Induction & Training

Functions of volunteer training

• Training demonstrates that the organisation believes in a high standard of work
• Training lessens the likelihood of mistakes and other problems
• Some organisations use training courses as a part of their volunteer selection procedure
• Training allows new volunteers to learn about the organisation and their specific tasks
• Training also allows existing volunteers to perform their roles better and to take on new work as the organisation changes
• Training gives volunteers an opportunity to learn about the political, social and economic setting in which the organisation operates
• Training can heighten personal skills and awareness, so the volunteers can function more effectively as individuals and therefore do their voluntary work more successfully
• It can also improve interpersonal and group awareness, so volunteers can both work more effectively with colleagues and deal more sensitively with the organisation\'s client group
• Providing standardised training can ensure consistency in approach by different volunteers and continuity over time
• Training helps to minimise risk (for example, health and safety training)

Types of volunteer training

• Induction training
• Further training

• Why should I be working here? (what is the \'cause\' all about?)
• How will I be working here? (what are the volunteer management systems?)
• Where do I fit in with everyone else? (what is the social environment in which I\'ll work?)

• This is what you do …
• This is what you don\'t do …
• If this happens, you do this …

• on-the-job training
• practical demonstrations
• work shadowing
• buddying/mentoring systems
• visiting other organisations/inviting outside organisations in
• attending conferences, workshops, lectures, seminars etc
• role plays and simulations
• problem-solving exercises, group discussions, brainstorms, etc
• speakers and films at meetings
• once-off training sessions of varying lengths
• telephone conferencing
• linked or modular courses, consisting of several sessions over a period of time
• distance learning
• structured reading programmes.

• It is sometimes helpful to develop an overall training policy for the organisation which includes volunteer training; alternatively, tackle the issue of volunteer training in your volunteer policy (including topics such as identifying training needs, eligibility, etc)
• Increasing attention is now being paid to accreditation of volunteer training. If your volunteers are expected to complete a major training programme, this is well worth investigating.
• Always make sure any volunteer training is closely monitored and evaluated . There is no point devoting resources to something which is not proving worthwhile.

Reprinted with permission of Volunteering Ireland