Trusted Relationships and Young Volunteers
The National Youth Agency (NYA) provides Position of Trust Guidance to help organisations understand the responsibilities and risks associated with roles that place individuals—adults and young volunteers—in positions of influence or authority within youth settings. These roles naturally create power imbalances, meaning clear boundaries and safeguarding expectations are essential.
What Is a Trusted Position?
A trusted position typically involves:
- Access to young people during organised activities
- Responsibility for their welfare, supervision, or support
- The ability to influence or direct young people
- Expectations around safe conduct and safeguarding practice
Although traditionally associated with adults, organisations must consider how this applies to young volunteers, who may be both peers and leaders.
Why Young Volunteers Matter
Young people contribute energy, creativity, new perspectives, and increased capacity to services. Volunteering also benefits them by building skills, confidence, wellbeing, and pathways into education or employment.
Key Risk: Inappropriate Relationships
The most significant safeguarding concern is when a young person in a position of trust becomes involved in a personal or romantic relationship with someone who is accessing the service.
Because of the power imbalance created by their role, this is prohibited by law, even if both individuals are young people. The responsibility lies with the volunteer holding the position of trust, and agencies must ensure this risk is clearly communicated, monitored, and managed.
Other Important Risks
- Blurred peer boundaries: Young volunteers may be supervising or leading peers or younger children, which can complicate friendships and authority roles.
- Safeguarding responsibilities: Organisations must meet legal requirements around supervision, consent, risk assessment, and DBS checks for under‑18 volunteers.
- Emotional or developmental risk: Young people in trusted roles may face situations beyond their readiness without proper guidance and oversight.
Why Agencies Should Use NYA Guidance
NYA’s Position of Trust Guidance supports organisations to:
- Understand risks and legal responsibilities
- Set and maintain clear boundaries
- Provide appropriate supervision and support for young volunteers
- Embed safe‑people and safeguarding standards into practice
Agencies are strongly encouraged to review and apply NYA guidance within their own policies, training, and volunteer management procedures.
