Over the years our research has consistently shown how important it is to appropriately manage your volunteers. Not only does this ensure that you maximise the experience for your organisation but also that the volunteer gets the most out of the project too.

Tips to consider when planning your volunteer project

Concise communication

Clearly outline the scope of the volunteer’s project, including timeframes, deadlines, expected outcomes, background information, resources available, potential pitfalls, how the job will be evaluated and reporting back to goodcompany.

Information about the organisation

Provide the volunteer with details of your organisation's mission, culture and values. Introduce them to and provide them with contact details for key people in the project. Ensure that you have informed relevant staff internally of this volunteer and have their support for the project.

Connecting heart and mind

Our volunteers are keen to help you make a difference, so demonstrating how the task/project contributes to your organisation’s purpose and the overall community is incredibly important to the volunteer.

Provision of resources

Ensure that the volunteer has access to all required resources and policies, particularly infrastructure, i.e. allocation of adequate equipment, desks, computers.

Suitable training and/or induction including but not limited to:

• relevant policies
• reporting
• building layout and emergency procedures
• grievance resolution
• potential discrimination and abuse
• preparation for particular duties outlining any physical or psychological stress that may be involved in the project
• OH&S and working conditions

Other considerations

Do your current policies and procedures adequately cover volunteers? If not, what do you need to change?

To provide adequate supervision, if required.

Do you want publicity for the work that volunteers do?

Do you have the support of your stakeholders and are they prepared for this? (Include Board, suppliers, consultants)

Who will cover any costs associated with the project?

Risk Management considerations

(a) Insurance: You need to be aware of your organisation’s insurance status with regard to volunteers. You want to be able to protect your organisation in the event of claims by voluntary workers injured while undertaking their voluntary work.

You need to be able to answer the following questions:

• Does the organisation have insurance to cover the work volunteers do?
• Does the organisation have public liability insurance that would cover volunteers in the event of an accident?

(b) Privacy - Are there any privacy issues over and above the usual requirements?

(c) Confidentiality - Do you require volunteers to sign a confidentiality document?