Problems with volunteers are rare, but they happen: unreliability, conflict with staff or other volunteers, behaviour that worries service users, or a volunteer who is unhappy with how they have been treated. Because volunteers are not employees, disciplinary procedures do not apply, but fairness does. A problem-solving procedure, agreed in advance, gives everyone a clear route.
- Raise concerns early, in a supportive conversation, and record what was agreed.
- Give the volunteer the chance to respond and to be supported by somebody.
- Where a role has to end, do it with dignity and explain why.
- Report safeguarding concerns through your safeguarding procedure, and to the authorities where required.
FVA's volunteering development team can advise confidentially on individual situations and on the procedures to put in place.
Get in touch
Finding a volunteering role, and help for organisations that involve volunteers.
E-mail [email protected]
Telephone 0800 389 6046
