Advice hub
your behalf and give talks to your local community. They can widen your donor streams and share your messages, campaigns, fundraisers and opportunities on social media.
Recruitment Start by knowing what kind of people and specific skillsets you’re looking for. Clearly, particular roles will require DBS checks. Creating a database of key individuals with whom you regularly work could be infinitely more useful and manageable than developing a larger, ad hoc one. Contact current and past
supporters already on your radar, and gradually develop your network (according to current data protection guidelines). People often feel privileged to be asked, and if they can’t help, they may know someone who can. You can also publicise opportunities across your school communication channels, send a press release to your local newspaper, and post vacancies via your local volunteer centre.
Additional options: n Research local employee-
supported volunteering schemes. n Discover UK volunteering
opportunities at
do-it.org. n Research initiatives that place
volunteers in schools. For example, Coram Beanstalk for volunteer reader helpers (beanstalkcharity.
org.uk) and Code Club (codeclub. org) for volunteers to run after-
school computer coding sessions. n Look at the LinkedIn volunteer marketplace at
nonprofit.linkedin.
com/volunteer-marketplace. n Check out Reach Volunteering – its endorsement can encourage further support:
reachvolunteering.org.uk/.
How to keep your volunteers on board To retain good volunteers, you need to support, motivate and empower
them. Make sure you cover any relevant practicalities, such as safeguarding, induction and training. Match skillsets to jobs: for instance, someone with design skills will be invaluable if you need help putting together newsletters and flyers, while a volunteer with experience in marketing can promote events and campaigns. To give a sense of direction and
challenge to a volunteer taking on a longer-term role, you could agree on SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time- based) goals together. Make sure that you provide ongoing support, regular supervision and guidance. You may even be able to suggest career development opportunities. Work out what tools and resources are needed for the volunteer to
‘With the right kind of nurturing and motivation, volunteers might lighten your workload and help deliver a wider range of goals more quickly’
maximise their impact and to also have a positive experience. If you’re employing a volunteer fundraiser, for example, you could organise a mentor, and give them a volunteer pack, a best practice guide and a subscription to FundEd! Make sure you thank volunteers
regularly and give them positive feedback to make them feel appreciated. Thank you messages from staff and pupils are particularly powerful. Also thank any employers or tutors that have supported the placement. Send cards or share stories across your network of the difference volunteers have made. Consider setting up a recognition and reward system for when volunteers reach certain milestones and goals. You could also develop a ‘volunteer of the month’ programme or an annual appreciation event. Finally, remember that your
school is in a strong position to uncover hidden talents and empower people to grow as they help you. Working more closely with your supporters demonstrates true community spirit and illustrates a commitment to lifelong learning.
FundEd SUMMER 2021 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
