Volunteering North Queensland Inc.

National Standards for Involving Volunteers
in Not-for-Profit Organisations

The National Standards have been written with the explicit intention of protecting the volunteer, the volunteer-involving organisation and the customer of the organisation. Compliance with the standards will ensure that volunteer rights are protected, that their role is explicit and that they work in safe and healthy environments. To comply with the standards, an organisation should:

have policies and procedures in all areas that directly or indirectly affect volunteers and their work, including workplace health and safety, equal opportunity and anti-discrimination, bullying, and grievance and disciplinary procedures
appoint a manager of volunteers at an appropriate level in the management structure
have effective administrative systems in place to ensure efficient operation of the volunteer program and protection of the rights and privacy of volunteers
prepare job descriptions for all positions to delineate the boundaries between paid and unpaid positions
have a clearly planned and documented volunteer recruitment strategy
interview and select volunteers in a fair, open and equitable manner
provide volunteers with orientation, education and training programs appropriate for the position
provide appropriate support, supervision and recognition of volunteer activities, and
plan, evaluate and continuously improve your volunteer program to ensure effective outcomes for clients, volunteers, paid staff and the broader community.

Copies of these documents are available from VNQ: $30 each or $55 for two.
Phone: (07) 4725 5990 for further information.

Title: Volunteering Australia:
National Standards - Implementation Guide for
Not For Profit Organisations Involving Volunteers

Title: Volunteering Australia:
National Standards - for involving volunteers in
Not For Profit Organisations.