
Last week, the NHF published its final version of its new Code of Governance and made some important changes from the previous draft that will impact on those housing associations looking to adopt it.
Many organisations rely on the help of volunteers to run and while it may seem that there is no legal relationship, it is often not that simple. At Anthony Collins Solicitors we work with organisations to advise them on all aspects of organisational management of volunteers.
While volunteers will not have a contract of employment, it is important that volunteer arrangements are in place to ensure that the relationship and expectations are defined and recorded and a clear instruction is drawn between volunteer and employees. There are circumstances where the line between being a volunteer and an employee can be easily crossed. Volunteers are often reimbursed for expenses and are provided with training to enable them to fulfill their volunteering duties. However, if payments to volunteers becomes regular or if non-essential training is provided, such payments and training can be interpreted as income and can potentially create a contract. If the demands on the volunteer are inflexible and there becomes an obligation on them to perform duties, this can indicate an employee relationship.
It is when these lines are crossed that organisations can be vulnerable to claims from volunteers. It is imperative that organisations safeguard themselves in relation to organisational management of volunteers to prevent claims arising.
At Anthony Collins Solicitors we have extensive experience of working within the voluntary sector. We use this sector knowledge and our experience to work in partnership with our clients to ensure they are aware of their legal expectations toward volunteers and can advise on all aspects of organisational management of volunteers, including:
Our experienced volunteer managment team is well-placed to advise on volunteer issues as many have personal experience of volunteering and are trustees of organisations that regularly work with volunteers.
Our solicitors are passionate about delivering expert support to your organisation to achieve a successful resolution to your people issues. Our advice is practical, clear and we work with our clients to guide them through every step of the process. Our experienced teams have extensive sector knowledge and experience to assist organisations through periods of uncertainty, change and difficulty.
If you would like further information about managing volunteers or how our employment law team can help you, please get in touch.
Such freedoms will allow HAs greater flexibility over how they use their assets and, potentially, how they structure their businesses. Our expert panel gathered to discuss the possible opportunities the deregulatory measures offer, together with the likely hurdles. Read the outcome of their discussion here.
Last week, the NHF published its final version of its new Code of Governance and made some important changes from the previous draft that will impact on those housing associations looking to adopt it.
Delayed since Spring 2020 as the Government tackled the Covid-19 crisis, Tuesday 17 November saw the publication of the Social Housing White Paper, setting out the future regulation of the sector
The Guidance for the extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was released last night on 10 November 2020. We thought we knew what we were expecting or so we thought...
Is it just me or are the updates and product launches of the of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme “CJRS” starting to resemble the seemingly continuous barrage of new and upgraded iPhones?
The freshly signed Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations (in force on 4 November 2020) raise as many questions as they answer.
As the UK’s social housing sector recovers from the initial Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown, now is the time to focus on the challenges that may emerge next.
There is no universal approach to regenerating town centres. However, housing must be considered a key part of any regeneration project – providing well-needed new homes and economic growth.
As employers face the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 31 October 2020, Katherine Sinclair and Libby Hubbard discuss the intricacies of the redundancy process for furloughed employees.
The Government first announced plans for a shared ownership right to buy in October 2019. At the time the sector raised concerns about the impact the plans would have on housing associations ability to borrow. An election and a pandemic later the Government announced, during the CIH Housing Festival last week, the return of the right to shared ownership as part of its Affordable Homes Programme (AHP).
Sometimes half an hour at a conference gives you the reality that has been staring you in the face all along. That was my experience watching “Change is on the Horizon”
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