Welcoming New Volunteers

Once a recruit has shown an interest in volunteering it is very important that they receive a welcoming induction to ensure they feel comfortable and know they are valued and wanted.  Most volunteers leave organisations within the first six months, with the first 60 days crucial in making this decision.  To try and ensure this doesn’t happen consider how you could implement the suggestions below.

Induction

An induction will help new volunteers to feel that they are part of the club or organisation and will provide them with an understanding of what is involved in their role.  Information you may wish to provide them with includes:

• Information on emergency procedures, health and safety and child protection.
• Contact numbers for members of the club or a club handbook if available
• A written agreement (but not signed) which outlines the role, responsibilities and time commitment
• Any meetings they need to attend, when and where
• Where equipment is kept and how to use it

You need to advise them of the ASA and club child protection policies so they are aware of:

• What happens if you suspect a young person is being abused?
• What happens if a young person discloses to you abuse by someone else?What happens if you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself?

Set standards

Most volunteers want to do a good job and will appreciate knowing what standards your club/county expects early on, rather than being told they have done something wrong after the event.

If your human resource planning has been good you will now have recruited and inducted the correct person for the role that needs doing.  So always give them ownership of their work to ‘get on with it’.  Continue to support where necessary, but empower all volunteers to take responsibility.  People will operate better if they feel they are trusted but know that they can ask for help, it will also help to free up other volunteers time. 

Mentor
As part of an induction it is a good idea to provide each new recruit with a point of contact or buddy/mentor, someone who can answer their questions and most importantly a friendly face.  Also introduce them to other members of the club and explain what roles they carry out.  It is often a good idea for the club chairperson to spend time with any new recruit, welcoming them to the club and thanking them for their interest and becoming involved.