Corporate Volunteering - A Guide for Employers

More and more businesses are building volunteering days into their calendar — whether that's clearing a local nature reserve, helping at a food bank, or painting a community centre. However, employers still have a duty of care when these events take place. If you're organising a volunteering day, health and safety has to be part of the plan.

Your legal duty still applies

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees — wherever they are working. Attending a volunteering event organised by the company is, for all practical purposes, a work activity. That means risks need to be assessed, appropriate controls put in place, and employees properly informed b

efore the day.

Common risks to consider

The specific hazards will vary depending on the activity, but here are some of the most common ones to think through:

Manual handling

Lifting, carrying, and digging are common on outdoor volunteering days and can quickly cause injuries if people aren't shown correct technique.

Tools and equipment

Employees may be unfamiliar with the equipment being used. Check who is providing tools, that they're in good condition, and that people know how to use them safely.

Weather and environment

Outdoor activities in summer heat or wet conditions carry risks of heat exhaustion, sunburn, slips, and hypothermia. Plan for the conditions on the day.

If gardening is involved establish what PPE is needed and if there is a risk of exposure to harmful plants, confined spaces, etc.

First aid provision

Is there a first aider on site? Who holds the first aid kit? Don't assume the host charity or venue has this covered — confirm it in advance.

Individual needs

Consider employees with health conditions, disabilities, or fitness levels that may make certain tasks unsuitable. Offer meaningful alternative roles.

Practical steps for a safer day

Do a risk assessment — even a straightforward one. Walk through what activities are planned, who is doing them, and what could go wrong. It doesn't have to be long, but it does have to be done.

Liaise with the host organisation — find out what their own health and safety arrangements are. Ask to see their risk assessment for the activities, and check whether PPE is provided or needs to be sourced.

Brief your team beforehand — share what they'll be doing, what to wear, any relevant safety information, and who to speak to if they have concerns or feel unwell on the day.

Make participation genuinely optional — don't create a culture where people feel pressured to join in. Employees with health conditions, caring responsibilities, or personal reasons for not attending should feel comfortable saying so.

Keep a record — document the risk assessment, communications sent to staff, and any incidents or near-misses on the day. This protects both your people and your business.

If you're planning a volunteering day and need support with the risk assessment please get in touch.