Volunteer Management Toolkit

1

Creating positive and inclusive volunteer opportunities

People are motivated to volunteer for several different reasons. It’s important to understand and appeal to their motivations so that they are attracted to the volunteering opportunities available. Be clear on why you need volunteers. How will you support and train them? Consider how you will provide a worthwhile volunteering experience and opportunities for everyone.

2

Importance of volunteers

Having volunteers involved and engaged in your activities and organisation is essential. They bring new abilities, perspectives and additional capacity.  The volunteer experience should be a positive and empowering one, which is why we have included this section to help guide you through. Understanding the importance of volunteers will enable you to develop roles and experiences that are fruitful to both the volunteer and the organisation. 

3

Volunteer recruitment

It’s important that a organisation understands what it is capable of doing as the result of having volunteers. Above all else, it’s vital that you understand the need, role and benefits of including volunteers who fit the profile of your organisation well.  What is it your organisation is going to be able to do as a result of having volunteers? Be clear about what their role entails through defined role descriptors and know how they will be supported. Being mindful that volunteering offers mutually beneficial outcomes is key to successful recruitment.

4

Supporting and retaining volunteers

Disabled and non-disabled volunteers add significant value to organisations. Paying careful attention to inducting them properly, recognising their input and providing support can help them feel valued, appreciated and part of the team. It’s important to cater for volunteer’s individual needs and ensure they feel heard and welcome at your organisation.

5

Volunteer recognition and appreciation

Volunteers are giving their time up for your organisation, so it is vital to recognise and appreciate them. It’s important to say thank you and recognise volunteer achievements as not only will it make them feel valued, but they are more likely to continue to make a positive contribution to your organisation.

Sometimes the simplest of gestures can have the biggest impact - it doesn’t have to take up lots of resources or money. Building celebratory occasions into your organisation’s volunteer programme from the outset ensures they are carefully planned and delivered.

6

Safeguarding

Creating a safe and welcoming environment, where everyone is respected and valued is important to any organisation, particularly where vulnerable and/or disabled children and adults are involved. Your organisation should actively prevent harm, harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect. Having the right policies and procedures in place ensures the organisation is ready and prepared to respond safely and well if there is a problem.

7

Measuring the impact of volunteers

Understanding and measuring the value of volunteering on your organisation or programme is key to translating the impact they have on the overall outcomes.