Resources for anyone involved with volunteers in Kent

Placement

The matching of the right volunteer with the right opportunity is a skilled job.

It needs to take into account the passions, skills, experience and wishes of the volunteer, and also the requirements of the opportunity.

A Volunteer Co-ordinator will have experience in finding the right placement.  These people work in Volunteer Centres, large charitable organisations, and some public sector organisations (like hospitals and the County Council).  These people can make the necessary introductions, and will check that the volunteer gets all the information that is required.  They can also be available if the volunteer has any further questions or problems.  They will monitor equal opportunities and tackle issues where appropriate, mediating and negotiating if necessary.

Using a Volunteer Co-ordinator makes the role more official to both parties.  The organisation knows that the volunteer has support and is less likely to misuse them.  The volunteer feels more secure.  Should the volunteer be in receipt of benefits, an official trail can be followed and it can be proved that the volunteer is not in paid employment.

Volunteer Co-ordinators have up-to-date information on current opportunities and may know of new or related opportunities that may not have occurred to the volunteer.

Click here for a link to Matching Volunteers to Placements