What do the DWP consider 'Work'?

[Jaybee in CF]

I'd like to do a favour to a company with a mission that is close to my heart, I can do this outside of the 35 hours I'm supposed to be looking for work, and not charge for it.  It is however both within the broader scope of what I do for a living, and something a company would commonly pay for.  Nor are they a registered charity. 

 

I'm loathe to inform the DWP because as far as I'm concerned it's none of their damn business, so I'm inclined not to.  However, even though I wouldn't charge or do it within office hours, if they DID somehow find out, could/would they sanction me? 
 

TIA

[unclebulgaria67]

You have to inform the Job Centre of any changes.

 

 The Job Centre might count the  hours worked towards your claimant commitment for a period. It could be seen as helping you maintain skills/improving your CV, therefore making it more likely you will find paid work. 

 

I don't think the Job Centre would have a problem with the voluntary working, if you were applying for paid jobs and available for interviews.

 

So best to inform the Job Centre. Risk of not informing them, is that somehow they think you are in paid work, with earnings not being reported and you are investigated for possible benefit fraud. I doubt the company you are working for voluntarily would appreciate this.