Thinking about involving volunteers in your organisation? We’re here to help you build a successful volunteer programme from the ground up with practical guidance, resources and ongoing support.
So, your organisation wants to work with volunteers? Great! Before you get started, below is some information and advice for you to read before you start recruiting for roles.
If you plan to recruit volunteers, you will need to do some homework first! Firstly, you need to know:
It is essential to think strategically and to be prepared, and if you’re looking for a long-term volunteering commitment, you might need to think about your recruitment process.
It’s unlikely that anyone will just decide they want to volunteer with you, without first knowing about your organisation and having a positive impression of it. Its therefore important to promote your organisation positively and professionally. Sharing details of your activities, and indeed how you involve volunteers on your website, social media and in the local press can encourage others who might like to get involved.
It’s easy to get so caught up in your day-to-day activities, that you lose the ability to express what you do, or even why you do it to people who don’t know about your work!
You must learn to take into account the potential volunteer’s perspective if recruitment is going to be a success. Putting yourself forward as a volunteer can be daunting.
Organisations should make it easy for people to volunteer, by being as approachable, undemanding and unbureaucratic as possible, and by not to expecting too much too soon. If you give people the opportunity for a trial period or give them an easy job before progressing on to something more demanding, people are less likely to be scared off. What is it about the work that is likely to appeal to people? Is the work meaningful and will it be enjoyable?
It is also important to remember that people volunteer for different reasons. If you can tap into what motivates different people, you can ‘segment’ the potential pool of volunteers and adapt your recruitment message accordingly.
Always keep your message as clear, simple and upbeat as possible. Whenever you recruit, you should outline the following:
What social or other need is the organisation trying to tackle?
What does the voluntary work consist of?
Allay any fears that the potential volunteer may have (‘I wouldn’t be able to do that’, ‘why would they want me?’, ‘would it mean travelling home late at night?’, etc)
Outline the benefits to the potential volunteer of working with you (new friends, training, making a difference, getting work experience, etc)
How the potential volunteer can find out more; and what are the next steps they should take?
There is no one correct way to recruit. The type of person you are looking for will inform what the appropriate recruitment medium is. For example, if you need to find a volunteer with specialist skills, such as a professionally qualified counsellor, you will have to target your methods much more than if you are simply looking for lots of ‘bodies’ to assist you in your fundraising event. Always think of where the type of people you are looking for are likely to be found.
You will, of course, have to balance the resources you have available to you with the likely response you are going to get.
Some ideas for places you can advertise your volunteer roles:
Therefore don’t miss any opportunities, especially free ones, of advertising the fact that you are recruiting volunteers.
The vast majority of volunteers are recruited by word of mouth, through existing volunteers, staff, clients, supporters and so on, so make sure everyone who is involved with your organisation is aware that you are trying to recruit volunteers.
Consider running a brainstorming session identifying all the people your organisation knows and/or ask people to introduce a friend or family member to the organisation.
Understand where volunteers can add value and how they fit within your organisation.
Put clear procedures and expectations in place before recruitment begins.
Create meaningful volunteer roles and attract volunteers who are the right fit.
Provide training, supervision and recognition to help volunteers thrive.
Recruiting volunteers is only the first milestone. What truly makes a difference is how you welcome, support, recognise and retain the people who choose to give their time to your organisation.
Learn from each experience and continuously improve your approach.
Recognition, appreciation and ongoing support help volunteers feel connected, motivated and committed.
Small actions. Shared purpose. Lasting impact.