A clear foundation for volunteering with YUVA.
This agreement explains the relationship between YUVA and its volunteers, including the voluntary nature of the role, mutual expectations, safety, training, confidentiality, conduct and organisational responsibilities.
Volunteering works best when expectations are clear on both sides.
YUVA values the time, energy and skills that volunteers contribute to its programmes, communities and organisational work.
In return, volunteers need clear roles, appropriate guidance, a safe working environment and access to the support required to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
This agreement establishes those expectations and provides a common framework for a responsible volunteering relationship.
YUVA therefore combines voluntary participation with defined roles, supervision, induction, organisational policies and standards of conduct.
You are a volunteer
A YUVAN role is a voluntary position. Volunteers perform their agreed duties without salary or remuneration for the services they provide.
A volunteer role is distinct from employment, independent contracting or consultancy. Where YUVA separately engages a person for paid work or another formal arrangement, that relationship should be documented separately.
Acceptance of a volunteer role does not by itself create an entitlement to wages or employment benefits.
What you can expect from YUVA
YUVA seeks to provide volunteers with the information, support and working conditions needed to carry out their roles responsibly.
- a written description of the volunteer role and authorised responsibilities;
- appropriate induction, orientation and training;
- reasonable attention to health and safety;
- respectful handling of personal information;
- access to supervision and guidance;
- opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback about the volunteer experience.
What YUVA asks of its volunteers
Volunteers are expected to act responsibly, respectfully and within the scope of their assigned role.
- support YUVA’s aims and objectives;
- participate in relevant induction and training;
- carry out only duties they are authorised to perform;
- follow reasonable instructions provided by authorised YUVA personnel;
- comply with applicable organisational policies and procedures;
- report safety concerns, hazards, accidents or incidents promptly;
- behave respectfully and appropriately towards staff, volunteers, programme participants and members of the public;
- use organisational property and equipment responsibly and return it when required;
- inform YUVA if availability, hours or the nature of the volunteer contribution needs to change;
- comply with applicable law;
- communicate openly about concerns and opportunities to improve the volunteer experience.
Contact and supervision
Volunteers should have access to an identified supervisor or organisational contact through whom questions, concerns and requests for assistance can be addressed.
Dr Krishna Athal, Executive Director, is identified within YUVA’s Volunteer Agreement as the organisational contact person. Volunteers may also contact the YUVA Secretariat regarding their role, safety, support or administrative matters.
Email: secretariat@yuva.info
Role description and authorised duties
Volunteers are assigned role descriptions according to their position and area of service.
Volunteers should perform only tasks falling within their authorised role or otherwise specifically assigned by YUVA.
If you are uncertain whether a task is authorised, you should seek guidance from your supervisor or the YUVA Secretariat before proceeding.
Fitness to volunteer
Volunteers must not undertake YUVA duties while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs or another condition that would make the activity unsafe for themselves or others.
Health and safety
The safety of volunteers, staff, programme participants and other people involved in YUVA’s activities is a priority.
Volunteers are expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
- follow reasonable safety instructions;
- use equipment appropriately;
- report hazards, accidents and incidents;
- tell YUVA about concerns affecting fitness to perform a task safely;
- cooperate with applicable health and safety procedures.
A volunteer should not continue with an activity they reasonably believe may create an unnecessary risk to themselves or another person without first seeking guidance.
Induction and training
Volunteers are required to undertake relevant induction or training before beginning duties where YUVA considers such preparation necessary for the role.
Training may address role responsibilities, health and safety, organisational procedures, privacy, safeguarding, conduct and other matters connected with the volunteer position.
The YUVA Secretariat can provide information about upcoming induction arrangements.
Information required before volunteering
YUVA may require documentation before a volunteer begins their role.
Personal information and documentation supplied during volunteer onboarding should be handled in accordance with YUVA’s applicable privacy and organisational procedures.
Volunteer expenses and other benefits
YUVA’s Volunteer Agreement provides that volunteers are not reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out authorised volunteer duties.
YUVA may, at its discretion, provide benefits connected with a volunteer activity, such as training, meals, accommodation, event access, clothing or equipment.
Any such benefit is provided in connection with the volunteer role and does not constitute salary or payment for services.
Intellectual property
Work, materials, ideas or other creations produced specifically in connection with a volunteer’s authorised services for YUVA may create intellectual-property rights.
Under the Volunteer Agreement, volunteers agree that intellectual-property rights arising from materials created as part of their voluntary work for YUVA are transferred to YUVA for use in connection with its organisational and charitable activities.
Volunteers should ensure that material they create or supply does not knowingly infringe the rights of another person.
Have a question about your role?
Contact the YUVA Secretariat if you need clarification about volunteering, your role description, induction, required documents, health and safety or another aspect of this agreement.