Skip to main content

What are you looking for?

Enter keywords to search across resources, guides, training, tools, and more.

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

Factsheets

Unpaid Work

An outline of what is unpaid work including information on unlawfulness, vocational placements, trials, work experience and volunteering.
1 minute read
Fair Work Australia
General
Information

Recruiting Volunteers

A guide on recruitment, including information on selection, screening, and types of recruitment.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
Position Paper

Definition of Volunteering

Volunteering Australia’s Definition of Volunteering has a set of explanatory notes, a detailed Issues Paper that provides background and context, and a set of FAQs around it.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia
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
Rosterfy
Tech

Rosterfy

Rosterfy is an end-to-end volunteer management software solution, that helps organisations streamline their volunteer management and engagement. Rosterfy offers automated solutions to manage volunteers efficiently.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
scheduled

Setting up a Social Enterprise - June 2026

An introductory webinar on setting up a social enterprise. Learn key legal issues, structural options, charity status and tax concessions to help your not‑for‑profit create sustainable income while maximising social impact.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00
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

How to Draft an MOU - May 2026

Learn how to draft an effective memorandum of understanding (MOU). This practical webinar explains when to use an MOU, whether it’s legally binding, and the key clauses to include when collaborating with other organisations.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00