People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some people want to make a difference in their community, others want to develop new skills or make new friends. Others want to use their expertise or experience for the good of others. Regardless of the reason, a happy volunteer can make an enormously positive impact, conversely an unhappy volunteer can hinder your reputation. Poor communication around expectations can really create problems and since most charitable groups are set up to help people, it will undoubtedly be one situation you are keen to avoid.
So how do you best support them? The first thing is to build a good, open and positive relationship from the outset. Ensure your communication mechanisms are efficient from first enquiry. As a matter of course make certain you have understood their intentions, capabilities and commitment. Likewise, ensure that they have understood your organisation, its aims and objectives, the way it works to fulfil those, and the significance and relevance of their contribution. In the early part of their volunteer journey, communicate frequently, especially when placed in a new setting.
Be sure to provide risk assessments and any appropriate safety equipment and also an up to date complaints procedure.
Finally, recognise their hard work and contribution in volunteering. Deliver opportunities to celebrate achievements such as receiving positive feedback, attaining a particularly fulfilling volunteer situation, or the completion of training. Furthermore, explore opportunities for your volunteers to communicate with each other and socialise where practical and safe to do so.
So how do you best support them? The first thing is to build a good, open and positive relationship from the outset. Ensure your communication mechanisms are efficient from first enquiry. As a matter of course make certain you have understood their intentions, capabilities and commitment. Likewise, ensure that they have understood your organisation, its aims and objectives, the way it works to fulfil those, and the significance and relevance of their contribution. In the early part of their volunteer journey, communicate frequently, especially when placed in a new setting.
Be sure to provide risk assessments and any appropriate safety equipment and also an up to date complaints procedure.
Finally, recognise their hard work and contribution in volunteering. Deliver opportunities to celebrate achievements such as receiving positive feedback, attaining a particularly fulfilling volunteer situation, or the completion of training. Furthermore, explore opportunities for your volunteers to communicate with each other and socialise where practical and safe to do so.
Key points
- Good communication channels are essential when supporting volunteers
- Understanding the reasons a person is volunteering can help to route their aspirations to strengthen your charitable cause.
- Provide opportunities for volunteers to socialise and form peer relationships
Links for more information
Why volunteer
Discover more about why people volunteer.
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/why-volunteer
Supporting volunteers
A great tool for seeing exactly what support looks like and how you might put practical activities and policies in place to ensure you deliver the right support.
https://www.volunteerscotland.net/media/242069/Supporting%20Your%20Volunteers.pdf
Why volunteer
Discover more about why people volunteer.
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/why-volunteer
Supporting volunteers
A great tool for seeing exactly what support looks like and how you might put practical activities and policies in place to ensure you deliver the right support.
https://www.volunteerscotland.net/media/242069/Supporting%20Your%20Volunteers.pdf
