Many aspects of managing volunteers are the same as managing paid staff, including induction processes, codes of conduct and screening.

Working with volunteers in government – tips and tools is a resource for public sector employees who are managing or thinking about implementing a volunteer program. Inside are tips, links to resources and case studies on managing volunteers for government and non-government volunteer managers alike.

There are many diverse relationships between public sector agencies and volunteers. Decisions about procedures and operations remain the responsibility of each agency.

Recruiting

Recruiting is an essential component in every successful volunteer program. Volunteering Queensland's Linkki database links volunteers and volunteer opportunities. Organisations can access volunteers on the "I need volunteers" link and volunteers can search for volunteering opportunities on the "I want to volunteer" link.

Involving volunteers from diverse backgrounds

Involving volunteers from diverse cultures

Involving volunteers with a disability

Involving young volunteers

Involving older volunteers

Involving families as volunteers

Looking for skilled volunteers?

Looking for volunteers with specific skills? Check out Skills Bank on Volunteering Queensland's website. You can search for volunteers with expertise and contact them directly via a system-generated email.

Skilled volunteers open up new possibilities for community organisations to expand their competencies, strengthen their core functions, and improve the quality of their services.

Find training

Volunteering Queensland offers a range of training options for volunteers and volunteer managers. Volunteering Australia also has several training resources on their website for not-for-profit organisations.

Volunteer Manager Network

If you want to meet other volunteer managers or share information, Volunteering Queensland coordinates regular Volunteer Managers Meetings and Webinars. The Queensland Government also coordinates a Voluntering Program Managers Network for public sector managers of volunteers or volunteering programs. For more information contact the Office for Volunteering on 13 13 04 or volunteering@communities.qld.gov.au

Resources for sporting and recreational clubs

A range of resources and information to help clubs with recruiting,retaining and recognising volunteers, training and developing volunteers and protecting volunteers.

Grants and financial support

Federal Government Volunteer Grants

The 2011 Federal Government Volunteer Grants funding round has now closed. A total of $16 million was available to eligible not-for-profit community organisations to asssist their volunteers and encourage volunteering.

Volunteer Grants 2011 provided funding between $1000 and $5000 to not-for-profit organisations to:

• Purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help volunteers
• Contribute to the reimbursement of fuel costs for their volunteers who use their own car to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need
• Contribute to the reimbursement of transport costs incurred by volunteers with disability who are unable to drive
• Contribute to the costs of training courses and/or undertake background screening checks for volunteers.

For more information visit the website.

BP Australia Vouchers for Volunteers

Vouchers for volunteers is a scheme created by BP Australia to assist, and show appreciation for volunteers from non-profit organisations. This scheme is particularly for volunteers who use a vehicle to undertake their volunteering activities in one of the following areas:

• Education
• Health and human service
• Arts and culture
• Development and community
• Environment and conservation.

The next round of applications is expected to open mid 2012.