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

Research and Reports

The benefits of inclusive volunteering

Research exploring the benefits of inclusive volunteering for volunteers, organisations and service users.
1 minute read
Volunteer Scotland
General
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
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
GoodCompany
Tech

GoodCompany

GoodCompany is a Workplace Giving Platform based in Australia and NZ. It's designed to enable companies and their people to come together to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and match donations for the charities closest to their hearts.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
scheduled

Gladstone Satellite Event - Queensland Volunteering Conference

Volunteering Queensland and Gladstone Regional Council invite you to connect with the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference through an affordable local satellite event.
Volunteering Queensland
–
A$38.00
scheduled

3Rs: Recruitment, Retention & Recognition

Participants will use the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement to develop or improve an existing volunteer program so that they can successfully recruit, retain and recognise the important contribution volunteers make.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
scheduled

Volunteer Screening Deconstructed 

This interactive session examines best-practice volunteer screening, providing practical guidance on implementing robust safeguards that protect your organisation while avoiding unnecessary administrative burden.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free