Successful Charity and Not-for-Profit Volunteer Management – What it Looks Like
The inherent lifeblood of the charitable and not-for-profit sector in Australia is volunteers, a fact that cannot be disputed. Indeed, it is a well-known that in the absence of these altruistic individuals, many organisations would find it challenging to operate or fulfill their purpose, given the significant role that these volunteers play in such sectors. It is thus self-evident that effective volunteer management is imperative for the not-for-profits and charities in Australia to ensure they continue their operations and achieve their goals.
The significance of effective volunteer management cannot be overstated, as it has several benefits. Volunteers serve as the face of your organisation, portraying your brand and values to the wider community. Consequently, it is essential to recruit, train, and manage volunteers effectively to ensure they embody the purpose and values of your organisation.
Volunteers are usually highly committed and passionate about your organisation's purpose and can become influential advocates for your cause, helping you to raise awareness, attract new supporters, and fundraise effectively. They can also provide critical support to your organisation's programs and services. They can help to deliver services, support clients, and provide administrative assistance. Some Volunteers provide specialised skills and knowledge that your organisation may not have in-house. Finally, effective volunteer management can reduce the risk of burnout and turnover among volunteers. Volunteers who feel valued and supported are more likely to remain committed to your organisation over the long term.
To ensure effective volunteer management in the charity and not-for-profit sector in Australia, several best practices should be adopted. Organisations should develop a clear volunteer policy and procedure manual that ensures consistency and professionalism in volunteer management practices and provides volunteers with a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and rights.
The effective recruitment of volunteers is vital to attracting the right people with the right skills and knowledge. Consider using a variety of recruitment channels, including social media, your website, and local community groups. Research conducted by Volunteering Australia in 2020 shows that nearly 70% of volunteers use online resources to find opportunities, highlighting the importance of having a strong online presence.
Comprehensive training and induction are essential to equipping volunteers with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to perform their roles effectively and ensuring that they feel valued and supported by the organisation. Research also shows that volunteers who receive adequate training are more likely to remain engaged and committed (Mak & Waite, 2019). Effective management of volunteers involves providing them with ongoing support, supervision, and feedback, recognizing and rewarding their contributions, and addressing any issues or concerns they may have. According to research conducted by Volunteering Australia (2020), volunteers who receive regular feedback are more likely to be satisfied and committed to their roles.
Ensuring a safe and supportive working environment is vital to protecting the health and wellbeing of volunteers and creating a positive and productive work culture that fosters teamwork and collaboration. Research conducted by Volunteering Australia (2020) also reveals that volunteers who feel supported and included are more likely to continue volunteering.
In summary, it is imperative that not-for-profit and charity organisations in Australia prioritise effective volunteer management, which can be achieved through developing clear policies and procedures, recruiting volunteers effectively, providing comprehensive training and induction, managing volunteers effectively, and ensuring a safe and supportive working environment.
