At a time when fewer volunteers are coming forward to join our organisations, NCVS Volunteering Development Officer Dave Thomas shares ten practical ways that you can hang on to the volunteers that you have now and keep them enthusiastic.
Getting volunteers involved is one thing, but keeping them motivated and committed over time is the real challenge. As someone who’s led volunteers for years, I know that retention is about more than just keeping people busy. It’s about making sure they feel appreciated, involved, and part of something worthwhile. Here are some practical ways to keep volunteers engaged and ideas you can put into action in your own programme.
1. Show your appreciation
People volunteer because they want to help, but everyone likes to feel appreciated. Simple gestures like saying ‘thank you’, recognising important contributions, or celebrating anniversaries make a big difference. Holding occasional thank-you events or even sending a handwritten note can help volunteers feel valued.
Tip: Mention volunteers’ contributions in your newsletters or on social media. Public recognition reminds them that their hard work matters and encourages others to get involved. Take a look at this blog from 2022 Volunteer Recognition and Reward.
2. Give them meaningful tasks
No one wants to feel like they’re just making up the numbers. Make sure volunteers are given tasks that are meaningful and suit their skills. If people feel their time is being used well, they’re more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic.
Tip: During induction, ask volunteers what interests them and what they’re good at. Revisit these questions from time to time to ensure they’re still getting what they want from the role.
3. Offer learning opportunities
Volunteering is a great way for people to learn new skills. Offering training, whether it’s relevant to the volunteer role or something they can use in other parts of life, shows you care about their development. Volunteers who feel they’re gaining something from the experience will stick around longer.
Tip: Organise training sessions or provide access to resources that can help volunteers grow. Whether it’s leadership training, public speaking, or practical skills, helping volunteers develop personally keeps them engaged.
4. Build a community
One of the reasons people volunteer is to meet others and feel part of a community. Encouraging a sense of belonging makes volunteers more likely to stay. Arrange social events, team days, or informal get-togethers to help people build friendships within the group.
Tip: Set up a buddy system where new volunteers are paired with someone more experienced. It helps newcomers settle in quickly and creates connections that make people feel part of the team.
5. Communicate clearly
Volunteers need to know what’s expected of them and how their work fits into the bigger picture. Clear, regular communication is key. Regular updates, volunteer meetings, or a monthly email can help keep everyone on the same page.
Tip: Have clear role descriptions and offer regular opportunities for volunteers to give feedback. When volunteers feel heard and kept in the loop, they’re more likely to stay committed.
6. Be flexible
People volunteer in their spare time, and life gets busy. Offering flexibility in scheduling or duties helps ensure volunteers can fit their commitments around other responsibilities. When volunteers feel they have some control over their time, they’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and drop out.
Tip: Offer a variety of shifts or even roles that can be done remotely. Being adaptable in your approach can help you retain volunteers who might otherwise struggle to stay involved.
7. Encourage leadership roles
For those who are ready for more responsibility, offering leadership roles can provide a new level of engagement. Whether it’s leading a project or mentoring other volunteers, giving people the chance to step up can keep them motivated.
Tip: Identify volunteers who show initiative and offer them opportunities to lead. Giving volunteers ownership of a project or team can deepen their connection to your organisation. Take a look at my blog about The benefits of involving Lead Volunteers.
8. Ask for feedback
Regularly asking volunteers how they’re finding their experience shows that you care about their views. It can also help you identify and resolve any issues before they become reasons for people to leave.
Tip: Create a simple feedback form or organise check-ins with your volunteers. Take their suggestions seriously and make changes when needed. People are more likely to stay if they feel their input is valued. Take a look at Best practices in volunteer supervision and support.
9. Promote inclusivity
Volunteers come from all walks of life, and recognising and celebrating this diversity helps create a welcoming environment. Making sure your programme is inclusive means people feel respected, valued, and able to contribute fully.
Tip: Review your volunteer policies and practices to ensure they are accessible and inclusive. This can range from offering training on diversity to ensuring that your activities are accessible to people with different needs. Take a look at Volunteering: A path to embracing and delivering diversity.
10. Show the impact
Volunteers want to see that their efforts are making a difference. Regularly share how their work contributes to the overall goals of the organisation. Whether it’s through stories, statistics, or updates from the people you’re helping, showing the results of their efforts keeps people inspired and motivated.
Tip: Use visual aids like photos and videos to show the impact volunteers have made. Seeing the tangible results of their efforts makes the experience more rewarding and personal. You can register for my next 'Assessing the impact of your volunteer programme' training here.
Conclusion
Keeping volunteers engaged is about creating a positive, supportive environment where they feel appreciated and know their efforts are making a difference. By building strong relationships, offering meaningful roles, and listening to their feedback, you can create a volunteer programme where people feel motivated to stay long-term. Volunteering should be rewarding for everyone involved, and with the right approach, you can keep your volunteers committed and enthusiastic for years to come.
Finally, can you answer these two questions from the volunteer’s perspective:
- What’s in it for me?
- Where’s the fun?
Over to you
I'd love to hear how you keep spirits up in your volunteer team. Drop me an email at davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk or call me on 07564 040767.
