Managing Volunteers

The_One_Who

Errata wrote: »

Perhaps your problem isn't managing your volunteers, but the process of change management. You need to be honest with yourself about your knowledge and experience of implementing change management. If it's only slight, then there are some excellent websites describing and explaining the process which should be of help.

That is quite probably it, or at least a major part of the problem. Do you have any links or know any of the websites? A quick Google is like jumping into the deep end!

ValHaller

The_One_Who wrote: »

The new recruits already have role profiles, but no contract as such.

If they are volunteers, then whatever you call it, it will never fulfil the legal criteria to be a contract

Errata

The_One_Who wrote: »

That is quite probably it, or at least a major part of the problem. Do you have any links or know any of the websites? A quick Google is like jumping into the deep end!

This is a very easy read with plenty of stuff and links http://www.businessballs.com/changemanagement.htm

dandelionclock30

The_One_Who wrote: »

It's not so much conduct wise, but work wise. As in, I need them to do their jobs better. As for what needs to change, I don't want to give too much detail, but a lot: I need more commitment in terms of hours/days worked, I need to know if/when they are going to be off, I need them to do their work in a professional manner, and I need them to stop !!!!!ing about things that are past and move on to the future.




Unfortunately, I don't think an external person is going to be an option. I have offered a forum for them to air their views, but they never take it! I have offered a personal one-to-one option, group options, even a note in a box! They'd rather continue to moan and gripe about things behind my back than come out and tell me what their problems are and what they want changed.

We have recently changed the recruitment process and have handbooks, training procedures, etc in place. The problem mainly lies with the older volunteers, the ones that have been there since the brickwork. They are entrenched in the old ways, and I have no idea how to get them to modernise. The sad thing is, most of them are brilliant at what they do, they just can't show it in terms of written reports, which is what is needed.

There is also a lot of bitterness and resentment towards paid staff. Recruitment is beyond my remit, and I have no control or influence over that, unfortunately. I just have to put up with them once their in! I'm hoping to change that, but it will take time - another thing the volunteers don't seem to appreciate.

Your attitude says it all with this.
It sounds like your not suitable for the role with comments like this.You will probably be on your way soon enough yourself.
. Contact your local voluntary action and they will offer you advice and guidance regarding how to work with volunteers.You could also get yourself a mentor, theres plenty of people with 3rd sector experience who work freelance.

The_One_Who

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

Your attitude says it all with this.
It sounds like your not suitable for the role with comments like this.You will probably be on your way soon enough yourself.
. Contact your local voluntary action and they will offer you advice and guidance regarding how to work with volunteers.You could also get yourself a mentor, theres plenty of people with 3rd sector experience who work freelance.

That comment was actually about the paid staff. I have no control over the recruitment of paid staff (unfortunately), but I am the one who has to find a place for them in the office, and the one who has to try to mediate the resentment with the volunteers, which is the main problem. And if I'm honest, I sort of side with the volunteers on this one.

The_One_Who

Errata wrote: »

This is a very easy read with plenty of stuff and links http://www.businessballs.com/changemanagement.htm

Brilliant, thanks!

I did a quick skim and it looks great. I definitely agree with, and am trying to follow, the principle of change involving people, rather than being imposed. I am flexible as to how the change takes place. I mean, as long as the standards increase I'm open to all ideas for everyone, as I know that everyone has their own ways. Unfortunately, I can't really be flexible on the need for change.