About the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement (‘National Standards’) provide a framework to guide and support the volunteering sector in Australia. They are adaptable to different organisations and reflect the diversity of the sector. Each National Standard is underpinned by a guiding principle, a series of high-level standards, and practice evidence. The National Standards were developed in consultation with the volunteering sector to ensure relevance and suitability.

The National Standards aim to:

• incorporate the values and maximise the benefits of volunteer involvement.
• develop effective volunteer involvement strategies and practices.
• involve volunteers in meaningful and useful activities that contribute to the outcomes of the organisation’s work.
• ensure the rights of volunteers are protected and that they are supported to carry out their roles and responsibilities.

The National Standards incorporate the following principles:

• Volunteer involvement should be a considered and planned part of an organisation’s strategic development, aligning with the organisation’s strategic aims and incorporated into its evaluation framework.
• Effective volunteer involvement requires organisational leadership, and a culture and structure that supports and values the role of volunteers.
• Volunteers have rights, which include the right to work in a safe and supportive environment with appropriate infrastructure and effective management practices.
• Volunteers have responsibilities, which include acting responsibly, being accountable for their actions to the organisation, and respecting the organisation’s values and practices.

More Information

See the National Standards or the Volunteering Australia website for tools to help you implement them.