Briefing and debriefing templates for spontaneous volunteer operations

This resource provides two practical templates to support organisations managing spontaneous volunteers during emergency operations. It covers key considerations for both briefing volunteers before deployment and debriefing them following their involvement.

The templates are designed for Volunteering Involving Organisations involved in emergency response and recovery and support consistent communication, safety awareness and reflective practice when working with spontaneous volunteers.

Benefits for volunteer managers

• supports clear and consistent briefing of spontaneous volunteers.
• helps ensure volunteers understand roles, safety and expectations.
• supports structured debriefing and reflection after operations.
• contributes to learning, wellbeing and continuous improvement.

How to apply this resource

This resource is most useful when preparing volunteers for emergency deployment, conducting post activity debriefs, or reviewing briefing and debriefing practices as part of emergency volunteer management.