I get confused by organisations that are registered charities but undertake paid commercial work. I am intrigued as to how that works.
Internships and volunteering for truely charitable bodies I have no problems with. As I understand it you can be an intern and still claim benefits as long as you are looking for work and are free to take it up if offered I have seen this done and it worked well. You will have to prove you are free for work but that is solved with a letter from the hosting organisation.
My understanding of volunteering is that as soon as you are tied or commited to anything that looks like a contract, especially if there is any payment in kind you are technically employed and have all the rights of an employee. This aplies to verbal as well as written agreements. Charities that rely on volunteers and have years of experience working with them know this and there are very strict guidelines in place when offering volunteer places. A volunteer can walk away at any time without repercussions.
My own experience as a volunteer is that I never volunteer for anything unless it would not get done otherwise. There are lots of projects fall into this catagory. I would never volunteer for any organisation who used my skills to undertake a job that they are getting renumeration for. A very simple rule that has worked well, and as a reliable volunteer I find I am first on the list when the money can be found.
Community archaeology is another ball game altogether.
Internships and volunteering for truely charitable bodies I have no problems with. As I understand it you can be an intern and still claim benefits as long as you are looking for work and are free to take it up if offered I have seen this done and it worked well. You will have to prove you are free for work but that is solved with a letter from the hosting organisation.
My understanding of volunteering is that as soon as you are tied or commited to anything that looks like a contract, especially if there is any payment in kind you are technically employed and have all the rights of an employee. This aplies to verbal as well as written agreements. Charities that rely on volunteers and have years of experience working with them know this and there are very strict guidelines in place when offering volunteer places. A volunteer can walk away at any time without repercussions.
My own experience as a volunteer is that I never volunteer for anything unless it would not get done otherwise. There are lots of projects fall into this catagory. I would never volunteer for any organisation who used my skills to undertake a job that they are getting renumeration for. A very simple rule that has worked well, and as a reliable volunteer I find I am first on the list when the money can be found.
Community archaeology is another ball game altogether.