Volunteer Services

Research Volunteer Policy

About the Research Volunteer Policy

This policy outlines the requirements, responsibilities, and procedures for individuals participating as volunteers in research, academic, clinical, educational, and other programmatic activities within UCLA Health. It is intended to ensure that all volunteer engagements—whether research-related or non-research in nature—are conducted safely, ethically, and in compliance with institutional, regulatory, and operational standards.

Volunteer roles may vary in scope and setting and can include participation in research projects, educational initiatives, observational experiences, and other approved program activities. Regardless of the activity type, all volunteers must meet established eligibility criteria, complete required onboarding processes, and adhere to UCLA Health policies governing confidentiality, safety, supervision, and professional conduct.

This policy applies to faculty sponsors, supervisors, and volunteers alike and is designed to promote a consistent, transparent, and well-supervised volunteer experience while protecting the well-being of volunteers, staff, patients, and the institution.

Click here to view the full policy via Policystat website: UCLA Research Volunteer Policy.

Program Objectives

  • Expand Access — Create opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to engage in UCLA's research mission.
  • Enhance Educational Benefit — Ensure volunteer activities are structured to provide skills, exposure, and professional development.
  • Avoid Misclassification — Ensure volunteers are not performing duties equivalent to those of paid staff.
  • Maintain Compliance — Fully align with federal, state, UC, and UCLA policies, especially regarding human subjects research, data privacy, and workplace safety.

Program Structure & Requirements

  • Duration: Minimum 3 months up to 12 months (renewable upon review).
  • Hours/Week: ≤ 20 hours/week.
  • Supervisor: Faculty sponsor or designated research lead (must be a UCLA employee).

Identification:

  • Volunteers will be issued a badge labeled "Research Volunteer".
  • Recommended email disclaimer: "This message is from a UCLA Research Volunteer in a non-employee educational role. Views expressed are personal and not those of UCLA."

Onboarding & Compliance

  • All research volunteers must be processed through the UCLA Health Sciences Volunteer Services Office.
  • Volunteer Services will:
    • Verify completion of required forms, health screenings, and background checks.
    • Coordinate and assign on-boarding and annual compliance training requirements.
    • Issue the official Volunteer ID badge and clearance confirmation.
  • No volunteer may begin service, receive access to centralized systems at UCLA Health, or participate in any research activities until Volunteer Services has granted official clearance.

Risk Management, Safety, and Insurance

Volunteers are covered under UCLA’s Workers’ Compensation and General Liability Self-Insurance programs only if all of the following apply:

  • The volunteer service primarily benefits UCLA
  • The individual is unpaid and not receiving academic credit for the same work
  • Activities are performed under UCLA supervision
  • Age requirements and all safety requirements are met
  • The volunteer does not receive wages, stipends, or compensation from UCLA or any external entity for the same activities

Safety Protocols:

  • Equivalent PPE and training as provided to employees in similar roles.
  • Background checks and additional health screenings for high-risk roles.
  • Minors (under 18) require guardian consent and may not perform hazardous duties.

Contact EH&S to verify the additional requirements and training. 

Roles & Responsibilities

Research volunteers may participate in activities that are:

  • Educational in nature and primarily benefit the volunteer and UCLA.
  • Non-compensated and non-displacing of paid staff duties.
  • Conducted under general supervision of a UCLA faculty member or approved project lead (UCLA Employee).

Refer to the Research Volunteer Policy, Policy FAQs, or the Research Volunteer Scope of Duties (RVSD) form for more details regarding permissible activities and duties. 

Minor Volunteers (Under 18 Years Old) 

  • Minors may only perform low-risk duties (Sections 2 and 3 Part A of the RVSD Form) and are not permitted to have patient contact or work with biohazards, hazardous materials, sharps, or procedures. Minors entering laboratory spaces must follow UCOP Minors in Labs and Shops policy.
  • When a volunteer turns 18, new or expanded duties require an updated and approved Research Volunteer Scope of Duties (RVSD) form before continuing service. Departmental restrictions may apply, and the most restrictive policy will govern.

Supervision & Oversight

  • Supervisors must ensure volunteers have completed all training, possessed the required qualifications, and understand safety procedures.
  • Supervisors must be available during any activity involving risk.
  • Any changes in duties, scope, or supervision must be documented and cleared in advance. This includes submission of the updated Research Volunteer Scope of Duties (RVSD) form to UCLA Health Volunteer Services for re-review and clearance, as well as any necessary IRB amendments.