While volunteering with us, it’s important to make sure your activities follow our guidelines to ensure your activities are safe, legal and in line with Marie Curie’s values.
The law and best practice
These requirements haven’t been put in place to hinder the great work that you do, but to ensure we’re supporting you in meeting UK legal requirements.
This page will give you an overview of rules you'll need to follow to meet legal requirements. Some areas of legislation are complicated and differ between the countries within the UK, so always speak to your Volunteer Manager if you’ve got any questions or refer to our handbook.
Licensing
There are a few different licences you should keep in mind when fundraising or holding an event. These licences include:
- For collections
- For public entertainment
- For music
- For film
- For alcohol
Health and safety
It’s important to ensure that all events and activities are well planned and safe. This not only protects the charity, our supporters and the wider public; it also ensures we meet the requirements of our insurers.
By not following and documenting due diligence when planning an event, Marie Curie is at risk; legally, financially and reputationally.
Insurance: what is and isn’t covered
Events
Marie Curie is insured against claims made by participants for injury sustained while taking part in a fundraising event as a result of Marie Curie’s negligence. This includes cover for all volunteers involved in a fundraising event which is being arranged on behalf of Marie Curie.
However, all employees and volunteers acting on Marie Curie’s behalf have a duty to follow good risk management practice and comply with established procedures, as described in our handbook. Please ask your Volunteer Manager for further guidance on anything you are not sure about.
Anything inherently risky such as fireworks, bouncy castles or boating activities may need to be referred to our insurers to make sure they’re comfortable insuring it.
Keeping donations secure
Cash raised at an event or collection and in transit is insured for £2,500 for each fundraising volunteer While in transit or when transporting money to the bank, the following rules must be followed:
- Up to £2,500 insured when banking is accompanied by one person
- £2,501 – £5,000 insured when banking is accompanied by two people
- £5,001 – £7,500 insured when banking is accompanied by three people
- £7,501 – £10,000 insured when banking is accompanied by four people
- Over £10,000 insured when banking is accompanied by a professional carrying company
There is no limit on the insurance of cheques.
Personal safety is very important, and your risk assessment should include cash security and any risks associated with carrying cash, including the weight of carrying coins.
We recommend that collection tins are transported and counted off site by two people, unless the site contact specifically requests monies to be counted in their presence.
Drivers
Volunteering will often be included in insurance coverage for the basic social, domestic and pleasure category.
It's the volunteer's responsibility to let their insurance company know if they'll be using their vehicle while volunteering, specifying that they won't be receiving any payment apart from reimbursed expenses.
For more information search ‘volunteers’ on the Association of British Insurers website.
Personal possessions and events held in the home
Marie Curie doesn't cover the personal possessions or property of volunteers, and so we’d expect you to have your own household and contents insurance to cover you during any fundraising events based in your home.
We would recommend you mention the event to your insurers to be confident it’s all covered. Please speak with your Volunteer Manager for more information.
Personal safety and lone working
Carrying out volunteering activities on your own should be avoided wherever possible. It’s always better to have a fellow volunteer with you, especially when the collection and management of money is involved, which can lead to potential security issues and increased safety risks. If lone volunteering cannot be avoided, preparing for the activity or event to keep yourself safe is key. You can read more about this on page 80 in our handbook.
If you have an incident whilst lone volunteering, or you have any general safety concerns, please make sure you report them to your Marie Curie contact – your safety is our priority.
Make sure you carry the Community Fundraising Incident Team number with you at all times for any emergencies whilst volunteering: 0800 304 7112.
