Partner Business Exchange
Treatment of Volunteer Hours
Issue
In 2007, the FS issued a letter on the treatment of volunteer hours within Challenge Cost Share agreements. In short, this letter allowed the FS to sign-up volunteers (who have been recruited and trained by a cooperator), under Volunteer Agreements to provide tort and worker’s compenstation protection. This letter expired on 9/30/2008. New permanant guidance is necessary that would alleviate undue burden to both partners and the agency.
Also of concern is how volunteer hours are accounted for within the financial plans of new or existing agreements. The 2007 guidance letter allowed for volunteer hours being accounted as an ‘in-kind’ contribution. New permanent guidance is also necessary on this.
What’s being done
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Investigation of OWCP and Tort
The PBX is working closely with partners to identify ways to provide OWCP and Tort claims associated with volunteer activities.
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Potential Role of Partnership Enhancement Act
Draft language within the Act provides guidance on how volunteer hours can be accounted within financial plans.
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Development of interim guidance
The PBX is looking at incorporating new language within the G&A handbook to provide guidance on how volunteer hours are accounted for and handled within various agreements.
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