Volunteer Induction
A simple, supportive induction helps volunteers feel welcome and confident from the start.
Download Volunteer Induction Checklist
Volunteer Agreement/Volunteer Code of Conduct
A volunteer agreement sets out what you and the volunteer can expect from each other, like support and commitment. A code of conduct explains how volunteers should behave, helping make sure everyone acts safely and respectfully.
Volunteer Handbook
Once your volunteer programme is up and running and growing, a volunteer handbook can really help streamline induction by bringing together all the key information volunteers need, as well as making volunteers feel a valued part of your impact.
It usually includes your organisation’s values and mission, what is expected of volunteers, and key policies such as safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality. It also explains how things work day to day, who to contact for support, and how to raise any questions or concerns.
The aim is to help volunteers feel informed, supported, and confident in their role, while making expectations clear from the start.
Here is a template and some examples:
Problem Solving
A problem solving procedure for volunteers explains how issues or concerns should be raised, discussed, and resolved during volunteering.
It provides a clear and supportive process for dealing with problems such as misunderstandings, performance concerns, or issues affecting a volunteer’s experience. This usually sets out who to speak to first, how concerns will be handled, and what steps will be taken if things cannot be resolved informally.
The aim is to ensure volunteers know there is a fair, consistent, and approachable way to deal with problems, helping to resolve issues early and maintain positive working relationships.
This is different from staff procedures, as volunteers are not employees. The process is usually simpler and more informal, focusing on guidance and support rather than formal employment action.
