Introduction
The regular cry from sports clubs is “we haven’t got enough volunteers” and “it’s always the same few”. These Top Tips will give you a few ideas of how to address the difficult task of recruiting volunteers.
The following chart will help you find the right person for the right role, so that they can enjoy doing the right thing efficiently and effectively.
| Questions to Ask Yourself | What you need to do, take into consideration or where to look to find the answers |
| What volunteers do we need? (numbers and tasks required) | - Look in your club Forward or Strategic Plan – for each area of the plan, volunteers will be needed.
- If you don’t have a Volunteer Action Plan – write one! The runningsports Quick Guide “Volunteers” will help you.
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| Do we have Role Outlines for all of these? | Write Role Outlines for every volunteer role. runningsports has lots of examples on this website. |
| When, and for how long do we need each volunteer? | Some roles (e.g. Secretary) may have a longer term of office; others (e.g. an organiser for a special event) may be for a one-off, short-term period. You need to be clear about the commitment required, and any specific dates (e.g. the date of the event). |
| What training and/or support will the volunteer need? | Internal
Consider if there is someone who could train/mentor a new volunteer in a specific role.
External
See “Further Information” at the foot of this sheet, as well as this website. |
| Will our current volunteers accept and welcome new volunteers? | - Involve current committee members/current volunteers in the production of the Volunteer Action Plan.
- Where appropriate, also involve them in the recruitment process.
- Update, or produce a volunteer welcome pack.
- Designate a main point of contact for the new volunteer.
- Make a point of welcoming them to your club.
- If appropriate, introduce a trial period to make sure they are the right person for the job.
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| What sort of people should we target? | This is horses for courses!
runningsports has Top Tips on recruiting both young people and older people. You might want an accountant to be your Treasurer, or a female to chaperone your Under 16’s girl’s squad. In all cases, be clear. |
| How can we safeguard our members? | - Produce a volunteer code of practice.
- Be aware of Data Protection requirements.
- Ensure you do appropriate screening (e.g. CRB checks).
- Do one-to-one interviews before making volunteer appointments.
- Always ask for and take up references.
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| Where might we find new volunteers? | Use a targeted approach. For example, if you need someone to rewrite your constitution you might look at organisations like ProHelp or Reach, and if you need a new coach, it might be better to look at your local community sports networks or your governing body.
See also the list at the foot of this Top Tip and don’t forget your existing members and volunteers – they might know someone suitable for the job! |
| What other methods could we use? | - Look on other organisations websites (see below).
- Use your own communication (e.g. website, newsletter, poster)
- Advertise and host a “Find out about Volunteering” event at your club.
- Use the local press.
- Contact local businesses.
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Other good sources of volunteers include: Volunteer Bureau; Uniform Groups; Schools; Higher Education Establishments; Other Local Organisations/Clubs; Local Authority Leisure Departments; Colleges and Universities; Large companies (some of which have volunteering schemes).
Further Information
This website has other useful resources including the Quick Guide “Volunteers”, along with other downloadable resources - Top Tips “Volunteers”, Role Outlines and information on available training including workshops and workbooks.
Other Organisations Worth Checking Out
These Top Tips are intended as a general guide, based on legislation at the time of publication. Neither runningsports, its staff, the authors nor reviewers can accept any liability for any loss arising as a result of reliance upon the information contained herein. Readers are strongly advised to obtain professional advice on an individual basis.
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