Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
Position Paper
1 minute read

Definition of Volunteering

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

Introduced in 2015, Volunteering Australia’s Definition of Volunteering has a set of explanatory notes, a detailed Issues Paper that provides background and context, and a set of FAQs around it.

Summary

The Definition of Volunteering describes volunteering as 'time willingly given for the common good without financial gain'. It includes both formal and informal activities but excludes some other factors.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

This updated definition helps volunteer organisations by providing a clear framework for what constitutes volunteering. It emphasises best practices and highlights the mutual benefits for both society and volunteers.

Application for Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteer management practitioners can use this definition to better structure their programs, ensuring they align with best practices. It also helps in recognising and valuing the contributions of volunteers more effectively.

Downloads and sources

Visit source (opens in new tab)

More about the author

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Their vision is to promote strong, connected communities through volunteering, and their mission is to lead, strengthen, promote and celebrate volunteering in Australia.
hello@volunteeringaustralia.org 02 6189 4921
Visit website (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Videos or Webinars

Enhance the volunteer experience with Rosterfy and Seek Volunteer

The team from Rosterfy and SEEK Volunteer joined Volunteering Australia for a webinar to debut Australia's first integration with SEEK Volunteer, designed to convert volunteer interest into volunteer hours.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia, SEEK Volunteer, Rosterfy
General
Information

General Resources

This information provides an overview and weblinks for various mental health services in Australia, including helplines, online resources, and support for specific needs.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Research and Reports

Invest for success: the real value of volunteering

Research exploring the value of volunteering, including how to measure impact and embed volunteering in funding approaches.
1 minute read
Scottish Volunteering Forum, Scottish Government
General
Better Impact
Tech

Better Impact

Better Impact offers a comprehensive software solution for volunteer program management, to simplify administrative tasks and enhance volunteer engagement across every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Social media Donations
GoodCompany
Tech

GoodCompany

GoodCompany is a Workplace Giving Platform based in Australia and NZ. It's designed to enable companies and their people to come together to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and match donations for the charities closest to their hearts.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
MyPass
Tech

MyPass

MyPass is volunteer onboarding and compliance management software centred around a digital Skills Passport, designed to help volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) reduce their risk and cost of operations.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
scheduled

International Day of People with Disability - and Volunteering

A session on the NSW Disability Inclusion Volunteering Guidelines, exploring how organisations can support and include volunteers with disability in their programs.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free
scheduled

Masterclass: Giving Hard Feedback (with empathy)

Join us for a session filled with insightful discussions and practical tips on giving and receiving feedback to diverse teams with empathy.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Check Listing for Details
scheduled

Managing Member Disputes and Board Conflict - Dec 2026

Learn how to prevent, manage and resolve disputes in not-for-profits. This practical webinar explores common conflicts, legal requirements, dispute resolution processes and governance tools, with expert guidance, resources, recording and slides included.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
Free