Supporting Volunteers

Volunteers are one of your organisation’s greatest strengths, and supporting them well is essential - not just for retention, but for the impact and health of your organisation. Volunteers need investment and nurture from the start so they feel welcomed, confident, safe, and valued.

Volunteers Matter as Individuals

Volunteers give their time because they care—about the cause, the people they help, and the community you’re building together. It’s essential to show them that they matter as individuals and the difference their contributions make.

You can do this by:

• Caring about what they do and helping them understand how their contribution achieves real outcomes.

• Celebrating organisational achievements, both big and small.

• Listening and involving them so they feel their perspective and ideas are valued.

When volunteers feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more confident, motivated, and likely to continue giving their time.

What Makes a Good Volunteering Experience

Research shows that volunteers are most satisfied when their experience:

• Feels meaningful – they can see the impact of their work.

• Connects to the cause and community – their role resonates with their values and helps them build relationships.

• Offers flexibility – involvement fits around other commitments.

• Is enjoyable and balanced – they feel fulfilled without undue pressure.

Volunteers are more engaged and likely to stay when they feel their time is well spent and their contribution matters.

Onboarding: Setting Volunteers Up for Success

A strong onboarding process is critical. It sets the tone for the whole volunteering journey, helps volunteers feel confident, and ensures they can contribute effectively. The exact approach will differ depending on your organisation, but all volunteers should:

• Know what is expected of them – clear role descriptions, responsibilities, and standards of behaviour.

• Understand how to make a difference – the impact of their work and how it contributes to your organisation’s mission.

• Know where to seek help and support – who to contact for guidance, advice, or reporting concerns.

• Have essential information – organisational values, policies, procedures, safeguarding, code of conduct, and data protection guidelines, ideally in a handbook or welcome pack.

No need for glossy brochures, even a short, simple document will help explain the essentials.

Ongoing Support and Connection

Support should continue throughout a volunteer’s journey, similar to an employed member of staff.

• Regular check-ins to see how they’re doing and answer questions.

• Friendly supervision and feedback to help them develop and feel supported.

• Providing connection with peers and staff, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Ongoing support builds trust, reduces isolation, and keeps volunteers engaged.

Appreciation and Recognition

Volunteers stay when they feel valued. Showing gratitude isn’t a single gesture - it’s a culture:

• Thank volunteers regularly, both informally and formally.

• Provide opportunities for growth through training or skill-building.

• Celebrate contributions publicly where possible, reinforcing their impact.

• Ask for feedback on their ideas & suggestions and action improvements where possible

When volunteers see that they matter, their work is valued, and their time makes a difference, they are more motivated, engaged, and likely to continue volunteering.