How to recruit volunteers to work at your charity

When running a charity, volunteers are incredibly valuable. Finding the right people through a robust recruitment process is super important. Successful volunteer recruitment involves defining the role clearly, advertising it in the right places, following a fair interview process, and providing a great onboarding experience. 

Read on to find out more about how to recruit volunteers to work at your charity and how you can improve volunteer retention. 

1. Define the volunteer role clearly 

When creating a volunteer role description, there’s certain information you should include. This includes volunteer responsibilities, any skills or experience required, how much time you’d like them to volunteer, who they’ll work with, and the impact the volunteer role has on the cause you’re supporting. 

It’s also important to include whether the role offers flexible volunteering, and whether they can work from home, enjoy hybrid working or if they’ll be required to work at any specific locations. Mention any training or support that will be provided and highlight whether expenses will be provided for travel for example. 

2. Write an attractive volunteer advert 

To encourage volunteers to apply for the roles you have available, you’ll want a volunteer ad that really stands out.  

Talk about the charity’s purpose and explain the difference they’ll be able to make, as well as providing practical details like the time required and where the role is based. 

When advertising volunteer roles, use accessible, inclusive language so that the role appeals to everyone and include whether DBS checks or other checks are needed. Make sure the application method is easy to understand and provide contact details so people can ask questions before they apply. 

3. Understand where to find volunteers

Writing the perfect volunteer advertisement is a great start, but understanding where to find volunteers will help you discover the right people for your charity. 

One of the best ways to find new recruits is by using the power of word of mouth and asking existing volunteers to spread the word. You can also recruit volunteers online via your own charity website and social media channels, recruit local volunteers by chatting to community groups and volunteering groups, and list your roles on volunteer recruitment websites like CharityJob and Reach Volunteering.

Visiting universities, colleges, and local businesses to discuss what you’re doing and the opportunities you’re offering can also be useful, as can attending local community events. 

4. Make the application process simple 

Unnecessarily long application forms can be off-putting for volunteer roles. Often, you’ll find the right people for the role by chatting to them rather than asking them to answer lots of questions. Keep application questions to a minimum, provide different ways to apply where appropriate, and use consistent criteria across volunteering roles. 

Once people have applied, respond promptly, ensure you’re clear about what will happen next in the process, and make sure any interviews are proportionate to the volunteering role being advertised. Remember, volunteering shouldn’t be treated like conventional employment, and applications must be fair and accessible for all. 

5. Carry out the right checks 

There will be different checks to carry out depending on the volunteering roles you’re recruiting for. You might have to ask for references, request DBS checks where relevant, cover any safeguarding requirements, and ensure that anyone applying understands what will be expected from them. 

6. Give new volunteers an informative induction 

The recruitment process isn’t over once you’ve found your volunteers. Offering an informative induction is just as important as creating a great job ad. A great induction includes a welcome and introduction, an overview of your charity’s policies, and any important health and safety matters. 

Also cover any training, who they can contact for help, and where to find any equipment or systems for their role. A good onboarding process can help you to retain happy and productive volunteers.  

7. Protect your volunteers, charity, and assets 

When recruiting volunteers to be part of your charity, it’s important to assess any risks associated with volunteer activities and ensure volunteers understand all health and safety procedures. This will help to protect your charity and its assets. 

Before you recruit new volunteers, check that your existing charity insurance covers volunteers and the work they’re doing, and consider what you require from your insurance before volunteers begin to work with you. 

8. Keep volunteers engaged 

To retain charity volunteers, it’s important to keep them engaged and regularly provide recognition and appreciation.  

You can do this through:  

• Regular communication and updates 

• Opportunities to learn and develop skills 

• Requesting feedback and acting on any recommendations that come in 

• Giving volunteers meaningful responsibilities 

• Checking in to ensure that the role is still worthwhile for both the charity and the volunteer 

To build a volunteer process that works, it’s important to define the role, advertise it using a range of channels, assess applications fairly and promptly, carry out the necessary checks, welcome your volunteers on board, and keep them engaged to boost volunteer retention. 

Recruiting charity volunteers FAQs 

How can I recruit volunteers for my charity? 

To recruit volunteers for your charity, start by creating a clear role description that explains the responsibilities, time commitment, location, and skills required. Advertise the role through your charity website, social media, local community groups, volunteer centres, and relevant volunteer recruitment websites. Make the application process simple and carry out any appropriate checks before providing new volunteers with a clear induction. 

Where can charities find volunteers? 

Charities can find volunteers through a range of channels, including their own website, social media, local volunteer centres, community organisations, universities, colleges, and local businesses. Word of mouth recommendations from existing volunteers can also be a great way to attract people, as they’ll already know all about your charity and the work you do. Using a variety of recruitment channels can help you reach a wider range of potential volunteers. 

Do charities need insurance for volunteers? 

Charities should check that their insurance policy provides appropriate cover for volunteers and the activities they carry out. Depending on the organisation and its activities, this may include public liability, employers' liability, buildings, contents, and equipment cover. Reviewing your charity insurance before recruiting volunteers can help you identify anything that’s missing and manage risks associated with your premises, equipment, and third-party claims. 

Specialist charity insurance by Ripe 

Specialist charity insurance by Ripe provides cover for employees and volunteers, with options including Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, buildings, contents, and equipment cover. 

Ready to financially protect your charity? Get a charity insurance quote from Ripe and choose the cover that suits your organisation.