i. Volunteers

Sometimes local councils work with volunteers.   For example, a council may use volunteers to help with a community event or a community litter pick.   The essence of a true council/volunteer relationship is that the council cannot require a volunteer to undertake work for the council and the council cannot commit to providing work for the volunteer.

A person who volunteers with a council will not be paid, except perhaps expenses.

A council will need to give a volunteer clear instructions as to what they are authorised to do on behalf of the council.   Volunteers may also need to be informed if they are subject to certain policies of the council.  

Section 3 of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 states that a council has a statutory duty to ensure so far as reasonably practicable the Health, Safety and Welfare at work of not only employees, but also other persons, which would include volunteers.

A council should notify its insurers if it uses services of volunteers in the exercise of its statutory powers.