Volunteer Agreement Template for Australia

This is a comprehensive legal agreement governed by Australian law that establishes and regulates the relationship between an organization and a volunteer. The document ensures compliance with relevant Australian legislation including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, state-specific Civil Liability Acts, and Privacy Act 1988. It clearly defines the volunteer nature of the engagement, outlines rights and responsibilities of both parties, addresses risk management and safety requirements, and includes provisions for confidentiality, insurance coverage, and termination rights. The agreement is structured to protect both the organization and the volunteer while maintaining the distinct non-employment nature of the relationship.

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What is a Volunteer Agreement?

A Volunteer Agreement is a fundamental document for any Australian organization engaging volunteers, whether it's a large charity or a small community group. This agreement serves as a formal documentation of the volunteer relationship while explicitly maintaining its distinction from employment. It is designed to comply with Australian federal and state legislation, including work health and safety laws, privacy regulations, and volunteer protection acts. The document typically includes details about the volunteer role, organizational policies, safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, and insurance coverage. Organizations should implement this agreement before commencing any volunteer engagement to ensure clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, and expectations while managing potential risks and legal obligations. The agreement should be reviewed regularly to ensure continued compliance with evolving legislation and organizational needs.

What sections should be included in a Volunteer Agreement?

1. Parties: Identifies the organization and the volunteer, including full legal names and contact details

2. Background: Explains the organization's purpose and its volunteer program context

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Volunteer Status: Clearly states this is not an employment relationship and no payment is expected

5. Volunteer Duties: Outlines the general responsibilities and role of the volunteer

6. Term and Commitment: Specifies the duration of the agreement and expected time commitment

7. Health and Safety: Details the organization's commitment to providing a safe volunteer environment and the volunteer's obligations

8. Confidentiality: Explains the volunteer's obligations regarding confidential information

9. Code of Conduct: Sets out expected behavior and organizational values

10. Insurance: Outlines insurance coverage provided by the organization

11. Termination: Describes how either party can end the volunteer relationship

12. General Provisions: Includes standard legal clauses like governing law and amendments

What sections are optional to include in a Volunteer Agreement?

1. Working with Vulnerable Persons: Required when volunteer role involves children or vulnerable individuals, including screening requirements

2. Intellectual Property: Needed when volunteer work may involve creation of materials or content

3. Equipment and Resources: Include when organization provides specific tools or equipment for volunteer use

4. Expenses and Reimbursement: Required if volunteers may incur reimbursable expenses

5. Media and Social Media: Include when volunteers may interact with media or represent organization on social platforms

6. Training Requirements: Needed when specific training is mandatory for the volunteer role

7. Conflict Resolution: Detailed dispute resolution process for larger organizations

8. Vehicle Use: Required when volunteers may use their own or organization's vehicles

What schedules should be included in a Volunteer Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Position Description: Detailed description of volunteer role, duties, and responsibilities

2. Schedule 2 - Policies and Procedures: List of relevant organizational policies the volunteer must follow

3. Schedule 3 - Emergency Contacts: Volunteer's emergency contact information and medical conditions

4. Appendix A - Volunteer Handbook: Reference to organization's volunteer handbook if applicable

5. Appendix B - Risk Assessment: Specific risks associated with the volunteer role and control measures

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Australia

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Sector

Cost

Free to use

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