Lunch and Learn - Volunteering & the Law: What You Need to Know

In this session, Gwen James will explore the key legal considerations that come with managing volunteers, from understanding the difference between a volunteer and an employee, to what should (and shouldn’t) be in a volunteer agreement.

Drawing on her work at the National Trust and her current research, Gwen will break down common legal myths, share practical guidance, and help you feel more confident about where your organisation stands when it comes to volunteering and the law.

We’ll cover:

• Why volunteer managers need an awareness of employment law

• The key employment laws to keep in mind

• How to make sure organisations are fair to volunteers

• Practical approaches and real examples

About Gwen
Gwen James is the People Relations Manager for the National Trust, where she leads on best practice in volunteering and volunteer management. She works closely with colleagues across the organisation to provide advice and support, developing processes and guidance to help create mutually beneficial relationships.

She’s currently researching her Masters dissertation on the importance of strategic approaches to people management in small and medium-sized charities, drawing on her experience as a trustee of a local city farm and her background in running volunteering projects for community-based organisations.