Volunteers Insurance
Volunteers Insurance
This insurance covers all formally registered volunteers for injury that results in death, loss of income or medical expenses.
To be a formally registered volunteer, current copies of the following forms need to be held in Diocesan Office by Safe Ministry Services:
- Safe Ministry Form relevant to role
- Volunteer National Police Check
- Completion of Safe Ministry Online Training
- Working with Children Card (for roles with direct and regular contact with children)
In relation to out of pocket medical expenses, no-one can claim any benefit for an expense that attracts a Medicare rebate (this is governed by law), and private health insurance (if they have it) needs to be drawn upon before this policy.
Under our Volunteers Insurance policy, the over 85’s are covered for death, but only to a maximum of $10,000 and Emergency Home Care up to $250 per week. Unlike younger volunteers, they can’t obtain cover for income protection (which is not likely to be applicable) or out of pocket medical expenses. In relation to the over 85’s who want to continue to volunteer, a risk based/caring approach is required; ensuring they are not doing things beyond their capability. None of us want to see our people suffer injury or pain, regardless of the insurance provisions in place. In addition, the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 applies to us and we have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy work environment, which means we must ensure that any work required by us can suitably and safely be completed by the individual volunteer.
A copy of our Volunteer Insurance PDS is available here.