Support for volunteers is vitally important and how this is provided depends upon the context of the volunteering opportunity and the individual. Volunteers should always feel that they are integral members of an organisation and its work, and are therefore highly valued, so offering proper volunteer support can ensure a good experience for the volunteer. Support should last the entire volunteer journey, until they say farewell to the organisation.
Many young people who want to volunteer can find it difficult to find opportunities, they want to contribute and but can face barriers to this. Involving young volunteers can seem overwhelming for some organisations but with some consideration and following the guidelines below you can empower young people and create a rewarding experience for both your organisation and the volunteers.
A volunteer policy is a framework for a volunteer programme. It enables your organisation to consider the benefits and challenges that come with involving volunteers. The process of writing a volunteer policy will help you to consider the practicalities of why and how you involve volunteers and where they fit in with the aims of the organisation. The volunteer policy should refer to the other policies in your organisation that affect volunteers, such as recruitment, expenses, equal opportunities and so on.