Liz Devaney 2011. Planning Preparation Process.

Liz Devaney 2011

Planning

Preparation

Process

Why do you want to involve volunteers?

What does your organisation want volunteers to do?

What resources will you need (people/equipment/money)?

Policies: ◦ Which policies will apply to volunteers? ◦ Do you need any new policies?

Staff:◦ Who will recruit and coordinate volunteers?◦ Does this person need any training?

Budget:◦ How much will it cost to involve (more)

volunteers?

Systems

Support

Monitoring and review

Expenses reimbursement

Communication

Recording and storage of information

Advertise, recruit and select volunteers

Induction and training

Workplan - Briefing, debriefing and feedback

Support, supervise and monitor

Respond to difficult situations/challenges

Assess outcomes, evaluate and amend plans

The nature of the relationship between

volunteers and the organisation is informal and voluntary.

Employment based policies and procedures should not be applied to the management of volunteers.

Take every step possible to avoid an implied legally binding contract with volunteers.

Make a clear distinction between volunteers

and paid staff in the following areas:◦Terminology used◦Policies and procedures◦Expectations

What volunteers are joining the organisation to do (role, placement)

Requirements of role (hopes and expectations)

If things aren’t going well (dealing with difficulties/problems)

Promote your volunteer opportunities in the local (free) newspaper

Be clear about what someone might gain by volunteering with your organisation

Don’t let poor communication ruin your recruitment efforts

Write role descriptions and volunteer specifications

When matching volunteers to tasks, use ◦Motivation◦Expectations◦Needs◦Skills

Get to know your volunteersCheck out if they are happy doing the same tasks, or if they want to develop their skills/gain experience of other roles

Thank your volunteers after every session of volunteering

Resources: Volunteering England’s Good Practice Bank

◦www.volunteering.org.uk

Training: ViSTA ◦www.vistaproject.org.uk◦08453 580372

Liz Devaney [email protected]