The volunteer sector is a highly competitive marketplace. Forces need to identify roles and put in place systems which will attract and retain volunteers.

The recruitment, selection and placement processes should form part of the policy statement ensuring a consistent approach. Issues to be considered include:

• Defining recruitment and marketing messages
• Designing appropriate recruitment literature
• Developing a police support volunteer application form that meets the needs of the force
• Defining the criteria for accepting or rejecting police support volunteers, eg age restrictions, precluded occupations, previous convictions, nationality issues and refugee status, health matters, conflicts of interest, individuals claiming benefits, etc
• Volunteer vetting procedures eg security checks, references
• Developing an appropriate interview process to include questions relating to diversity
• Matching volunteers to suitable placements.

National Occupational Standards

The links below will take you to the National Occupation Standards for Volunteer Managers.

Manage the recruitment and placement of volunteers - Key Area C1
Advertise for volunteers - Key Area C2
Recruit and place volunteers - Key Area C3

Useful Documents