May 28, 2010 Vinnies has arranged insurance cover for our hard working volunteers. This overview is not a substitute for obtaining specific information prior to your activities / decisions, however it aims to give our volunteers a basic understanding of their cover and responsibilities.
Types of insurance At St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) we have several forms of insurance cover for our volunteers: 1.
Personal Accident (Policy No. 02 PAV 132836) - “Voluntary Workers engaged in voluntary work on behalf of Vinnies, officially organised by and under the control of Vinnies, including whilst in necessary travel to, from or during such voluntary work”.
2.
Public Liability (Policy No. 02 PLG 0128636) - Covers injury, damage and advertising liability to 3rd party - people or property - Does not cover fines, professional liability or internet use liabilities - Operates on a ‘claims occurring’ basis (claim can be made in any period of insurance)
3.
Student Personal Accident & Disability (Policy No. 05 PAE 109420) - Covers students on camps and at day events
4.
Professional Indemnity (Policy No. 05 PRG 137791) - Covers malpractice, such as legal liability for professional errors, omissions, libel, slander, misquotes, loss of documents and malicious acts of an employee or volunteer. - Operates on a ‘claims made’ basis (made during the current period of insurance).
However, insurance cover only applies where: •
Volunteers are registered with Vinnies - All volunteers must be registered, including school students doing voluntary work
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Volunteers are not considered reckless or ‘negligent’ - Negligence is where you fail to address a foreseeable risk which could have been avoided / reduced, and one you ought to have identified and addressed.
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Volunteers undertake authorised work - Authorised by Vinnies and possibly 3rd party. Most forms of authority occur with verbal instructions from someone authorised to issue such instructions. Occasionally the authority is a combination of Vinnies’ instructions and another supporting agency.
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Volunteers comply with the directions and policies of Vinnies - Such directions are those given by anyone who has the proper authority. They may be another volunteer or a paid staff member / manager. They ultimately represent the employer (Vinnies) when they give instructions or directions. - Includes specific Vinnies’ requirements for volunteers under (18) years of age
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Volunteer supervisors and Vinnies managers are not considered ‘negligent’
Further advice Volunteers can obtain specific advice or clarification from: - CCI (the insurer) Phone: (08) 8236 4500, or; - Vinnies’ Corporate Systems (assistance with safety and insurance). Phone (08) 8112 8700 Y:OHSW/CCI “Insurance Advice to Volunteers_4.5.10