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

Steps for setting up a volunteer programme

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

This guide outlines key steps to consider when setting up a volunteer programme. It provides an overview of planning, recruitment, support and recognition practices required to build a successful and sustainable volunteer program.

The resource supports organisations to take a structured approach to volunteer involvement, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and providing positive experiences for volunteers.

Benefits for volunteer managers

  • faciliate structured planning for volunteer programs
  • align volunteer involvement with organisational goals
  • strengthen volunteer recruitment and retention
  • improve volunteer engagement and experience.

How to apply this resource

This guide is most useful when creating a new volunteer program, reviewing existing structures, or strengthening planning and volunteer involvement practices.

Downloads and sources

More about the author

National organisation supporting volunteering and volunteer-involving organisations across Ireland.

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

Templates

Volunteer role risk assessment

Template to support organisations to assess and manage risks associated with volunteer roles.
1 minute read
Volunteer Edinburgh
General
Guides

Motivating and thanking volunteers

Guide outlining how to motivate volunteers and recognise their contributions effectively.
1 minute read
Volunteer Ireland
General
Be Collective
Tech

Be Collective

A volunteer management & community engagement platform. Be Collective is all about empowering volunteering and the organisations supporting volunteering to build stronger, more sustainable networks for doing good.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
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
Emergency Support Volunteering website
Tech

Emergency Support Volunteering website

The Emergency Support Volunteering website allows volunteers in Western Australia to register to help in emergencies, organisations needing support can also register to contact volunteers for assistance.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
scheduled

Bridge to Volunteering - An introduction to volunteering

This workshop introduces volunteering, including its benefits, rights and responsibilities, and how to get involved. Learn how to find suitable roles and explore opportunities to participate in volunteering in your community.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Becoming an Inclusive Volunteer Involving Organisation

This free inclusion workshop explores how to build inclusive volunteering opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds. Learn to identify and reduce barriers, support young people, and create inclusive teams and workplaces.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Starting a Not-for-profit Organisation - July 2026

This webinar introduces the legal basics of starting a not‑for‑profit organisation. Learn about legal structures, incorporation, registration, charity status and key steps to establish and operate a compliant organisation.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
Free