Download the Standard

The Volunteer Friendly Standard document details the 5 strands of the standard in more detail, providing guidance and example evidence on how you might meet each strand and practice. View the 5 strands below or download the standard via the button.

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1: Involving Volunteers

Understanding why your group/organisation involves volunteers

  • All people involved in the group/organisation understand why they involve volunteers.
  • The group/organisation has a written document setting out how volunteers will be involved, supported and protected.
  • The group/organisation has or includes volunteers in policies that relate to management and involvement of people.
  • The group/organisation is committed to developing a Volunteer Culture.

2: Making Volunteering Happen​

Money, management, resources and keeping volunteers safe.

  • The group/organisation has a named person or team who has responsibility for recruiting and managing volunteers.
  • The group/organisation plans for volunteering involvement, where volunteers can be part of planning and setting objectives.​
  • The group/organisation seeks to secure enough funds to provide volunteers with appropriate resources to undertake their volunteering and cover out-of-pocket expenses.​
  • The group/organisation is committed to keeping volunteers safe from risk, comply with data protection and are covered by appropriate insurance.​

3: Volunteer Inclusion

Equal access to opportunities and fair recruitment

  • The group/organisation creates an environment that is inclusive; open to involving volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities.
  • The group/organisation is consistent and fair in carrying out recruitment, reference checks, disclosures and selection of volunteers.​
  • The group/organisation is committed to supporting everyone into volunteering, providing a range of opportunities, flexibility roles and aims to meet additional support needs.​

4: Welcoming Volunteers​​

Developing roles, induction, training and support needs for volunteers.

  • The group/organisation develops a range of volunteer opportunities that are fair, provide a choice to volunteers, benefiting both volunteers and service users.​
  • The group/organisation provides all volunteers with an induction to their role, including all policies, procedures and training required for the role.​
  • The group/organisation offers ongoing support to volunteers throughout their volunteer journey and aims to offer additional support when required to meet the needs of the volunteer.​
  • The group/organisation provides volunteers with ongoing relevant updates, where volunteers can provide feedback on their involvement.​

5: Valuing Volunteers

Recognition for volunteers’ time, contribution, feedback and creating positive endings.

  • All people involved in the group/ organisation are aware of the need to give volunteers recognition for their time and contribution.
  • The group/organisation can demonstrate how they report on and celebrate volunteering.
  • The group/organisation supports their volunteers’ development, providing opportunities