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

Resources

Youth Volunteering

This article and resources provide an overview for organisations seeking to integrate young volunteers, including videos, downloadable guides, elearning, podcasts and webinars.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering ACT, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, The Knowledge Base
Resources

Governance

This information and weblinks explains governance in organisations, including key roles, resources for volunteers, and best practices.
1 minute read
Volunteering Queensland, The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
VIKTOR Lite
Tech

VIKTOR Lite

VIKTOR Lite enables volunteer involving organisations to recruit volunteers via a range of websites run by local governments, state peaks, local volunteer resource centres, Volunteering Australia and SEEK Volunteer.
Volunteer database Recruitment Onboarding / training Reporting
INVOLVE
Tech

INVOLVE

Volunteer management a headache? INVOLVE simplifies everything! Automate tasks, gain instant insights, schedule visually, track hours effortlessly, and collaborate seamlessly. Built in Australia, your data's safe. Focus on your purpose, not admin.
Volunteer database Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Event management
VIKTOR
Tech

VIKTOR

VIKTOR is a volunteer recruitment system designed to run a referral service for volunteers. It allows you to create and advertise volunteer roles, enter volunteers and match them to roles offered by your members.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
scheduled

Inclusive Roles

Discover practical ways to redesign volunteer roles by breaking tasks into flexible, accessible opportunities. Learn techniques to attract and engage a more diverse range of volunteers and bring role examples to workshop during the session.
VolunteeringWA
–
Free
scheduled

Insurance for Not-for-profits - Nov 2026

Learn how insurance supports effective risk management in not-for-profits. Explore key cover types, emerging sector risks and practical tips for reviewing insurance needs with expert guidance from AON. Includes recording, slides and resources.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
A$49.00
scheduled

The Role of Volunteer Management

Strengthen your volunteer management practice by exploring the key roles and responsibilities of volunteer leaders. Gain practical strategies to improve recruitment, engagement, inclusion, wellbeing and retention.
VolunteeringWA
–
Free