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

Tools or Toolkits

Volunteers in Aged Care Training and Resource Kit

This toolkit intends to help aged care volunteers access training and information. It is also for aged care Volunteer Managers and volunteer-involving organisations to help them meet their volunteer training needs.
1 minute read
Department of Health Disability and Aging
Older Volunteers, General
Factsheets

Volunteer Reward and Recognition

This document highlights the importance of valuing and appreciating volunteers. It offers practical strategies for volunteer organisations to enhance motivation and retention, such as saying thank you, including volunteers in decision-making, and offering training sessions.
1 minute read
Volunteering Queensland
General
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
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

SEEK Volunteer helps connect people to volunteering opportunities that enrich their communities, lives and careers.
Recruitment
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
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
scheduled

Focus Group: Far West Volunteering in Health

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