Rights and responsibilities of volunteers

This resource provides an overview of the rights and responsibilities of volunteers and the organisations they volunteer with. It outlines mutual expectations that support respectful, safe and effective volunteering relationships.

The guide helps Volunteering Involving Organisations and volunteers understand role clarity, duty of care and shared responsibility, supporting positive volunteer experiences.

Benefits for volunteer managers

• supports clear understanding of volunteer rights and responsibilities.
• helps set expectations and reduce misunderstandings.
• supports role clarity and respectful working relationships.
• contributes to safer and more effective volunteer involvement.

How to apply this resource

This resource is most useful when onboarding volunteers, developing volunteer agreements, reviewing role expectations, or supporting conversations about rights, responsibilities and conduct.