Implications of the Local Restriction Tiers for Volunteering
17-Dec-2020
Government guidance currently states that at all tiers people should volunteer from home where possible.
People can choose to volunteer outside their home if:
- They cannot volunteer from home
- They do not need to self-isolate
- They follow social distancing guidance, or COVID-secure guidance if volunteering in a workplace
- Their workplace has not been ordered to close, if the role takes place within a workplace.
This guidance would also apply to clinically vulnerable people, which includes the over 70s.
At all tiers, clinically extremely vulnerable people should volunteer from home. If they cannot do so, they can still choose to volunteer outside their home.
However, they are advised that they may wish to ask for extra support from their organisation or group to maintain social distancing and minimise contact with others.
At all tiers, the rules around gatherings and travel will remain the same. This means that where people can volunteer outside their home, they would be able to:
- Meet in groups of any size, indoors or outdoors, while volunteering
- Travel to volunteer or while volunteering.
Government guidance aimed at volunteer-involving organisations and groups has also been updated in line with these restrictions.
National organisation NCVO has further guidance about the best way for volunteers to be engaged as well as supported during the coronavirus pandemic.
More information can be found on the UK Government website
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