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

Volunteer vs intern

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

This article provides a high level overview of the differences between volunteers and interns. It outlines how each role differs in purpose, expectations and organisational responsibilities.

The resource highlights key considerations for organisations when engaging volunteers or interns, supporting appropriate role design, compliance and ethical practice.

Benefits for volunteer managers

  • understand the differences between volunteers and interns
  • ensure appropriate role design and expectations
  • support compliance with legal and ethical considerations.

How to apply this resource

This resource is most useful when designing roles, reviewing organisational practices, or ensuring appropriate separation between volunteer and internship programs.

Downloads and sources

View original resource
Volunteer Vs Intern from Volunteer Ireland
Visit source (opens in new tab)

More about the author

National organisation supporting volunteering and volunteer-involving organisations across Ireland.
info@volunteer.ie Contact Volunteer Ireland
Visit website (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

Volunteer Management Handbook

The Volunteer Management Handbook E-learning Series is a free resource designed to help new, existing and aspiring Volunteer Managers in their role.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
Guides

School leavers and volunteering

Guide to involving school leavers living with disability in meaningful and supportive volunteer roles.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
Youth or Student, Disability
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
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
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

Introduction to the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

This workshop guides participants through the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, Australia’s best practice roadmap for volunteering professionals.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
scheduled

Micro Lab: Using AI Ethically and Responsibly

Learn how to use AI responsibly in a not-for-profit setting. This session explores six key principles, including accountability, bias and transparency, with practical case studies and a checklist for safe AI use.
Volunteering Queensland
–
Free
scheduled

Use Communication to Build Relationships (CHCCOM002) for Volunteer Leaders

Explore communication techniques, responding to difficult conversations and communication barriers. Use Communication to Build Relationships (CHCCOM002) can be taken as a professional development workshop or a nationally recognised unit of competency.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Check Listing for Details