New research launched at the conference demonstrated that, contrary to popular belief, there are no upper age limits for the public or employers’ liability insurance needed by voluntary organisations to cover their employees and volunteers.

“Too many organisations think their hands are tied by insurance age limits, or a perception that older people will not be able to contribute. That’s just not true – there are some great examples of charities who make the most of their older volunteers, and both speakers and delegates at the conference highlighted some of that good practice,” explained Sally. Read Barrier or opportunity: Insurance for older volunteers.

Conference keynote speaker, Minister for the Third Sector, Ed Miliband MP, outlined the government’s continuing commitment to encourage and enable more older people to volunteer. He made clear that the VITA programme’s final report will provide an important contribution to future government strategy to promote older volunteering. Other speakers included David Sinclair from Help the Aged, Udeni Salmon from Leonard Cheshire, Andrew Harrop from Age Concern England, Nick Starling from the Association of British Insurers, and Phil Bell from Royal and Sun Alliance.

Discussion also focused on the benefits that volunteering offers older people: social interaction, the benefits of additional mental and physical activity and the pure fun of working on a project that makes a difference in their community. Katie Sanderson, Ted Shamlash and Eileen Wimbury OBE, older volunteers themselves, offered a grassroots picture of volunteering for over-65s.

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