diff --git a/.github/copilot-instructions.md b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..77d901cda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+# GitHub Copilot instructions for velero-io/velero
+
+## Changelog requirement
+
+Velero uses per-PR changelog fragments (created via `make new-changelog`) that are
+assembled into release notes.  A changelog entry is **not** required when a PR
+exclusively changes non-shipping content, i.e. the only files touched belong to
+one or more of these categories:
+
+| Category | Paths |
+|---|---|
+| GitHub Actions / CI workflows | `.github/**` |
+| Documentation | `site/content/docs/**`, `site/**`, `docs/**`, `*.md` |
+| Website (non-docs) | `site/**` (excluding `site/content/docs/**`) |
+
+When you open or review a PR that falls into one of the above categories (and does
+**not** modify `pkg/`, `internal/`, `cmd/`, `vendor/`, `hack/`, `go.mod`, or
+`go.sum`), apply the label **`kind/changelog-not-required`** instead of requesting
+a changelog entry.  The `labeler.yml` auto-labeler handles this automatically for
+most cases; apply the label manually if the auto-labeler did not.
+
+## Backport / cherry-pick workflow
+
+Velero uses `.github/workflows/backport.yml` to automate cherry-picks onto release
+branches.
+
+- **Before merge:** comment `/backport release-1.17` (or `/cherrypick release-1.17`)
+  to add the label `backport release-1.17` to the PR.  Multiple branches can be
+  space-delimited: `/backport release-1.17 release-1.18`.  The label causes the
+  backport to run automatically when the PR merges.
+- **After merge:** the same comment immediately creates the backport PR.
+- Only repository **owners, members, and collaborators** may trigger these commands.
+
+## General coding guidelines
+
+- Follow the existing code style of the file being edited.
+- Add unit tests for new exported functions in `pkg/`.
+- Do not commit secrets, credentials, or API tokens.
+- Keep PRs focused; prefer small, reviewable changes over large omnibus PRs.
diff --git a/.github/labeler.yml b/.github/labeler.yml
index 183f8365f..7d39ae204 100644
--- a/.github/labeler.yml
+++ b/.github/labeler.yml
@@ -31,3 +31,23 @@ has-e2e-2tests:
 has-unit-tests:
   - changed-files:
       - any-glob-to-any-file: pkg/**/*_test.go
+# PRs that only touch non-shipping files (.github/ config, workflows, or docs)
+# do not need a changelog entry; auto-apply the label so the changelog check passes.
+kind/changelog-not-required:
+  - all:
+      - changed-files:
+          - any-glob-to-any-file:
+              - .github/**/*
+              - site/content/docs/**/*
+              - site/**/*
+              - '*.md'
+              - docs/**/*
+          - all-globs-to-all-files:
+              - '!pkg/**'
+              - '!internal/**'
+              - '!cmd/**'
+              - '!vendor/**'
+              - '!hack/**'
+              - '!Makefile'
+              - '!go.mod'
+              - '!go.sum'