Preparing for volunteers: Getting your house in order

Hazel Finney, Lead – Volunteering

Over the past few years I’ve spoken to representatives from hundreds of voluntary sector organisations looking for help and advice with the recruitment and management of volunteers.  In order to fathom out exactly what their issues are, the first thing that I have to do is ask lots of questions, and listen attentively.  And there are 2 recurring themes that emerge related to taking on volunteers:

  1. Little thought has been given to the internal capacity required
  2. Little thought has been given to the processes and procedures needed.

These observations are not meant as a criticism – but as a warning that however many volunteers you are considering recruiting, serious thought needs to be given to how you go about it.  In short, if you fail to prepare, you will almost certainly prepare to fail!

With this is mind, on 4 September I will be running a short masterclass themed 5 Steps to being Volunteer-ready.  It’s particularly suited to individuals new to volunteer recruitment, or anyone wanting to refresh their organisation’s approach.  This masterclass is almost certainly for you if any of the following ring true:

  • Do you need to recruit volunteers, but don’t know where to begin?
  • Have you started to recruit volunteers, but without proper planning?
  • Do you feel it’s time to revisit the way that your organisation tackles volunteer recruitment?

You will come away with a thorough understanding of everything that you need to have in place before taking on volunteers, and the tools and confidence to ensure that your organisation has a robust volunteering programme.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on the current situation in your own organisation, and plan for the future, as well as networking with peers.

Comments from delegates on past volunteer recruitment workshops have included:

“Really positive training with sound background knowledge.”

“A relaxed, informative and professional workshop. Realistic with practical solutions. Time for fun. A safe environment to share, participate and learn.”

And at just over 2 hours long, and at a heavily subsidised price, we’re hoping that this will be a Wednesday morning well spent – that sticks in your mind for all the right reasons – and that gives your volunteer recruitment the kick start that’s needed.

But places are limited! So please book your place today to avoid disappointment.

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