This document is a practical guide designed to support communication with people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. It provides common terms, phrases, or approaches that assist organisations and volunteers to engage effectively across language barriers. It is intended as a reference tool to improve accessibility and inclusivity in volunteer programmes.
Benefits for Volunteer Managers
Volunteer Managers can use this guide to enhance communication with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) volunteers and communities. It helps reduce misunderstandings, improve onboarding experiences, and create more inclusive engagement practices. The guide supports managers to design roles and interactions that are more accessible and culturally responsive.
Benefits for Volunteer Organisations
For organisations, the guide strengthens inclusivity and helps meet diversity and equity objectives. It contributes to better service delivery by ensuring communication barriers are minimised, thereby reducing risk and improving volunteer satisfaction and retention. It also supports compliance with inclusion principles and enhances community reach.
