Are you insured if Volunteering for Sefton?

Photo: Margaret Carney/volunteers

Sefton Council would like to reassure all the many volunteers that help across the borough and confirm that they are usually covered by the local authority’s insurance policy when busy working for the Council.

There seems to be some confusion surrounding insurance cover for volunteers, and as a result Sefton Council is looking to develop a new Volunteer Policy which local groups and individuals will be asked to sign.

In general, cover for volunteers will be available provided that, as with any other Council employee, they have received appropriate training for the task and that this is documented and signed off by the volunteer.

Volunteers can be supervised or unsupervised provided that Risk Assessments have been carried out by Council officers and Health & Safety consideration is also undertaken.

However, volunteers using their own vehicles to transport Sefton employees, goods etc are not covered by Sefton’s Motor Vehicle Insurance. Here it is essential that they have the appropriate motor insurance policy in place themselves.

Similarly, some jobs on the highways may need a special licence, but this can be explained to groups and individuals as long as they contact relevant departments in advance of any planned work.

Margaret Carney, Sefton Council’s Chief Executive, said: “We are very lucky in Sefton in that we have a large army of volunteers right across the borough that make a real difference to their local communities.

“I would like to thank everyone single one of them and really want their hard efforts to continue.

“However of late, there seems to be some confusion surrounding insurance cover on their behalf.

“In the main, and as long as we are aware of the activities being undertaken, they are covered by Sefton’s insurance policy.

“In some circumstances they may not be covered but as long as any potential work is discussed with the relevant departments, we can look at the circumstances and see if we can help.

“Volunteers are an integral part of our communities and we will always do our best to help them continue their excellent efforts and hard work.”

Sefton is looking at the Volunteer Policy and once finalised and agreed; further details will be released to volunteers and groups.

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