How can you protect volunteers from harm while serving your organization?

1 Assess the risks

Before engaging volunteers in any activity or project, you should conduct a risk assessment to identify and evaluate the possible hazards and threats they may face. This includes considering the nature, location, duration, and frequency of the work, as well as the skills, abilities, and needs of the volunteers. A risk assessment can help you plan and implement appropriate measures to prevent or minimize the harm, such as providing training, equipment, supervision, insurance, and emergency procedures.

3 Support and appreciate

Volunteering can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding and stressful. You should support and appreciate your volunteers by providing them with adequate resources, recognition, and opportunities for growth and development. You should also monitor and evaluate their performance and well-being, and offer them constructive feedback and assistance. Furthermore, you should create a positive and inclusive culture that values and respects diversity, fosters teamwork and collaboration, and celebrates achievements and successes.

4 Protect the rights

Volunteers have rights and responsibilities that should be respected and protected by your organization. You should ensure that your volunteers are treated fairly and equally, and that they are not discriminated against or harassed on any grounds. You should also protect the privacy and confidentiality of your volunteers, and handle their personal information and data securely and responsibly. Moreover, you should comply with the relevant laws and regulations that apply to your organization and your volunteers, such as labor, health, safety, and tax laws.

5 Manage the challenges

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter some challenges or difficulties with your volunteers, such as conflicts, complaints, misconduct, or dissatisfaction. You should manage these challenges in a timely, respectful, and professional manner, and follow the appropriate procedures and protocols of your organization. You should also seek to resolve any disputes or problems through dialogue, mediation, or arbitration, and avoid escalation or litigation. Additionally, you should learn from these challenges and use them as opportunities for improvement and innovation.

6 Review and improve

Volunteer protection is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires constant review and improvement. You should regularly monitor and review your volunteer policies, practices, and outcomes, and seek feedback and input from your volunteers, staff, partners, and stakeholders. You should also identify and address any gaps, weaknesses, or risks that may affect your volunteer safety and satisfaction. Furthermore, you should keep up with the latest trends, developments, and best practices in volunteer management and protection, and adapt and update your strategies accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?