Knowledge Base
Volunteering
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Team ManagerArticle
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Young volunteers under 16yrs will be able to volunteer as long as they are a member of a Swim England affiliated club.
You can find out more information and the specific opportunities and support Swim England offer for young volunteers in their Young Volunteers section.
Swim England club membership insurance provides full personal accident cover to members up to 75yrs of age. Members over 75 years old are able to volunteer but have a reduced level of accident cover. Please note this does not affect the public liability of the club or event.
If you would like further details on the insurance cover provided please visit Swim England's club insurance portal or email the membership services team renewals@swimming.org.
FAQ Information Views: 1692 Keywords: Created: 20.06.2019 Updated: 20.06.2019 -
Of course! It is important to us to ensure that volunteering opportunities are accessible to everyone. If you have a particular concern, or would like help in finding an opportunity, please contact Swim England by email at volunteering@swimming.org.
FAQ Information Views: 1625 Keywords: Created: 20.06.2019 Updated: 20.06.2019 -
Generally there should be no problem accepting someone from outside the UK as a volunteer, but the individual must ensure that immigration rules allow them to do so.
Guidelines from the NCVO can be found on the NCVO website
FAQ Information Views: 1673 Keywords: Created: 20.06.2019 Updated: 20.06.2019 -
Yes. The benefits regulations are clear that you can continue to receive benefits while volunteering.
You can find all the latest information about volunteering and benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance and Incapacity Benefit from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
FAQ Information Views: 1661 Keywords: Created: 20.06.2019 Updated: 20.06.2019 -
All Swim England club volunteers must be a member of Swim England – Category 3 Membership is the specific category for volunteers.
Your club will be able to support you through the quick process of becoming a member. If you are an existing member, there is no additional requirement for you to be able to volunteer.
If you will be working regularly with children (anyone aged under 18yrs), you will need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the club, which is a legal requirement and not a reflection of mistrust on behalf of the club.
FAQ Information Views: 1746 Keywords: Created: 20.06.2019 Updated: 20.06.2019 -
Swim England supports all volunteers within the swimming and aquatics community. For information and contact details for all of their volunteer support staff and volunteer coordinator network please visit their Get in touch page. Here you will be able to find your nearest contact who will be able to offer specialised, local support.
As part of this commitment, education and support is available to all Swim England clubs to make sure they know how to effectively engage and manage all their volunteers.
Your club should provide you with a clear idea of what your role will be and as well as ensure you have access to appropriate training and support. If there’s anything you aren’t clear about, don’t be afraid to ask someone. The most important thing is making sure that you enjoy your volunteering experience!
FAQ Information Views: 1655 Keywords: Created: 20.06.2019 Updated: 20.06.2019 -
This depends on the role and the amount of time you can give, but even the smallest of contributions can really make a difference. Some volunteering tasks may require regular hours each week and some only a few each month; some commitments may be ongoing, whereas some roles may be for a specific one-off event.
It is useful to agree some informal terms with your club to manage both your's and the club's expectations of the time you can, and have agreed, to commit. This will also ensure your time is used effectively. A club may have a Volunteer Coordinator, a link between you, the club and Swim England, who will be able support you in your role.
FAQ Information Views: 1576 Keywords: Created: 20.06.2019 Updated: 20.06.2019 -
Swim England South West introduced the Volunteer of the Month award to recognise and promote the hard work and dedication volunteers provide within aquatics clubs in the South West.
The award can be presented to any volunteer from a young or new volunteer just starting out on their volunteering journey to a more established volunteer. Nominations are assessed by a Volunteer Panel against the following considerations. Not all of the elements have to be fulfilled but the nominee does have to be a member of a Swim England affiliated club.
Consideration is given to whether the nominee has- been an inspiration to others (volunteers, participants, members) in the club.
- successfully used initiative, creativity or innovation in undertaking their volunteer role to have an impact on the club, participants or other volunteers.
- provided excellent support to others in the club and
- achieved impact through determination under challenging circumstances. However long the volunteer has been with the club, be it a few months or a few years, they must have had an impact on the participants, the volunteers or the club.
Download nomination form.
If you think you know of someone in the South West Region who deserves this award please email Jackie Hilleard, Regional Development Coordinator – jackiehilleard@gmail.com – or visit the Swim England South West website www.swimwest.org.uk for more information.
FAQ Information Views: 4291 Keywords: Created: 17.02.2018 Updated: 17.02.2018 -
When looking to reward your volunteers it is important to be aware of any implications this may have to both your organisation and also to the individual.
The general view from HMRC is that only out of pocket expenses are allowed, and where there is any potential for benefit or reward involved, there is the possibility of tax implications and forming employment contracts, i.e. reward could be classed as benefits in kind and then individuals having to be subject to being paid at the national minimum wage with additional employer obligations.
The links below are a good starting point, noting the rewards part as noted in example 4 of the first link and then what’s included as an incentive award in the second link, which although employee related, is still applicable.- https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/pay-and-expenses
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employee-incentive-awards
In English law any relationship between a volunteer and volunteer manager has no legal definition. However, volunteer co-ordinators should be careful when deciding whether to use incentives to attract volunteers, as providing these could imply that ‘consideration’ exists and that there is a contract between co-ordinator and volunteer. This is problematic as it could lead to the volunteer co-ordinator being judged to have broken the law.
As a club you can also contact the DAS helpline for advice - 0117 934 2111.
FAQ Information Views: 2473 Keywords: Created: 17.02.2018 Updated: 04.11.2019
