Managing Volunteers at Dogs Trust Adam Marsh – Volunteering Development Manager adam.marsh@dogstrust.org.uk 02038790540

Volunteer Journey

Volunteer recruitment Assessment of need What is the role? How many opportunities do you have? Do we need specific shifts covered? Flexibility? What are you looking for? Do we have capacity? Manage expectations Recruitment Role Descriptions Local opportunities for advertising? Flyers / Posters / Social media Word of Mouth Think about the wider community Church halls Social clubs Local supermarkets Manage expectations Volunteer motivations

Governance Volunteer handbook Support and guidance for volunteer supervisors Role Descriptions Essential Documents

Management of volunteers Signed volunteer agreement & diligent recruitment Clear communication Manage their expectations Reinforce the organisations “mission” The most effective volunteers are often those that know what is expected of them and where they fit in to the organisation. Offer time & support Reinforce boundaries / expectations (both ways)

What to expect from your volunteers A regular commitment A thorough understanding of the organisations mission and values To be on time and act appropriate to the situation and volunteering role Be respectful at all times and be mindful of the organisations reputation Excellent communication skills Flexible & adaptable

Training, Support and Development Expectations Managed Additional Support Needs Essential elements of the role H&S Skill specific training Where our volunteers fit in Ongoing Interesting opportunities Crossover with the other areas? Support & development Build relationships To identify concerns or problems Maintain boundaries Manage expectations Offer your time Ask questions Care and Nurture Identify Training needs

Volunteers & Dogs Trust Volunteers across all areas of the organisation but loosely grouped into the following areas: Rehoming Centre / Retail / Dog School / London Office Other areas of opportunities including Corporate groups, Admin support, events etc. 3500 Active volunteers but this is likely to be higher if we include events and one off supporters. In 2018 215,584 hours were logged across 23 different volunteering roles. A contribution of 8983 days or, the equivalent of 25 years! Within Rehoming centres we have volunteers who carry out vital support tasks such as; Canine Care assistant support, admin, maintenance etc. and we also have the HFH scheme which does… Volunteers are incredibly important to us, and without our volunteers (across all areas) we wouldn’t be able to help as many dogs as we do. Our rehoming centre volunteers provide valuable support by carrying out tasks at the centre that enable our canine carers to invest more time with the dogs who are finding kennel life difficult, or need additional training etc. Our RHC volunteers clean out kennels, socialise the dogs and take as many dogs as they can for walks! Retail volunteers work across our network of 33 charity shops and our tea rooms located at the Harefield rehoming centre fulfilling various roles; sorting, sales, stock checks pricing etc. Dog School volunteers help to organise the sessions and ensure they run smoothly, meet & greet roles etc. Other areas including corporate groups that will visit centres for their fun filled team away days, fulfilling vital roles on allocated days through out the year. 3500 volunteers based on registered volunteers within the system, but estimations for total volunteer workforce have been up nearer 5 ½ to 6k. The 131,778 equates to almost £1.2 million of monetary value to the organisation based on basic CC hourly wage.