Volunteer policy

A clear and well-thought-out volunteer policy helps organisations properly supervise, value and retain their volunteers. It provides structure, prevents misunderstandings and contributes to a healthy, safe and pleasant working environment.

What is volunteer policy?
Volunteer policy is the set of agreements, guidelines and support that an organisation offers to volunteers. It describes how to deal with volunteers from recruitment and induction to supervision, appreciation and farewell.

A good policy answers questions such as:

• Who is responsible for supervising volunteers?
• What are the rights and duties of volunteers?
• How do we ensure safety and well-being?
• What do we do in case of conflicts or bottlenecks?

Why is volunteer policy important?

• Clarity for both volunteers and the organisation
• Better guidance and appreciation of volunteers
• Reduced risk of drop-outs, conflicts or ambiguities
• Professional image towards external partners and financiers

What belongs in a volunteer policy?
A complete volunteer policy often includes components such as:

• Recruitment and selection
• How do you find suitable volunteers, and how do you ensure a good match?
• How are volunteers inducted and familiarised with the organisation?
• Guidance and point of contact
• Who supervises the volunteers? How often is there contact or evaluation?
• Training and development
• Is there room for training, such as first aid or dealing with dementia?
• Reimbursements and insurance
• Appreciation and motivation
• How is the commitment of volunteers recognised and valued?
• Agreements and boundaries
• Completion or farewell

Amaryllis offer
Want to get started on improving your volunteer policy? We would love to help you. See here How we can do this. 

Tip: Want an example or format for a volunteer policy? Mooiwerkbreda has a number of examples, you can here find.