By Mitch Eaden & Eric Swagerty, Member Relations
Volunteers help public entities expand services, support community programs, and stretch limited resources. A written volunteer policy is an important starting point, but it should reflect how your organization uses volunteers today. Taking a proactive look at your volunteer policy now, before problems arise, is often what stands between a district and a claim. Review the policy at least annually and whenever volunteer duties change. Confirm that it clearly addresses authorized activities, supervision, safety expectations, and incident reporting.
For liability purposes, Enduris treats volunteers like employees when they are acting within the scope of their assigned duties. Additionally, organizations should use the same thoughtful approach when bringing on a volunteer as they would when hiring a new employee. Define the role, screen appropriately, provide orientation and task-specific training, document who will supervise the work, and obtain a signed volunteer agreement. Additional safeguards are very important when volunteers work with minors or vulnerable individuals, handle money or confidential information, drive on organization business, or perform higher-risk activities. Volunteers should also know how to report injuries, property damage, near misses, and other concerns.
If you want more, we’ve built a full checklist covering screening, agreements, supervision, driving, training, confidentiality, and incident reporting, along with links to Enduris University’s volunteer training course and MRSC’s guide to volunteer programs. And if you’d like a second set of eyes on your own policy, reach out — we’re available to help.
