are fundamental to volunteering:

• Choice - Volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual.
• Diversity - Volunteering should be open to all no matter what their background age, race, sexual orientation or faith, etc.
• Reciprocity - Volunteers offer their contribution unwaged but they should benefit in other ways. Giving voluntary time and skills must be recognised as establishing a reciprocal relationship in which the volunteer also receives benefits such as a sense of worthwhile achievement, useful skills, experience, contacts, sociability, fun and inclusion in the life of the organisation.
• Recognition - Volunteers contribute to the organisation, to the community, to the social economy and to the wider social objectives and recognition is fundamental to a fair relationship between volunteers, organisations and government policy and practice.

For more information , please contact:

 

Andy Forster, Head of Policy
Commission for the Compact
Tel: 0121 237 5916
Email: andy.forster@thecompact.org.uk