Volunteers are the heart of many VCSE organisations, and managing them effectively is vital for success. This course equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to recruit, support, and retain volunteers while meeting your organisation’s legal and ethical responsibilities.

Through practical examples and discussion, participants explore every stage of the volunteer journey, from attraction and selection to supervision, motivation, and recognition. You’ll learn how to build clear processes that value volunteers’ time and ensure their contribution makes a real difference.

The course draws on recognised UK best practice, including guidance from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and principles of equality and inclusion set out in the Equality Act 2010. It also addresses data protection and safeguarding considerations relevant to volunteer management.

Designed for managers, coordinators, and team leaders, this one-day session provides a supportive environment to share experiences, solve challenges, and strengthen volunteer engagement strategies.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a structured approach to managing volunteers with confidence, creating a positive, productive, and legally sound volunteering culture within your organisation.

Key Learning

• Recruit and select volunteers effectively
• Understand key legislation affecting volunteer management
• Supervise, support, and motivate volunteers
• Manage volunteers with additional needs
• Maintain accurate records and administration
• Apply quality assurance and problem-solving techniques
• Foster an inclusive and respectful volunteering culture

Volunteers play a vital role in delivering services, strengthening communities, and extending the reach of charities and social enterprises. Managing them well ensures not only smooth operations but also meaningful, rewarding experiences for those giving their time.

This course provides a structured, practical approach to volunteer management, offering insights and tools that can be applied immediately within any VCSE setting. Participants will learn how to attract and recruit volunteers whose skills match organisational needs, using inclusive and transparent processes that comply with the Equality Act 2010.

The session covers the essentials of volunteer supervision and support, including how to set clear expectations, manage boundaries, and maintain motivation through effective recognition. Participants will also explore how to address challenges confidently, from handling concerns to supporting volunteers with additional needs, while maintaining fairness and professionalism.

Legal and governance considerations are introduced in plain language, including data protection requirements under the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR), safeguarding responsibilities, and best practice guidance from the NCVO. Learners will also examine administrative systems and documentation, such as role descriptions, agreements, and quality assurance checks.

By the end of the course, participants will understand how to balance structure with flexibility, creating a volunteer programme that is both compliant and compassionate. You’ll leave equipped to build strong relationships, retain volunteers, and create a culture where people feel valued and empowered to contribute.

This training is ideal for anyone managing, supervising, or coordinating volunteers within charities, social enterprises, or community groups.

Open course per person           £117
In-house for up to 6 people     £507
In-house for up to 12 people   £539