How to write a volunteer strategy

What is a volunteer strategy?

A volunteer strategy serves as a roadmap for your organisation, outlining the goals, policies, and procedures that will guide your volunteer programme. It ensures that your efforts are aligned with your organisation’s mission and objectives, and it helps you to effectively recruit, manage, and retain volunteers.

Key components of an effective volunteer strategy

Define your objectives

• Identify the specific goals you want to achieve through your volunteer programme.

• Ensure these goals are aligned with your organisation’s mission and overall strategy.

Volunteer roles and responsibilities

• Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities for each volunteer position.

• Provide detailed job descriptions to help volunteers understand their tasks and expectations.

Recruitment and selection

• Develop a targeted recruitment plan to attract the right volunteers for your organisation.

• Use various channels such as social media, local community centres, and volunteer fairs to reach potential volunteers.

• Implement a thorough selection process to ensure you are choosing volunteers who are a good fit for your organisation.

Training and development

• Offer comprehensive training programmes to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need.

• Provide ongoing development opportunities to keep volunteers engaged and motivated.

Recognition and retention

• Develop a recognition programme to show appreciation for your volunteers’ contributions.

• Implement strategies to retain volunteers, such as regular feedback, support, and opportunities for growth.

Evaluation and improvement

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of your volunteer programme through surveys, feedback sessions, and performance metrics.

• Use this data to continuously improve your strategy and address any areas of concern.

Step-by-step guide to creating your volunteer strategy

Assess your current volunteer programme

• Conduct a thorough review of your existing volunteer programme to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Set clear goals

• Define what you want to achieve with your volunteer strategy. This could include increasing volunteer numbers, enhancing volunteer satisfaction, or expanding the scope of your programmes.

Develop a volunteer policy

• Create a formal volunteer policy that outlines your organisation’s commitment to volunteers, including rights, responsibilities, and codes of conduct.

Create role descriptions

• Write detailed role descriptions for each volunteer position, including required skills, time commitments, and expected outcomes.

Implement a recruitment plan

• Use various recruitment methods to attract a diverse pool of volunteers. Consider online platforms, local events, and partnerships with other organisations.

Design a training programme

• Develop a comprehensive training programme that covers all necessary aspects of the volunteer role, from organisational background to specific tasks and procedures.

Establish a recognition programme

• Create a system for recognising and rewarding volunteers, such as awards, certificates, or public acknowledgment.

Monitor and evaluate

• Set up a system for regularly monitoring and evaluating the success of your volunteer programme. Use this information to make necessary adjustments and improvements.

Conclusion

A well-developed volunteer strategy is crucial for the success of your volunteer programme. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a robust framework that will help you attract, manage, and retain dedicated volunteers. Remember, the key to a successful volunteer strategy is continuous evaluation and improvement, ensuring that your programme evolves to meet the changing needs of your organisation and volunteers.

Getting started with Volunteero

Volunteero is volunteer management software for charities, nonprofits and events. Its real-time dashboards and reports show the difference your volunteers make, and a full audit trail records every action. Book a demo to see how it works.