NMWM05100 | Entitlement to National Minimum Wage: volunteering schemes, (ProjectScotland and “vInspired”)

The National Minimum Wage entitlement of participants on volunteering schemes has become more common since the introduction of Government backed schemes primarily involving young people, aged 16-25, such as;

• ProjectScotland - aims to develop the life skills and choices of young people through full time volunteering. Individuals are involved with various not for profit organisations (charities and public sector) and are asked to participate for a minimum of 3 months and to commit an average of 30 hours of their time per week.

• vInspired - an independent charity created out of the Russell Commission and aims to provide young people in the United Kingdom with an opportunity to deliver a step change in the diversity, quality and quantity of volunteering.

Participants on these schemes typically receive payment (an enabling allowance), expenses, subsistence and training beyond what is necessary to fulfil their volunteering duties. Therefore, consideration of voluntary workers (NMWM05090) may be appropriate.