Insurance

Not-for-profit organisations engaging volunteers must carry public liability insurance and volunteer personal accident insurance.

We strongly recommend that volunteer organisations seek professional advice to determine what insurance is available and appropriate for their needs. Below are some of the types of insurance your organisation may wish to consider:

Volunteers Workers Personal Accident

Covers accidental injury or death as a result of any authorised activity carried out by volunteers on behalf of the organisation, including travel to and from the activity. This insurance also normally covers loss of income and various out of pocket expenses, including medical and pharmaceutical expenses. All benefits are paid on the approval of the insurer.

Public Liability

Covers an organisation, paid workers and should cover volunteers for any liability to a third party for property damage or personal injury caused in connection with the business activities of the organisation. Please check with your insurer to make certain that your volunteers are covered under your Public Liability Policy. Do not assume that your volunteer workers are automatically covered.

Directors and Officers/Professional Indemnity Liability and Voluntary Boards of Management

This policy can cover the organisation for loss incurred through: breach of professional duty or negligence; sexual harassment; misleading advertising; and defamation and slander. Cover can also be extended to cover fidelity guarantee etc. Please note: Any Articles of Association or Contract cannot relieve directors and officers of their legal responsibility.

Motor Vehicle Insurance

Cover for owned vehicles driven by volunteers and paid staff for loss or damage to the vehicle or third party property.

Organisations who are members of Volunteering NSW are required to hold Volunteers Personal Accident and Public Liability insurance.

Always

• Check that your policy specifically covers your volunteer staff for their normal work practices and has an up-to-date age range.
• Presume anything not stated in your policy is NOT covered.
• Disclose all relevant facts to the insurer, even planned activities or events requiring insurance in the future.
• Presume risk management practices are a basis for insurance.

Disclaimer

This summary of volunteer insurance is a guide only. Agencies should seek independent advice from their Insurance Provider and fully discuss their needs. Volunteering NSW is not responsible for any damages incurred by agiencies acting on the information provided.