General Networking Discussion

22 July 2025

Summary

This discussion explored practical approaches to recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers amid operational and policy challenges. Participants highlighted the importance of experienced mentors, structured recruitment and on-boarding, clear roles, and robust support system; especially for mental health and critical incidents. Innovative community engagement, frequent recruitment campaigns, and the celebration of diversity were emphasized as keys to sustaining volunteer programs, while ongoing resource constraints and policy changes like recruitment freezes continue to impact daily operations and care delivery.

Key Discussion Highlights

Volunteer Recruitment & Mentorship: Managers observed a recent decrease in experienced volunteers, leading to an influx of new recruits who sometimes lack the experience needed.

Volunteer Development & Support: Participants stressed the value of structured recruitment and on-boarding, peer mentorship, and robust support systems, especially for volunteers dealing with mental health challenges or critical incidents. There are instances where volunteers need additional pairing or supervision to manage tasks effectively.

Recruitment Strategies: Innovative approaches include frequent (every six weeks) recruitment campaigns, outreach through digital platforms, schools, retirement communities, and local events. Digital flyers and QR codes have enhanced reach, and GP's help target specific patient groups. Consistent interest in certain volunteer roles means active recruitment is sometimes unnecessary.

Diversity & Community Engagement: Celebrating diversity and engaging a wide demographic, from students to retirees, has proven valuable. Community First Responders, for example, often transition to engagement roles after frontline service, and efforts to familiarise the community with emergency equipment are ongoing.

Operational & Policy Challenges: Ongoing recruitment freezes, and resource constraints remain significant hurdles. While the 10-year plan has yet to yield direct operational changes, cost-saving pressures are palpable. Some services restrict volunteer activity to hospital sites, while others permit cautious community interaction, primarily at clients’ doorsteps.

Volunteer Support & Wellbeing: Structured debriefs and staff advisory services are in place to safeguard volunteer welfare, particularly after critical incidents. Coordinators highlighted the importance of ongoing support to mitigate risks when deploying volunteers in the community.

Top Tips

Balance Experience with Fresh Perspectives: One guest emphasized the challenge of losing seasoned volunteers and on-boarding new ones, especially in mental health settings where mentorship and calm personalities are essential.

Structured Recruitment Processes: Several guests described treating volunteer recruitment like hiring paid staff, using applications and interviews to ensure suitability for various roles.

Flexible and Inclusive Community Engagement: One team uses digital flyers and QR codes in schools and retirement villages to attract a diverse range of volunteers.

Continuous Development and Support: Regular feedback, recognition, and opportunities for growth were shown to keep volunteers motivated, as seen in the practice of offering alternative roles when changing personal circumstances arise.

Clear Operational Structures: One program uses structured Rotas and clear reporting lines, so volunteers understand expectations, reducing confusion.

Creative Recruitment Campaigns: An example described running targeted recruitment adverts every six weeks, leveraging community networks and seasonal opportunities to maintain volunteer numbers and diversity.

Support Volunteer Wellbeing: Regular debriefs and peer support, such as those provided after critical incidents, ensure volunteers feel valued and supported, which is vital for retention.