Panel Discussion: Fostering a Culture of Volunteer Safety and Wellbeing

This Panel Discussion will build on the session earlier this month on Ensuring Volunteer Safety and Wellbeing. We will delve further into how important it is for volunteers to feel confident and supported and how this is intrinsically linked to retention.

Our expert panellists will share their knowledge and experience on the infrastructure needed to achieve an environment where volunteer safety and wellbeing is top of mind.

Hear first-hand how they ensure the safety of their volunteers, the importance of thorough induction and training, risk management strategies and incident reporting. We will also discuss the importance of volunteers' psychological wellbeing, and how to create a culture within your organisation where volunteers feel valued, heard and nurtured.

Outcomes

You will gain a deeper understanding of how to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your volunteers, and how this in turn helps in retaining long-term volunteers.

At the end of this session you will be better equipped to promote strategies within your organisation which will enhance the overall volunteer experience, knowing that your programs fulfill the requirements set out in the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement - in particular Standard 6 - Volunteer safety and wellbeing is protected.

Presented by Diana Piper

Diana Piper is the Volunteer Management Lead at the Centre for Volunteering. She has over 15 years’ experience managing volunteers and team leading. Coming from a publishing background, Diana moved into the not-for-profit sector and quickly became invested in the management and leadership of volunteers.

Throughout her career working with various organisations, she has engaged with senior management to refine volunteer strategies and promote the value of volunteering, and she continues to volunteer in the disability sector.

Diana is passionate about supporting leaders of volunteers to excel, enrich volunteer experience, and contribute to the purpose of their organisation, while also extending and enhancing their own professional development.

Panellists for this Session

Rachel Simpson - P&C Inclusion and Engagement Manager, Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Joanne McColl - People Lead, Volunteers, Cancer Council

Jennie Werakso - Manager Volunteer Services, Anglicare