Finding and recruiting volunteers

First, write a job description and person specification.

There should be a well-defined role for each volunteer to fulfil. Create a role description before beginning the recruitment process. Make it as detailed as possible, spelling out what needs to be done and the qualities the ideal volunteer should have. This will prove valuable in helping you target and select the right person for the job.

Recruitment

Once the requirements have been defined the recruitment process can begin. Here are some ways that organisations find their volunteers:

By word of mouth
If existing volunteers enjoy their work with your organisation, they will tell their friends. The good will generated by fair, respectful treatment of volunteers will continue to pay off in attracting new recruits

Via volunteer centres
The local volunteer centres and people can find their closest one by looking at our Volunteer Centre Finder. These can help recruitment efforts by matching organisations with willing volunteers.

Through the local press or radio
Try placing small advertisements in a local paper or arranging for an announcement by a local radio station

Talks and presentations
Talks and presentations raising the organisation's profile in the community is a way of alerting people to what the linking organisation is doing and how they can help. Think about whether you appeal to all aspects of your local community. Consider a volunteer drive to your fundraising efforts.

Selection

Selecting volunteers is about ensuring a good match between the volunteer and the role description. Selection procedures will vary, depending on the organisation's culture and the kind of work the volunteer will be doing. Types of selection procedure include:

Informal chat
Application form
Interview with two or more members of staff.

The higher the degree of responsibility a volunteer will have, the more detailed and in-depth the selection process should be.

In almost all instances, organisations should ask for a minimum of two references - and follow these up rigorously. Ideally, but not essentially, these should be from organisations for whom they have worked either as a volunteer or as an employee.

Police checks or 'screening'

When a volunteer will be working with vulnerable clients - such as children, elderly people, or people with mental health problems - organisations may wish to carry out a Criminal Records Bureau check, or 'screening'.

Volunteer drivers

Volunteer drivers require additional attention during the selection process. Organisations need to make sure that drivers have a valid driving licence and adequate insurance cover. Additionally, volunteer drivers must inform their insurance company that they are undertaking volunteer work: failure to do so may invalidate their policy and make them liable for damages.