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

Information

Mental Health General Resources

This information provides an overview and weblinks for various mental health services in Australia, including helplines, online resources, and support for specific needs.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Articles & Reports

Rethinking Recognition

This article explores how to recognise volunteers in a way that truly motivates them. It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.
1 minute read
Engage Journal
General
Resources

Volunteer Motivations and Barriers

This webinar and guide explores volunteer motivations (helping others, social connection) and barriers (time, distance) to help organisations attract and retain volunteers.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering ACT, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, The Knowledge Base
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
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

2026 National Volunteering Conference

Under the theme Innovation and Impact: Reimagining Volunteering, the conference will bring us together to address high-priority issues and explore bold, practical solutions that support the National Strategy for Volunteering.
Volunteering SA&NT
A$227.27
scheduled

Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness

This webinar explores cultural sensitivity and awareness, including unconscious bias and its impact. Learn how to recognise bias, improve communication and build inclusive practices when working with diverse communities.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Focus Group: Volunteering Local Health Districts Community of Practice

This focus group invites participants to share insights on volunteering within Local Health Districts and a Community of Practice model. Feedback will inform future collaboration, support and best practice to strengthen volunteer involvement.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free