Skip to content

Engaging potential volunteers

How you engage potential volunteers - from what you say, how you say it and the process they have to go through to become a volunteer - are all really important considerations which will help increase the chances of them agreeing to give their time.  

In all your recruitment planning and communications, it is important that you consider the following key messages.

What is the ask?

Be clear on the ask
Where you have a specific need, be really explicit on what you’re asking them to do, including the level of commitment, responsibility and time required for the roles or tasks.
Be specific about skills, experience or qualifications needed
Remember, a large number of tasks within a club require minimal, if any. 
Be open to offers 
You may be surprised what talents and experience people may bring and offer to do for you that don’t fit into a role but would be useful for your group - don’t be confined be preconceptions of what a volunteer in sport does.  
Provide a wide range of ways to volunteer
A choice of tasks can increase your chances of attracting a wide range of volunteers. Be creative about how people can give their time to support your organisation.  
Promote flexibility
Try and be as flexible as possible about how, where and when the task or role is fulfilled. If it can be done remotely, or at a time of day that suits the volunteer, you are more likely to find someone who is willing and able to help.
Consider the language you use
Some people prefer the term 'helping out', or 'lend a hand' to 'volunteering', which can have longer-term connotations. Others are more likely to respond to the request for ad-hoc requests for help. Think about who you’re speaking to and what is likely to resonate with them.

Make it clear the group relies on volunteers to function
You may be surprised to learn that according to Join In's Making Time report, 55% of the public did not know that sports clubs are run by volunteers! 

Be clear on the benefits and impact of volunteering

Talk about what they can get out of it
Whether it is a sense of satisfaction of supporting their child's club, or the opportunity to make friends or develop skills, there are lots of benefits to be gained from giving their time.

Make clear the impact of their time given
People are more likely to be motivated if they know they will make a difference - ie the junior team may have to fold if there is no additional support for the coach.

Have a clear recruitment process 

Be explicit and clear about the process
With potential volunteers so they know what to expect each step of the way, for example whether any DBS checks or safeguarding training are needed.
Provide details for someone to contact
Avoid application forms and 'interviews' where possible. You can find out more about them when you meet for an informal chat.
Are references are part of the process
Be clear about the purpose of the reference, who will contact the referee (your club or the volunteer themselves) and the questions you want the referee to answer.   

Let them know support is available
Make sure there is someone they can speak to if they have any questions, in the lead up to their volunteering, during and after.

Don’t delay
In today’s digital world people expect a quick response - slow or no responses will not create a good first impression of your club, so either make the time to recruit well or don’t do it until you can.