Quiz transcript

Q1. It is illegal to advertise for volunteers of a particular race or ethnic group. True or False?

Answer

False. The Race Relations Act 1976 doesn't cover the recruitment of volunteers, just staff members. It's good practice to encourage groups if you feel they're under-represented in your organisation, but you shouldn't have quotas or targets for certain groups. Have a look in resources for more information.

Q2. Which of the following is true about asylum seekers and volunteering?

1. They're not allowed to work or volunteer for the first six months after entry to the UK
2. They cannot work for the first six months after entry to the UK, but they may volunteer
3. They can work and volunteer as soon as they enter the country so long but they can't earn any money

Answer

B is correct. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work for the first six months, or more, after they first enter the UK, but they can volunteer. The Home Office recommends that asylum seekers should be reimbursed for any meal or travel costs incurred by them. There's more information about this in resources.

Q3. Equal opportunities policies and diversity policies are not the same thing. True or False?

Answer

True. Equal opportunities policies and diversity policies work in different ways - although they both have the aim of equality at their centre. Equal opportunities is based on a legal framework and focuses on groups. Diversity is internally driven, and concentrates on individuals.

For more information about this, try the Diversity Challenge website listed in resources.

Q4. People on Jobseeker's Allowance cannot volunteer. True or false?

Answer

False. You can volunteer while claiming most social security benefits, although you normally have to prove that you are available for work at 48 hours notice and decisions on volunteering are at the discretion of your local benefit agency.

There's more information in resources.

Q5. 'All offices have to be compatible for disabled use.' True or false?

Answer

False. The law does not state that all offices need to be compatible in this way, although it's good practice to be aware of the issues. Unless you have disabled volunteers, you don't know what you're going to need. Adopt a flexible approach and make sure that your organisation is open to disabled people - then take it from there.

You've reached the end of the quiz. How did you score?

Hopefully you've learned something new, or you may have just proved to yourself how much you know already!

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