UCA Volunteer or Participant? April 2013

The fact that someone voluntarily offers to do something, or actually does something voluntarily, does not mean that they are a UCA 'volunteer'. 1

The determination as to whether someone is a volunteer can be made simply by considering: What is the voluntary service or activity that is being offered? Who will benefit from the provision of the service or activity? Has the offer to volunteer been accepted by an authorised UCA representative? Have UCA engagement protocols been applied and is there a signed UCA task specific 'volunteer agreement‘? 2

Example = Participant: Commonly, those participating in a Men's Shed are 'participants' of a Men's Shed and are participating for reasons of either a personal, group or community interest. 3

Example = Participant: Someone who attends a Church service and offers to deliver a bible reading is a ‘participant’, participating in an act of religious worship with others of like mind, who have a common interest. 4

Example = Volunteer: A person who offers to clean the Church (and the offer is accepted by an authorised representative of the UCA entity gaining benefit from the offer) would be deemed a Volunteer. 5

Example = Volunteer: A person who offers to undertake administrative activities (and the offer is accepted by an authorised representative of the UCA entity gaining benefit from the offer) for a UCA entity would be deemed a Volunteer. 6

UCA Insurance Other than Workers Compensation insurance, all insurances are held by the Uniting Church Property Trust. Volunteers are covered under Uniting Church ‘voluntary’ workers personal injury/accident insurance. Participants are not covered under Uniting Church ‘voluntary’ workers personal injury/accident insurance, or any other Uniting Church Insurance. In the event of proven negligence, Uniting Church Public Liability Insurance may be applicable. 7

Statutory WHS Obligations & Liabilities A Congregation that does not employ anyone is deemed a ‘Volunteer Association’ and therefore WHS laws do not apply. A Congregation employing anyone is deemed a ‘Volunteer Organisation’ and a ‘Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking’ (PCBU). A PCBU has significant obligation and liability for both Employed and Volunteer Workers. Both Employed and Volunteer Workers have obligation and liability under WHS laws. 8