Promoting Volunteers

The implementation of simple and efficient channels of communication that allow the spread of information across a range of audiences is crucial to the success of any Volunteer Programme. Find out how you can make your communication strategy work.

Promoting Volunteers

Communications Strategy

Recognition of Volunteers

Resources

Communications Strategy

Effective communication will help to identify and address the fears, concerns and aspirations of both the public and police staff. The objectives of this strategy will ensure:

The public is aware of how the volunteer programme is contributing to the police and how they can get involved
Police Staff, officers and key stakeholders understand the principles of volunteering and how it benefits the public
All staff involved in volunteering are aware of their responsibility for effective communication and how this impacts on service delivery
All staff involved in volunteering have the right information at the right time to do their job
Specific Union concerns around volunteering are addressed in a timely and effective manner.

The principles of this strategy will:

Make communication everyone's responsibility
Encourage a two-way dialogue to inform, influence, engage and consult with customers
Ensure all information is communicated in a professional, accurate, and timely manner
Ensure information reaches target audiences including those traditionally "hard to reach" groups in order to achieve full commitment to diversity
Maintain a culture of communication across the organisation as a fundamental part of good leadership
Ensure any volunteer-based promotions promote a consistent corporate identity and image within the wider police brand identity.

Recognition of volunteers

Recognising the contribution that volunteers make to the force is an integral part of volunteer management and retention. Informal thanks should be ongoing and regular so that volunteers know they are valued. A simple thank you can keep a volunteer motivated and committed.

Formal recognition can take many forms but care should be taken when arranging events to ensure prizes or awards given cannot be construed as 'consideration'. Appropriate recognition methods may include:

Volunteer certificate of thanks
Special service award
Honours nominations
Volunteer award ceremonies
Articles and editorial coverage in internal publications
Away days
Commendations
External volunteer awards, eg Whitbread Young Achievers Award, Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

National Occupational Standards

The links below will take you to relevant documents produced by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. These are part of their draft National Occupational Standards which are currently being developed.

Champion volunteering within your organisation

Involve volunteers in your organisation's activities

Develop relationships with individuals and organisations that can support your volunteering strategy

Useful Documents

These documents are supplied as examples of good practice by participating forces and Volunteering England, we remain grateful to our colleagues in the Met and Thames Valley Police.

Reward and Recognition Strategy for Met Police Volunteers

Police Support Volunteers Communications Strategy

Sample Volunteers Communications Plan

How to write a news release

How to make an effective presentation

Using email for communications

Writing Plain English guidelines

Sample external PowerPoint presentation

Sample Safer Neighbourhoods newsletter

Sample promotional poster (A3)

Sample promotional poster (A4)

Sample promotional flyer (A5)