VolunTEAMing!

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS

The following are ways to support and improve volunteer management as discussed in the youth workshop. Full details can be found in the workshop report and further advice be obtained from downloadable information from the referenced websites.

What do you do now you have your volunteers?

•  Induction and introduction –think about what they need to know, who they will meet.
• Do you allocate a “buddy” or named person who they work alongside whilst they are being inducted?
• Do you have a volunteer handbook, volunteer policy and role description ready?
• Do they know what days/hours you wish them to volunteer?
• How do they claim expenses –do you offer them?
• Have a who’s who list available•Show them the building they will be working from, meet all health & safety legislation, what are the fire drill procedures, who’s responsible for first aid etc.
• Where can they put their belongings, where they can make a drink, take a break etc?
• Do you have any social events for volunteers?
• When/how do you review your volunteers progress?
• Who can a volunteer go to if they have a problem, do you have a problem solving policy?

The above list is seen to be a stimulus that needs to be considered when addressing best practice management techniques for volunteering.

Themes in Volunteer Management

Themes in volunteer Management were identified for discussion and expansion though greater levels of advice and information on them can be found at the following websites:

http://www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk/Downloads.html

http://www.volunteering.org.uk/WhatWeDo/European+Year+2011/Downloadable+resources.htm

Each of these themes are seen to be elements of how to improve volunteer Management and enhance the effectiveness of volunteering organisations.

Themes were voted on to assess which ones were to be discussed in the youth workshop. The content and details of these can be found in the Youth Report on the Downloadable Information page.