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Volunteering

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  #37: Are there Legal / Tax implications for Volunteer Reward Schemes?
  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. 

  1. https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/pay-and-expenses
  2. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employee-incentive-awards

  In brief if the reward scheme could be seen as providing volunteers with rewards over and above ‘out of pocket’ expenses it could therefore imply the volunteer is an employee (and having the right to minimum wage pay) rather than a volunteer and the benefits being taxable.
  
  As a club you can also contact the DAS helpline for advice - 0117 934 2111.
  

  FAQ Information
  Views:	68
  Keywords:	Rewards, Legal
  Created:	17.02.2018
  Updated:	17.02.2018

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  #38: How can we nominate a club member for Swim England South West Volunteer of the Month?
  
  
  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 

  1. been an inspiration to others (volunteers, participants, members) in the club.
  2. successfully used initiative, creativity or innovation in undertaking their volunteer role to have an impact on the club, participants or other volunteers. 
  3. provided excellent support to others in the club and
  4. 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:	95
  Keywords:	Team, Volunteer, Recognition
  Created:	17.02.2018
  Updated:	17.02.2018