Your organisation should work towards creating a comprehensive volunteer policy. This should include information on recruitment, confidentiality, insurance and health and safety, as well as the organisation’s mission statement and information on equality. We can help you with this.
Yes. A role description should include as much information about the volunteering role as possible. This can include a list of duties, tasks and responsibilities as well as the commitment required from the volunteer. A list of necessary and desirable skills and contact details are also useful.
You should budget for volunteer expenses when planning to recruit volunteers. Expenses incurred whilst the volunteer is carrying out their role within your organisation should be reimbursed. If you are able to pay travel expenses, childcare costs, meal allowances or similar these need to be agreed with the volunteer at the start of the placement.
A common reason for volunteers leaving projects is that they don’t feel the organisation cares about them. You need to give volunteers regular support. This can be structured, such as regular one-to-one appraisals, or less structured, such as a telephone call. You should tell volunteers from the start how much and what kind of support they will be receiving.
It’s also advisable to allocate a member of staff or another volunteer as a point of contact for new volunteers and make this person known to to them at the start of their placement. They will then know who to turn to if they have any questions or concerns.
If you are thinking about setting up a new group and involving volunteers for the first time, we can help. It is important to think how volunteers could be an asset to your organisation and to put the volunteer infrastructure in place before you start recruiting volunteers.
You will find it useful to read our Good practice guide for comprehensive guidelines on managing and supporting volunteers.
Tesco Stronger Starts award
We’re in the running for one. Please cast your vote in favour at the Thornbury store.
Team building
Two recent examples of employers supporting volunteering by staff in the local community are described.
Summer opening hours
As usual, we shall be open only two days a week during high summer.
Summer Award Lunch
Our annual awards event was a great success.
Alan Hudson award
This year goes to the Over 60s Tearoom.
Clare Fardell award
Presented to two very deserving young people.
Annual report
Our annual report for 2023-24 is now available.
Spring sale
Our Spring Sale on 27 April raised more than £250 for Centre funds.
Sources of Help booklet
Our invaluable guide to organisations that can help you in need is available online.
Discover your perfect volunteering opportunity
Contribute your time and skills to the local community.
Social media
We post details of new volunteering opportunities on and local groups.