There are a number of important things that you need to consider before taking on a volunteering role.
On this page you will find information about:
What the position will involve
Training and support
Time involved
Rights and responsibilities
Gaining qualifications while volunteering
Police checks
What the position will involve
Each volunteering role will have different requirements including:
- the time involved
- pre-training
- the support available
- types of activities or projects
- any legal requirements that must be met
The tasks involved could be simple such as typing documents or serving meals, or more involved if, for example, you are assisting in an emergency situation.
Most organisations working with volunteers will make sure that you fully understand what you need to do and how you should do it. You can also play a role by letting them know if you think you need training or other resources to do the job well.
Training and support
Having the training and support you need to undertake the role and settle into your new location can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel and your enjoyment of volunteering. It may be as simple as having a buddy for the first few shifts who can teach you the role and show you around. Specifically you could ask:
- whether you need training
- whether required training will be provided and paid for by the organisation
- whether you will be supported while you are learning
- whether the training could lead to other opportunities
Training and skill requirements will vary between organisations and
roles. Some positions may need limited or even no training, whilst for others the requirements will be more significant. Many organisations will cover the costs for required training, however it is advisable to check first.
Time required
When considering a volunteer role it's important to be clear about how much time you will be able to contribute and for how long.
Long-term
Organisations with long-tem volunteer requirements and tasks are more likely to seek volunteers who are prepared to dedicate time over longer periods and are keen to keep volunteers who have extensive training and experience.
Some people contribute for a while and move on to another opportunity but many volunteers contribute lengthy periods of service to one or more organisations. Talk to your host organisation about your time commitment and what you are able to contribute.
Short term
There are many opportunities to contribute on a short term basis. These may include volunteering at festivals and exhibitions, sporting events or tree planting days. Organisations working with volunteers may also be happy to accept your offer to volunteer for a short period for projects that are long-term or ongoing.
Major SA events that call for volunteers on a regular basis include:
- Adelaide Clipsal 500
- Tour Down Under
- Adelaide Fringe Festival
- Credit Union Christmas Pageant
Rights and responsibilities
There are several things you should clarify in order to make sure you are protected while you are volunteering. These include:
- your rights and responsibilities
- if you're reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses
- whether you're protected if something goes wrong.
Some organisations working with volunteers have policies and procedures in place about these issues. You will need to find out how these apply to you.
If using your own car is required for your volunteer work, you may be required to have a certain level of insurance or a roadworthy check from the RAA. You should check these requirements before you start.
Gaining qualifications while volunteering
Some volunteer tasks require specific job skills and training while others will only need your willingness to adapt and learn.
No matter what your desired role is, volunteering can offer opportunities to gain formal qualifications that allow you to take up a range of volunteering prospects. Volunteering may even lead to paid employment.
If you are studying or intend to study through formal institutions such as TAFE, you might be able to gain credit for some subjects through your volunteering. This can be particularly beneficial when undertaking study online. For more information contact TAFE SA.
Police checks
Police checks will sometimes be conducted as part of the volunteer recruitment process. Sometimes having a police check is a legal requirement - eg. if volunteers are working with vulnerable members of the community, such as children, the elderly or people with a disability. A police check or
national police certificate provides an Australia-wide summary of a person’s criminal history.
More information
On this site How to search for volunteering opportunitiesOccupational health, safety and welfare Volunteer protection Equal opportunityPolice checks
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