Banner: Recruitment
Recruitment of volunteers

Selection criteria for volunteers
Involving people with disabilities
Deciding when to recruit
Volunteer job descriptions
Example registration form
Induction interviews and information kits
Volunteer agreements
Work permits for volunteers
Handling volunteer grievances
Dismissing volunteers

Case study: Strict guidelines for volunteers

Case study: Comprehensive guidelines for interested and new volunteers

Case study: Permit system for volunteers working in bushland

Successful volunteer recruitment means attracting the right people with the qualities, skills and experiences that the organisation wants and needs.

Tips

  • If you work in a big organisation and are recruiting for the first time, find out how other internal departments recruit volunteers and whether they already have recruitment procedures in place. For example, in a local council talk to the Community Services or Library staff to see if there are existing resources than can help you.
  • Best practice volunteer management recommends that policies, procedures, budgets and resources be in place before starting recruitment - this is mainly the case when you have a well established organisation with the expertise available to develop the policies, budgets etc. In reality sometimes organisations already have volunteers which then brings about an awareness of the need to develop a structured program, set up procedures and commit to providing resources.

More information

Tips for involving volunteers Information Sheet www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Reimbursements Information Sheet www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Preparing for and conducting interviews Information Sheet www.nvsc.org.au

Dismissing Volunteers Information Sheet www.volunteeringsa.org.au/publications/issuesheets/dismissal

Contact the peak volunteering organisation in your state for courses and information about volunteer recruitment and handling grievances. See More information (use the menu to the left)

Checklist

What is your organisation's policy on..
  • Equal opportunity and who can join your program
  • How volunteers are to be managed
  • Volunteer Agreements
  • Work permits
  • Tasks the volunteers can do
  • Areas in which the volunteers can work
  • Conditions of volunteer employment
  • Ensuring the rights of volunteers
  • Reimbursements for out of pocket expenses and travel allowance
  • Personal details and privacy, security and confidentiality
  • Handling grievances and disciplinary action

Checklist

Have you checked Commonwealth and State legislation for..
  • Equal opportunity
  • Anti-discrimination
  • Privacy (confidentiality of volunteer records and personal information)
  • Child Protection obligations and requirements

 

The Volunteer Coordinators Network (Natural Areas) Manual © 2004