What is it?

The volunteer agreement is exactly what it sounds like: an agreement at the commencement of volunteership. It is not compulsory, but widely reported to be useful in defining terms of engagement up-front, leaving fewer surprises for later. By listing required skills, working hours, key tasks and responsibilities, volunteers can better match their skill-set to an appropriate volunteer-run organisation.

What Does it Cover?

Volunteer Victoria suggests the following points for inclusion in the standard volunteer agreement.

- An outline of the nature and purpose of the voluntary work

- The days and hours that have been agreed to

- The start date and, if appropriate, the end date

- A settling in or probation period

Training agreements can be outlined, and a clearly laid out list of responsibilities. This is essential for ensuring the work of the volunteer is in line with what the organisation needs and expects.

The Ongoing Benefits

Though the document is a one-time deal, its contents seal benefits into the fabric of time. A well-constructed agreement acts as orientation and education for new members. It also gives organisations a legal protection when opening to new participants, through obtaining their signatures on documents protecting confidentiality, to the arrangements of health or other insurance prevalent to the arrangement. Correctly clarifying conduct related to online posting, particularly social media representation, can also safeguard against damaging content being inadvertently or otherwise, shared by volunteer staff. At any point in the volunteer/organisation relationship, the volunteer agreement can be referred to, to help define the role or solve disagreements.

Who Needs it?

Volunteer managers should consider having all personnel complete a volunteer agreement. Doing so can help streamline operations, and make the most of the volunteer energy by steering it into productive contributions. The better match made at the get-go of volunteer/organisation relationships, the more enduring and worthwhile, for both parties, it will be.

A useful template of a volunteer agreement is available for free online. This document, created by Volunteering Australia, can simplify the integration process of new volunteer workers to any not-for-profit organisation.