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

Writing a Role Description

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

Introduction

Role descriptions play a crucial part in the recruitment and management of volunteers. They provide a clear outline of what is expected from a volunteer, detailing tasks, the time commitment required, and the location of the volunteering activity. This clarity helps in managing expectations and ensuring that volunteers are well-suited for their roles.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

For volunteer organisations, these descriptions are invaluable. They align with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, ensuring that all practices meet high-quality benchmarks. This alignment not only enhances the management process but also boosts the effectiveness of volunteer involvement.

Advantages for Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteers benefit significantly from clear role descriptions. They receive detailed information on the role, including the outcomes and goals, necessary training, background checks, qualifications needed, and the benefits of the role. This comprehensive approach ensures that volunteers are fully informed and can engage in roles that match their skills and interests.

Summary

In summary, role descriptions are essential tools for both volunteer organisations and the volunteers themselves. They streamline the recruitment process, improve volunteer management, and ensure a rewarding experience for all parties involved.

Downloads and sources

More about the author

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Their vision is to promote strong, connected communities through volunteering, and their mission is to lead, strengthen, promote and celebrate volunteering in Australia.

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

Weblinks

International Volunteer Manager’s Day (IVMDay)

Celebrated annually on November 5, International Volunteer Managers' Day (IVMDay) is an annual event dedicated to recognising the important work of Volunteer Engagement Professionals.
1 minute read
International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay)
General
Resources

Becoming an Inclusive Volunteer Involving Organisation

This free e-learning course helps volunteer organisations create a more inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
1 minute read
Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, The Knowledge Base
Research and Reports

Paradoxes Within the Management of Volunteers

This research offers a different perspective on volunteer management in non-profit organisations, moving beyond traditional ideas of challenges and solutions.
1 minute read
Anders la Cour, Lesley Hustinx, Nina Eliasoph
General
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
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
VIKTOR
Tech

VIKTOR

VIKTOR is a volunteer recruitment system designed to run a referral service for volunteers. It allows you to create and advertise volunteer roles, enter volunteers and match them to roles offered by your members.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
scheduled

Focus Group: Volunteering in Health

This focus group invites participants to share experiences of volunteering in health. Insights will help inform future policy, support and best practice to strengthen volunteer involvement across health services and improve outcomes.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Focus Group: Volunteering in Health - Griffith

This focus group invites participants to share experiences of volunteering in health settings. Your insights will help inform future support, policy and best practice to strengthen health‑related volunteering across regional NSW.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Employment Pathway: Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment

This webinar explores how volunteering can support pathways into paid employment. Learn how to build employable skills through volunteering, articulate transferable experience, and create pathways that help volunteers transition into the workforce.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free