IBC offers tips for National Volunteer Week

HALIFAX, April 18, 2012 /CNW/ - As Canadians mark National Volunteer Week, IBC wants to remind volunteers and their organizations to check and ensure they are protected by the right insurance.

"IBC recognizes the important work that non-profit, volunteer and charitable organizations perform in communities across Canada," says Bill Adams, Vice President, Atlantic with IBC. "The right insurance coverage ensures volunteers and organizations can do their work without worrying."

According to Statistics Canada, nearly 45% of Canadians volunteer their time through a group or organization.  Depending on how, when and where volunteers do their work for these organizations determines  the specific type and amount of insurance protection that is needed.

IBC recommends organizations assess which situations might lead to an insurance claim.  Many types of coverage are available depending on what services your organization provides. The most common types of coverage are: Commercial general liability insurance (CGL), Directors' and officers' insurance (D&O), Errors and omissions insurance (E&O) and Commercial auto insurance.

For more detailed information on each type of coverage click here:

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Business_Insurance/documents/brochures/Voluntary%20Org_brochure.pdf

Here are some tips to help minimize your organization's risk:

• Seek legal advice regarding the rights and obligations that your organization and your volunteers have.
  
  
• The proper screening and training of volunteers is essential to protecting them from harm.
  
  
• Develop a policy for screening (click here for a sample)
  
  
• Create a description for each available volunteer position that identifies preferred qualifications and responsibilities and screening requirements and develop standards of behaviour that volunteers must follow.
  
  
• Request a police record check for all applicants who may be in a position of trust, working with vulnerable persons, dealing with confidential material, etc.
  
  
• Conduct orientation sessions to introduce volunteers to the organization's risk management policies and procedures.

For a more detailed list of tips on risk management click here: http://www.ibc.ca/en/Business_Insurance/Risk_Management/Volunteer_Selection.asp

The information provided in this news release is not intended as legal advice and is for informational purposes only. Please consult your legal and/or insurance professional to determine if this information addresses your specific insurance needs.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

Helen Lialias
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4312
[email protected]