It is important to build a relationship with volunteers, to get to know them, to learn what they can bring to the volunteering role and the organisation. It is important for volunteers to feel as though what they are contributing is of value. Often this feel-good factor is what keeps many of them going, especially when difficult situations arise.
It is important to check that they are satisfied in their roles within the organisation. It is also important to check they understand clearly and are working to, the most recent protocols.
Supervision and ongoing support is essential throughout the entire volunteer journey, from initial enquiry, induction, service delivery, settling in, changing roles within the organisation, developing new skills, taking on more responsibility and when exiting. Support for volunteers may include encouragement, fact finding, coaching, signposting, reassuring, reassessing suitability for the current role, providing opportunity to pause or withdraw from the role and numerous other possibilities.
In your induction pack, it is good to include a volunteer feedback form, when returned this can help you with understanding how your volunteers feel about the organisation, their role as volunteer, whether expectations were met and also as a tool to gather important data for funders.
It is important to ensure the volunteering experience is fulfilling and safe for all.
It is important to check that they are satisfied in their roles within the organisation. It is also important to check they understand clearly and are working to, the most recent protocols.
Supervision and ongoing support is essential throughout the entire volunteer journey, from initial enquiry, induction, service delivery, settling in, changing roles within the organisation, developing new skills, taking on more responsibility and when exiting. Support for volunteers may include encouragement, fact finding, coaching, signposting, reassuring, reassessing suitability for the current role, providing opportunity to pause or withdraw from the role and numerous other possibilities.
In your induction pack, it is good to include a volunteer feedback form, when returned this can help you with understanding how your volunteers feel about the organisation, their role as volunteer, whether expectations were met and also as a tool to gather important data for funders.
It is important to ensure the volunteering experience is fulfilling and safe for all.
Key points
- It is imperative to build a relationship with each of your volunteers
- Ongoing support and supervision with opportunities and freedom to air any concerns should be made available.
- Gather feedback as you go, verbal and written where possible. Use this to go forward with greater understanding of individual volunteers.
- Ensure the volunteering experience is fulfilling and safe for all.
Links for more information
Supervising and supporting volunteers
A helpful resource including guidance on getting to know volunteers and getting feedback from them
https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/your-team/volunteers/keeping/supporting-volunteers
Keeping volunteers
For more guidance on retaining and letting volunteers go, this helpful guide is a good starting point.
https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/your-team/volunteers/keeping/keeping-volunteers
Supervising and supporting volunteers
A helpful resource including guidance on getting to know volunteers and getting feedback from them
https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/your-team/volunteers/keeping/supporting-volunteers
Keeping volunteers
For more guidance on retaining and letting volunteers go, this helpful guide is a good starting point.
https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/your-team/volunteers/keeping/keeping-volunteers
