Working with Volunteers
Getting the best out of your volunteers –
A school guide
Opportunities to engage with employers are incredibly valuable to students. Some steps you can take in advance of employer encounter events in school to ensure both students and volunteers get maximum benefit from the interaction include:
Preparation in advance of your event
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Confirm your dates and timings
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Clarify the input you want from volunteers- will they be conducting mock interviews, sharing their personal experiences, promoting their company, or something else?
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Recruit your volunteers at least 4-6 weeks before your event
You may attract more volunteers by breaking sessions down into shorter sessions- communicating to employers that they are not needed throughout the entire day will reassure them that supporting you will not have a severe impact on their other commitments.
Awareness of legalities
Volunteers do not need to have an enhanced DBS as they should always be escorted by school staff. Always have all volunteers based in one room to ensure full visibility and manage any safeguarding queries quickly and unobtrusively.
Safeguarding advice for volunteers
Communication with volunteers
Ensure you acknowledge a volunteer’s support as soon as their offer is received, telling them you’ll be in touch a week before the event with the fine details.
One week before the event, share the following with each volunteer:
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Final timings
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Templates (if applicable), explaining hard copies will also be on the desk on the day
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Refreshment arrangements, including food if an all-day/out of school day event
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Logistics and expectations, including safeguarding advice
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Your contact details
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Parking arrangements (remember volunteers may be carrying banners or equipment and require loading access)
After the event has taken place:
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Be sure to thank volunteers
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Share the impact their support had on students, including any positive feedback
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Ask for employers’ feedback, both positive and constructive (this could be obtained through a form)
You may also request their support for future events or seek permission to remain in contact.
Guidance for school staff on the day
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Be prepared – have materials for the volunteers ready in folders for the day, and plan for refreshments and food
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Ensure wider school staff know volunteers are on site, especially reception teams who will be signing them in
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Ask your EC and EA for support
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Request support from your Headteacher or SLT- employers value their presence and the opportunity to network
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Ask for employer feedback on the day if you can- this usually yields a higher response rate
Remember to network and thank your volunteers!