Supplementary Guide to Probation

This guide provides practical guidance on probation within Volunteering Involving Organisations, outlining key principles, processes and responsibilities involved in managing probation periods. It includes supporting templates to help organisations implement probation in a clear and consistent way.

The resource is designed for volunteer managers and organisational leaders responsible for recruiting, supervising and supporting volunteers and staff. It is applicable to both volunteers and employees and is accompanied by a suite of supporting resources.

Benefits for volunteer managers

• supports structured and transparent probation processes.
• helps clarify expectations and responsibilities during probation.
• supports early identification of support, development or risk issues.
• provides practical templates to support consistent implementation.

How to apply this resource

This guide is most useful when establishing or reviewing probation arrangements, recruiting new volunteers or staff, or supporting supervisors to manage probation periods effectively.