Is there a minimum age for volunteers? What does the law say about children volunteering?
As is often the case with volunteering, the law has little to say on this matter. There is no general legal restriction on volunteering by children in not-for-profit organisations. However some local authorities have by-laws restricting the number of hours children can work. Some people might argue that that organisations ought to fall into line with the Children and Young Person’s Act, which applies to profit-making organisations only. It limits children aged 14 and over to a maximum of two hours work on Sunday or a school day. These hours must be between 7am and 7pm and must not be in school hours. It is sensible to bear this basic guidance in mind whilst looking on the volunteering opportunity in the light of the other demands in the child’s life. For example they will need enough time for homework and a social life. Discuss this issue with the volunteer and between you work out a reasonable level of commitment. As with all applicants, young people should be judged on their merits.
