Determining the best model for managing spontaneous volunteers

This template supports Local Government and Volunteering Involving Organisations to identify the most appropriate model for managing spontaneous volunteers within a local government area. It assists organisations to consider different management approaches and determine roles, responsibilities and accountability.

The resource includes guidance on liability and insurance considerations associated with different management models and is designed to support informed, risk aware decision making in emergency contexts.

Benefits for volunteer managers

• supports structured decision making for managing spontaneous volunteers.
• helps clarify leadership, responsibility and coordination models.
• supports consideration of liability and insurance implications.
• strengthens preparedness and governance for emergency volunteering.

How to apply this resource

This template is most useful when planning emergency volunteering arrangements, establishing governance frameworks, or reviewing how spontaneous volunteers will be managed within a local government area.