Volunteer Task Descriptions

A Volunteer Task Description lets the volunteer know what they are there for. It will also help you understand what you need from your volunteers and what you want them to do.

Why do you need one?

To build a good functional arrangement with your volunteers they need to secure and understand what you need them to do. No matter how simple the task, clarity is the key to success. No matter how informal your organisation - people need to know what they are signing up for.

What do you include

The basic framework for your Volunteer Task Description should include:

What

• what is the purpose of the role?

• what are some examples of specific day to day tasks?

• what skills and attributes are needed?

• what commitment is required for this role? is it flexible?

When

• when will the volunteering take place?

• when will the role be revisited or reviewed?

How

• how will the volunteer be supported?

• how will the volunteer be supervised?

• how will the volunteer be reimbursed for expenses?

• how their role fits in with your organisation

• how it will help you to achieve your organisation's aims

Who

• who is the point of contact for the volunteer?

• Reference your Volunteer Policy – along with any others which are relevant, for example your organisation’s Confidentiality Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy or Child Protection Policy.

Keep it simple

Do not be tempted to adapt a Job Description for a paid role into a Volunteer Task Description. This rarely works well. Task Descriptions should be clear simple and preferably use informal language - remember that they are for volunteers and you want to make them accessible, not intimidating. Avoid any implication that your Task Description is a more formal contract.