I need volunteers

Before beginning the hunt for volunteers, think about how they'll support your organisation's goals and what kind of experience you can offer them. Consider:

• The skills and qualities you're looking for
• Whether there are any gaps in your current team that volunteers could help fill
• What specific tasks you need help to complete

Plan your volunteer roles carefully, making sure they're meaningful and not just a substitute for paid work. 

You should also think about:

• How accessible your opportunities are, e.g. could you offer them in different languages or formats
• Whether roles could be done remotely or flexibly
• How you can support volunteers' wellbeing
• What resources you'll need to train and supervise them

Creating inclusive, flexible roles helps make volunteering easier for more people. 

If you're not sure what you need or would like support to write a role description, please get in touch with us! Our Volunteer Centre team will be more than happy to help you start this process. 

People volunteer for all sorts of reasons, like gaining experience, meeting new people or giving something back, so it's important to understand your audience and what motivates them. 

When writing a volunteer advert, make it clear who your organisation supports and how volunteers will make a real difference. Share stories or examples to show the impact of your work. Highlight what's rewarding about the role and mention any training or personal development you offer. 

To attract volunteers, use friendly, inclusive language, and choose words that speak to your audience - whether they're passionate about social change or just want to lend a hand. 

Share your role widely - online, in print, at events. Think beyond your usual circles - working with different people and places helps you find volunteers who truly reflect your community and bring fresh skills and energy to your cause. 

For help sharing your role, please get in touch with us! Our Volunteer Centre team will be more than happy to help you start this process. 

Keep your volunteer recruitment process simple and accessible so that everyone has a fair chance to apply. 

You might ask people to fill out a form, write a short cover letter, or send an audio clip or video instead - just make sure your process works for everyone. Offer alternative formats and translations if needed, especially if language skills are part of the role. Always include clear contact details - like an email address and phone number - so people can get in touch if they have questions or need help applying. 

When it's time to interview applicants, ask if they need any support to take part comfortably, e.g. sending questions in advance or adjusting accessibility needs. Start the interview by introducing yourself and explaining how it will work. Keep your questions clear and focused on the role. Talk about tasks involved, what the volunteer will gain, and any requirements like references or DBS checks. 

It's a good idea to keep notes from each interview and store them securely, following data protection rules. 

For assistance in managing applications and organising interviews, please get in touch with us! Our Volunteer Centre team will be more than happy to help you start this process. 

Once you've selected your new volunteer, get in touch to offer them the role. Thank them for their time and let them know when you'd like them to start, including any induction or training. 

For those who weren't successful, it's good practice to explain why and offer helpful feedback. If possible, suggest other roles they may be suited to - either within your organisation or refer them to our Volunteer Centre. 

Before your volunteer gets started, you may need to carry out some checks, depending on the role and its level of risk. These could include references, basic health and safety assessments, or confirming they have the right to volunteer - especially if they are from overseas, claim benefits, or have a criminal record. It is important to handle any personal or health information carefully and legally. And if a volunteer changes their mind, ask for feedback - it might help you improve your recruitment process in the future. 

Good volunteer management helps organisations create a positive experience for their volunteers and ensures their work has impact. 

Communities 1st supports this by offering:

• Training courses that cover best practices in volunteer management
• Resources like the Valuing Volunteer Management 6 Point Promise - which helps organisations assess and improve their practices
• Guidance to help organisations build inclusive, well-structured programmes that people want to stay involved in

By leveraging these services, your organisation can enhance your volunteer programmes and better serve your communities. Get in touch to learn more!