When planning to involve volunteers, organisations should first consider the purpose of the volunteer role and what they hope to achieve by involving volunteers. They should also identify the activities volunteers will carry out, when they will be needed and where the volunteering will take place.

 

Considering these areas helps an organisation develop a clear and appropriate volunteer role description. This ensures that volunteers and staff understand the responsibilities, expectations and requirements associated with the role. It can also help the organisation identify what is needed in terms of recruitment, resources, staffing capacity, training and ongoing support.

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Practical tests: Why are we involving volunteers? What will they be doing? When are they are volunteering? Where will they volunteer?

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Types of Volunteering Opportunities

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General volunteering

Volunteering opportunities can vary depending on the organisation, the type of work involved and the amount of time a person is able to offer. Some positions require volunteers to attend regularly, while others may involve completing a particular project or helping for a shorter period. It is therefore important for individuals to choose an opportunity that suits their availability, interests and other responsibilities.

 

Regular volunteering may involve roles such as befriending, supporting a charity shop or providing transport as a volunteer driver. Alternatively, project-based volunteering may involve helping to organise an event, supporting a particular campaign or using specialist skills to redesign a charity s website.

 

The length of commitment should also be considered. Short-term volunteering generally lasts for less than three months, while a commitment of around three to six months can be considered medium-term. Opportunities lasting longer than six months are usually viewed as long-term volunteering. Considering these options can help volunteers find a role that is realistic, manageable and suitable for their circumstances.

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Bite-sized or micro-volunteering

Bite-sized volunteering gives people the opportunity to support an organisation by completing short, clearly defined tasks that require little ongoing commitment. These activities can often be completed online or from home, making them particularly flexible for people who may find it difficult to commit to regular volunteering because of work, family or other responsibilities.

 

This approach benefits organisations by allowing them to involve people who have limited time available. For volunteers, it provides a convenient way to contribute to a worthwhile cause without making a long-term commitment. Examples include helping to marshal a sponsored walk, writing a funding application, collecting donations at an event, creating a social media event or helping to run a stall at a community fair.

 

Skills-based volunteering

Skills-based volunteering allows individuals to use their existing professional knowledge and experience to support charities and community organisations. It can also benefit volunteers by helping them maintain or develop their skills, gain additional experience and strengthen their CV.

 

Voluntary and not-for-profit organisations often need people with specialist knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, business planning, communications and management. By contributing these skills, volunteers can help organisations overcome challenges, improve their services and plan more effectively for the future.

 

There are various services that connect skilled volunteers with suitable organisations and opportunities, including specialist platforms for people with experience in areas such as finance, accountancy, media and other professional sectors.

 

Employer-supported volunteering

Employer-supported volunteering (ESV) is when an employer encourages and supports members of staff to volunteer, often allowing them to do so during their normal working hours. Activities can involve practical work, such as gardening or improving community facilities, or professional support, such as providing expertise in marketing, finance, mentoring or human resources.

 

This type of volunteering may also be described as corporate, team, group or employer volunteering. Opportunities can vary considerably depending on the activity, the number of employees involved and the length of the commitment. Some may involve a team completing a one-day community project, while others may involve an individual providing specialist support over a longer period.

 

ESV can provide benefits for both employers and voluntary organisations. Businesses may use volunteering to strengthen teamwork, improve employee engagement and contribute towards their environmental, social and governance objectives. Charities and community groups can benefit from additional volunteer hours, professional expertise and greater awareness of their organisation among potential supporters, donors and service users.

 

Trustee and board volunteering

Trustees and other board-level volunteers have an important responsibility for the overall direction, governance and sustainability of voluntary and not-for-profit organisations. Depending on the type of organisation, these individuals may be known as trustees, directors, governors, board members or committee members.

 

People from a wide range of backgrounds can become trustees. Although some organisations may require specialist experience in areas such as finance, human resources or senior management, others value personal experience, enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge of the communities they support.

 

Becoming a trustee can also provide valuable personal and professional development. It can help individuals develop leadership and decision-making skills, gain experience of strategic planning and use their existing professional or managerial knowledge to contribute to an organisation and its community.