The
Federal Government’s plans to expand the work-for-the-dole scheme promise
plenty of debate about volunteer rights and responsibilities. It’s timely to
remember that investing in volunteers is not just about funding, but best
practice, writes Ansvar Acting CEO Deirdre Blythe.
There’s no doubt volunteering can be a
wonderful win-win – a hugely productive workforce for organizations, and for
the individual the opportunity to contribute, socialize, and gain valuable
skills. But in Australia today, organizations that engage volunteers can’t
afford to be casual.
Whatever the shape of the final
work-for-the-dole programed, I hope that we see an acknowledgement from all
players that investing in risk management is critical to the success of any
volunteer management program.
Risk management
not only reduces potential liabilities and reputational harm, it also
demonstrates the desire to create a safe environment and protect the wellbeing
of volunteers, staff and service recipients.
Most people see goodwill and a gift of ‘free’
labor as central to volunteering, but engaging a volunteer is not always
cost-free. Harmonized workplace health and safety laws introduced around the
country show no distinction between volunteers and paid staff.
Both are now categorized as ‘workers’ and
equal protection is required both within Australia and overseas, and anywhere
that can be deemed a ‘workplace’ within the definitions of the Act.
We recently settled the claim of a retired
electrician who fell from a ladder while sanding the wall of a building at a
community working bee. The case demonstrated a graphic example of the
importance of appropriate supervision of volunteers even in that otherwise
described social setting. The case also demonstrated the importance of matching
the skills of volunteers to the tasks to be performed.
It’s recommended that all tasks that pose
hazards should be carried out by trained staff or contracted professionals. Learn About Cyber Security
Even when volunteers are undertaking
‘non-hazardous’ tasks, we actively encourage the volunteer organizations we
work with to protect themselves, their volunteers and the public by ensuring
they provide:
- Procedures, protocols and adequate job descriptions to enable a safe working environment. This includes detail about how the volunteer organization handles emergencies, grievances/harassment, personal information and privacy, health and safety.
- Recruiting, interviewing and screening that are well managed, including reference and background checks.
- Adequate Orientation. Familiarizing volunteers with the running of the organization, introducing them to managers and supervisors, providing an overview of risk management policies and procedures designed to prevent accident and injury and an up to date, relevant job description.
- Training to give direction and skills to carry out assigned tasks. Training could be formal or informal, one-on-one or group sessions. Providing reference tools and guides is an important part of the training process. Volunteers should sign off on all training received.
- Appreciation and recognition to help volunteer retention. Exit interviews help gain insights into the volunteer experience. All of this valuable knowledge may also help improve business practices, and save time and money over the long term.
Australia already has a proud community of
over six million volunteers and growing. With the prospect of a new pool of
people coming on board, it’s timely for everyone involved to remind ourselves
that successful volunteer placements are the result of a little bit of luck and
a lot of good management.
An informed, thoughtful, systematic risk
management plan is fundamental to achieving the volunteer success stories we
all love to applaud and celebrate.
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