Volunteering If you are an Asylum Seeker

Asylum seekers are free to do voluntary work, though caution should be exercised, and be aware that:

The work should not be regarded as unpaid employment.

The activity should be something normally undertaken by volunteers .

Ambiguous situations, e.g. claiming travel expenses for travel that would have been undertaken any way, outside of voluntary work should be avoided

The home office recommends that if there is any doubt whether a type of work is volunteering or employment the asylum seeker, their representative or the organisation concerned should seek legal advice.

Asylum seekers as volunteers with your organisation

Whilst asylum seekers are permitted and encouraged to volunteer the fact that they have not been resident in Europe means that a PECS check will not generate any information and in many cases it is impossible to gain references, therefore asylum seekers may not be suitable for roles which involve substantial access to children or vulnerable adults. It is important to stress that this unsuitability is constructed by our policies and �Duty to care� and does in no way reflect on asylum seekers as individuals.

The other implication is that asylum seekers do not hold a national insurance number and whilst this will not impinge on either their suitability or performance it may have some effect if your group uses national insurance numbers to gain access to training or other forms of support. Again this lack of national insurance number is a result of government policy and in no way reflects on the individual.

Other than these issues which will only impact on a small number of volunteer roles there is no reason why you should need to change any of you standard procedures however it may be helpful to bear in mind that some asylum seekers have only recently arrived in this country and may not be aware of all the protocols and systems we take for granted so taking some extra time with your induction and initially holding some frequent reviews should avoid any possible cultural misunderstandings.

Should you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact NICEM for more information.-

Intrested in becoming a volunteer?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer its best to arrange an appointment with your local volunteer bureau or speak to someone within NICEM.

If your organisation is looking for volunteers to help out all you need to do is to contact either NICEM or your bureau and register as a partner agency, with openings for volunteers.

Your local volunteer bureau will have information on volunteering opportunities available in your area. Staff in the bureau will talk to you about what you want to do and what is available. They can arrange for you to meet with organisations and can offer you support throughout your volunteer placement.

To get in touch with your local bureau call free on

0800 052 2212