Whistle-stop Tour to Retaining Your VolunteersPresented by Vashti Holland

Agenda

• The changing face of volunteering

• Why volunteers leave

• Motivations

• Volunteers as Customers

• What do we do well

• What could be improved

• More than 2 million people unemployed

• Dramatic increase in the numbers of people enquiring about volunteering

The changing face of volunteering

• Volunteer numbers soar as recession bites

• More than 2 million people unemployed

• Dramatic increase in the numbers of people enquiring about volunteering

Context for retention

In other words…

• The world is changing faster and faster

• Growing disconnect between people’s expectations and what we offer

• People want shorter term, flexible ways to engage

Why do volunteers leave?

Why do volunteers leave?Top 5 reasons

• Volunteering is badly organised

• Unable to cope with the tasks given

• They feel “put on” by the organisation

• Not given sufficient recognition / appreciation

• Not having out of pocket expenses reimbursed

Theories of motivation

• Frederick Herzberg

• Dr David McClelland

Frederick Herzberg’s TheoryTrue Motivators are:

• Achievement – Goal setting

• Recognition - How?

• The work itself - Role

• Responsibility – How much?

• Advancement – Personal Development

Dr David McClelland’s Theory of Needs

• Affiliation –Need to be liked

• Achievement – Goal Setters

• Power - Leaders

What motivates YOU? Complete the questionnaire

What does this mean?Any surprises?

New thinking

Volunteer as customers

Their currency is their time

How do you want to be treated as a customer?

• Buying a car

• Going to a restaurant

• Buying a holiday

• Buying a birthday present

What are the biggest challenges you face in retaining your volunteers?

What are your:

S trengths W eaknessesO pportunitiesT hreats

Whistle-stop Tour to Retaining your Volunteers

Vashti.holland@cvat.org.uk

0161 339 2345