Introduction
Most companies will tell you that it is very expensive to recruit new staff and that it is important to retain people for this reason alone: this theory applies to volunteers too. Of course, there are many other reasons why we don’t want to lose people from our clubs and these Top Tips will help you to look at how to retain your volunteers.
Why Retain Volunteers?
It is important that your Volunteer Coordinator and all your members understand the importance of retaining volunteers. Points to consider include:
- Recruiting new volunteers is costly and time-consuming
- The experience of your current volunteers is invaluable
- The club may have invested time, skills and training in the development of volunteers
- Retaining ensures that the continuity of the club ethos is maintained
- The loyalty of the volunteers is vital to the club, especially during difficult or busy periods.
There are many reasons why people start, or continue to volunteer. They often want to be welcomed as part of a team, meet new people and have the opportunity to learn new skills. Many people volunteer for the chance to feel useful and valued. As well as giving something back to the community, they usually feel that they are getting something out of the experience. Here are some examples of things you can do that will make volunteering a better experience and, therefore, help retain your volunteers:
| What to do | More detail |
| Have a Welcome Pack and Induction | This should include information on:
- Club structure and policies (e.g. Child Protection)
- Contact Details
- The volunteers Role Outline
- A welcome and introduction(s)
- How to claim expenses
- Buddy/mentoring arrangements
- Advise on equipment/specialist clothing etc
|
| Communicate with your Volunteers | - Clear, regular communication is vital
- Hold regular volunteer briefing meetings
- Use text or email for quick communication
- Have a volunteer page or section in your Club Newspaper
- Hold one-to-one meetings where appropriate
|
| Make sure they are enjoying the challenge | - Variety and challenge is important
- Give recognition and reward (say Thank You!)
- Make the volunteer feel wanted and valued
- Give your volunteers increased confidence
- Keep people motivated
- Use team work where appropriate
|
| Give your volunteers skills and training | - Identify, with the volunteer, what, if any, training is needed
- Sell training as a positive reward
- Understand that training will give confidence
- Internal – training given by your own team or volunteer mentor. This can include practical support
- External – many organisations provide skills and training courses
|
Finally, it is important to retain your volunteers for the right reasons. Sometimes it is the right time for someone to move on or to take more of a back seat. Your club should plan for succession in volunteer roles – it is healthy to have some turnover and you should plan for this as part of your retention policy.
Further Information
This website has other useful resources including the Quick Guide: “Volunteers”, along with other downloadable resources: Top Tips “Volunteers – General”, “Health & Safety of Volunteers”, “Involving Older People as Volunteers” and “Young People as Volunteers”, numerous Role Outlines and information on available training including workshops “Making the most of your people” and workbooks “Valuing your Sports Volunteers”. Alternatively telephone the runningsports Hotline on 0800 363373.
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.
