Media Release - Give back to the community with a responsible employee volunteering program

14/12/2018

The below is a media release from Volunteering Australia regarding responsible programs, in particular during the festive season.

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday 14 December 2018

Give back to the community with a responsible employee volunteering program

Employee volunteering programs are a great way for organisations to show their corporate social responsibility and provide employees with the opportunity to contribute to the community.

However, in the lead up to the holiday season, volunteering peak bodies remind organisations of their obligations regarding volunteering.

Volunteering Australia defines volunteering as “time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain”. Consideration of the term volunteering needs to note best practice guidelines and should not be exploitative, or used to replace paid employment.

We also stress it is against Fair Work regulations to deploy a volunteer in a position that would otherwise be undertaken by a paid staff member.

Volunteering peak bodies have a shared commitment to raise the profile of volunteering and are supportive of workplace giving. We emphasise that these initiatives should be set up with the motivation to build skills, develop teams and give back to the local community or organisation.

If you’re interested in giving your time this Christmas period there are many ways to support not-fo r-profit and charitable organisations.

Visit www.govolunteer.com.au to find a volunteer opportunity that suits you.

For any enquiries, please call the Volunteering WA office on (08) 9482 4333

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