Employers

CFA is ever conscious of the extremely important role undertaken by volunteers. An equally important role is performed by employers of volunteers, including those volunteers who are self-employed. It would be extremely difficult for many volunteers to attend fire calls and related incidents without the support of their employers by providing time during working hours to attend these emergencies.

Employers who take a socially responsible approach to volunteers also contribute to the fabric and resilience of their communities. At their own cost, businesses release their staff, and self-employed volunteers forgo personal income and time. Hence the role of a volunteer's employer, or a self-employed volunteer, is of paramount importance to CFA, for without tolerance, understanding and support, CFA as an organisation would not be able to function as effectively as it does.

What do CFA Volunteers Do?

Volunteers are involved in a number of activities within the local community. Fire and emergency activities include:

• attending fires – wildfires and structural
• conducting fuel reduction burns
• attending road accident rescues
• attending incidents involving hazardous materials
• attending other emergency activities including flood assistance
• attending other types of rescue

Some of the non-emergency activities include:

• educating the community about fire safety
• helping businesses and households prepare emergency evacuation strategies
• managing community fire risks
• maintaining fire equipment like fire extinguishers
• fundraising
• media liaison and public relations

How can a CFA Volunteer benefit the Workplace?

Volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and work in a range of professions, jobs and industries. Many are self-employed.

To be a CFA volunteer requires commitment, the ability to cope in an emergency and being able to work under pressure. Often the work of a volunteer is challenging, both physically and psychologically. Volunteers are usually driven by an ethos of helping others.

Our volunteers, particularly those in active firefighting roles, are highly trained and participate in many varied activities. They often gain additional training in areas such as leadership, teamwork, communication, emergency management, first aid, diversity and equal opportunity.

All skills learnt as a volunteer transfer to the employment environment. Skills gained with CFA have assisted many employees in their business and/or working lives.

Fiscal Benefits of Employing a Volunteer

The Federal Government provides a payroll tax exemption for wages paid to employees attending emergencies or incidents during working hours.

For more information, employers should go to the State Revenue Office website www.sro.vic.gov.au or call 132 161.

Employee Leave Agreements

You make a significant contribution to your community when you release a CFA volunteer from work responsibilities to respond to emergencies. CFA encourages all its volunteers to negotiate with their employer suitable leave arrangements early in their employment relationship, prior to the need to attend an emergency. These arrangements may be informal, such as a verbal agreement.

Many employers choose to have a more formal arrangement, putting the agreement into writing (a sample clause is given on the right). As with any formal employment agreement, it is wise to seek independent legal advice prior to making any commitment. Notwithstanding legislative requirements in the National Employment Standards and the Fair Work Act, the decision as to how leave will be processed is at the discretion of the employer. Options may include leave without pay, time in lieu, fully or partly paid leave.

Injury and Liability

While performing their CFA role, volunteers are fully covered by the CFA Volunteer Compensation Scheme. This includes loss of earnings and all medical costs.

Volunteers are also protected from legal liability as a result of their actions, either by the CFA Act or CFA’s insurance policies.

Employer Recognition

CFA has a commitment to recognising employers who support CFA by releasing their employees, where possible, to respond to emergencies.

Employers are often recognised with Certificates of Appreciation and/or acknowledgement stickers that can be displayed at their place of business to let the public know they support CFA volunteers.

Employers can be nominated to receive a Certificate of Appreciation and/or stickers.

By encouraging employees to volunteer for CFA, you will not only be contributing to the vital work carried out by CFA, you will also be helping your community.
If you would like to display a Volunteer Friendly Employer sticker, please contact CFA’s Member Services.

Contact Us

For assistance, clarification or support in relation to employing a CFA volunteer please call CFA Member Services on 1800 232 636.

See Also:

Fair Work Act 2009 / National Employment Standards