How to Have Difficult Conversations with Volunteers

We all rely on volunteers to keep our charities running smoothly. The generosity it takes for them to donate their time week in, week out is so valuable- but how do we balance our need to retain volunteers with our need to make sure our work environment is supportive, open, and effective?

These conversations could be more on the disciplinary side of things- how do you explain to someone who is giving you their time and effort for free that they don’t seem to be a good match with the role? You could also end up on the more supportive side of things- how do you talk to a volunteer who is suddenly crying partway through their shift working with vulnerable people.

Every volunteer is an individual and you won’t often meet the same situation twice. In our two-hour workshop, we’ll be tackling the most common conversations such as letting someone go, saying no, handling complaints, interpersonal relationships, staff and volunteer relationships and learning disabilities. We also really encourage you to bring examples from your own organisation of times when you’ve needed to have a tough chat with a volunteer, and we’ll work through these together.

Who is this training for?

• Anyone that wants to improve how they manage volunteers

What will you gain?

• A greater understanding of the complexities of communicating with volunteers
• 2 hours of support from our Volunteer Centre Manager, Kate, as well as your peers
• Workshop-style training with a focus on practical solutions, not sitting in front of a PowerPoint