Terms & Conditions for Volunteers

1. Introduction

Welcome to Akhuwat UK! We are delighted to have you join our team of volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact. These Terms & Conditions outline the expectations, responsibilities, and legal framework for your role as a volunteer. By agreeing to volunteer with us, you commit to adhering to these terms, which are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive environment in accordance with the UK Charity Act and related legislation.

2. Volunteer Role

As a volunteer, your role will be defined by Akhuwat UK. This role is voluntary and does not constitute employment. You will not receive any salary, wages, or benefits other than the personal satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause. Specific duties will be communicated to you, and you are expected to perform these to the best of your ability.

3. Health and Safety

Akhuwat UK is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all volunteers. We will:

Provide appropriate training and safety equipment necessary for your tasks.
Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
Ensure that emergency procedures are in place and communicated to all volunteers.

You are expected to:

Follow all health and safety guidelines provided.
Use any safety equipment provided appropriately.
Report any unsafe conditions or potential hazards immediately to a supervisor.
Notify us of any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that may affect your ability to perform volunteer tasks safely.

4. Liability Limitation

While Akhuwat UK strives to ensure the safety of its volunteers, we cannot be held liable for:

Any injuries, illnesses, or health conditions sustained during or as a result of volunteer activities, unless caused by our gross negligence.
Any loss or damage to personal property during volunteer activities.
Any psychological or mental health conditions arising from participation in volunteer activities.

5. Insurance

Akhuwat UK maintains public liability insurance which covers volunteers during their activities. This insurance does not cover personal injury or illness resulting from pre-existing conditions or negligence on the part of the volunteer. Volunteers are encouraged to ensure they have adequate personal insurance coverage.

6. Confidentiality

Volunteers may have access to sensitive information related to Akhuwat UK’s operations, beneficiaries, and other volunteers. You must:

Keep all confidential information private and secure.
Not disclose any confidential information to third parties without express permission from Akhuwat UK.
Return or destroy any confidential information in your possession upon termination of your volunteer role.

7. Conduct and Behavior

Akhuwat UK expects volunteers to maintain high standards of conduct. You are required to:

Treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness.
Follow the instructions and guidance provided by Akhuwat UK staff and supervisors.
Refrain from any behavior that could harm the reputation of Akhuwat UK or its beneficiaries.
Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to your supervisor.
Refrain from using drugs or alcohol while performing volunteer duties or on Akhuwat UK premises.

8. Termination of Volunteer Agreement

Akhuwat UK reserves the right to terminate your volunteer role at any time, with or without cause or notice. Similarly, you may choose to terminate your volunteer role at any time, preferably providing reasonable notice to allow us to find a replacement. Upon termination, you are required to return any property or materials belonging to Akhuwat UK.

9. Exclusion Clauses

To protect Akhuwat UK from potential legal claims, the following exclusion clauses apply:

Akhuwat UK is not responsible for any injury or illness that occurs as a result of pre-existing medical conditions or negligence on the part of the volunteer.
Volunteers participate at their own risk and agree to waive any claims against Akhuwat UK for injuries, illnesses, or losses that occur during or as a result of their volunteer activities.
By agreeing to these terms, volunteers acknowledge that they have read and understood the exclusion clauses and agree to indemnify Akhuwat UK against any claims arising from their volunteer activities.

10. Legal Compliance

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. Volunteers must also comply with all relevant laws and regulations while performing their duties.

11. Data Protection

Akhuwat UK will collect and process personal data about you in accordance with our Data Protection Policy and applicable data protection laws. Your personal data will be used for purposes related to your volunteer role and will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except as required by law.

12. Media Consent

Akhuwat UK may take photographs or videos during events which may include images of volunteers. By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, you consent to the use of your image in promotional materials, social media, and other publications. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform us in advance.

13. Training and Support

Akhuwat UK is committed to providing volunteers with the necessary training and support to perform their roles effectively. This may include:

An induction program covering our mission, values, and policies.
Role-specific training to equip you with the skills needed for your tasks.
Ongoing support and supervision from a designated staff member.

14. Equal Opportunities

Akhuwat UK is committed to providing equal opportunities for all volunteers and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We expect all volunteers to embrace and promote our commitment to diversity and inclusion.