Oxfam and you: our volunteer policy

Oxfam's fundraising, communications and campaigning work in the UK is a partnership between volunteers and staff. As a volunteer, your gift of time, skills and experience will extend Oxfam's capacity to overcome poverty and suffering. By doing so it is Oxfam's aim that volunteers gain satisfaction from this partnership and that the relationship is one of mutual benefit.

When you volunteer with Oxfam:

• You can make a difference to the lives of poor people throughout the world.
• Your gift of time, skills and experience will be used well.
• Your volunteering will be appreciated and recognised.
• You will be provided with all the information and guidance required for you to carry out your volunteering. You will be encouraged to develop in your volunteering role.
• You will be given opportunities to keep up to date with Oxfam's work.
• You can expect Oxfam to seek your views on its work and on your volunteering.
• You volunteer in an organisation that is striving to be non-discriminatory and diverse.
• You volunteer in an environment that is safe.

• You will be covered by Oxfam's insurance policies.

• You won't be out of pocket.
• You can expect Oxfam to help you to resolve any difficulties you may have with Oxfam or your volunteering.
• You are free to stop volunteering at any time.

In order to meet these aims:

• Oxfam will ensure that managers are trained in and practice good people management.
• Oxfam expects everyone to carry out their volunteering within the Law and within the organisation's Policies and Procedures.
• Oxfam may request that an individual stops volunteering where the relationship has broken down.
• Oxfam will take up references for all volunteers, as part of the selection process.
• Oxfam will maintain a Database of volunteers' details. (Oxfam is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998).
• Oxfam expects all volunteers to act within its code of conduct.

Related links

• Latest opportunities
• Volunteer in an Oxfam shop
• Volunteer in an office
• Volunteer at an event
• Internship scheme
• Volunteer application form