Volunteer Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

This policy sets out the principles under which Adelaide University engages volunteers in support of its research, teaching, community, and student-focused activities.

It defines the governance-level responsibilities for the engagement, management, and recognition of volunteers. It also establishes requirements for compliance with applicable legislation, assessment and management of associated risks, and fulfillment of organisational obligations relating to volunteer involvement.

Our policy provides authority to maintain related procedures such as the Volunteer Procedure.

2. Who our policy applies to

Our policy applies to:

• Volunteers – individuals, as defined by this policy, who are engaged in activities on behalf of Adelaide University.
• Staff with volunteer responsibilities – employees responsible for the management, coordination and supervision of our volunteers.

3. Our Volunteer Policy principles

Our principles for this policy are to:

3.1   Adopt the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, developed by Volunteering Australia, as a model of best practice.

3.2   Recruit, select, and support volunteers in accordance with relevant legislation.

3.3   Engage volunteers for tasks typically not assigned to University staff.

3.4   Establish a safe working environment and implement effective safety protocols for volunteers.

3.5   Provide insurance cover for approved volunteers, as outlined in the Volunteer Procedure.

3.6   Formally acknowledge and value the contributions of volunteers, and support appropriate recognition initiatives and events at both local and institutional levels.

3.7   Ensure volunteers are fully informed and comply with relevant University polices and procedures, including but not limited to: Wellbeing and Safety Policy, Staff Code of Conduct, Gender-based Violence and Sexual Harm Policy and Safety of Children and Vulnerable People Policy.

3.8   Maintain a central system to enable and support local volunteer initiatives, coordinated by local Volunteer Coordinators and overseen by Program Coordinators, in accordance with the Volunteer Procedure.

4. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Applicable legislation for the purposes of this policy means laws promoting the basic rights of volunteers such as the right to a safe working environment (Work Health and Safety 2012 (SA)), protection from liability (Volunteer Protection Act 2001 (SA)), privacy (Privacy Act 1998 (Cth)) and supporting regulations or relevant industry standards.

A volunteer is an individual who willingly contributes their time, skills, or expertise without expectation of financial gain to support the University’s mission, values and behaviours.

5. How our policy is governed

Our policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations of authority at Adelaide University.

7. History of changes