1 Identify and assess risks

The first step is to identify and assess the possible risks and liabilities that your organization and your volunteers may face. This includes reviewing your mission, goals, activities, policies, procedures, contracts, insurance, and legal obligations. You can use tools such as risk matrices, checklists, or surveys to evaluate the likelihood and impact of different scenarios. You should also consult with your staff, volunteers, board, partners, and stakeholders to get their input and feedback.

2 Develop and implement policies

The second step is to develop and implement clear and consistent policies that address the risks and liabilities you identified. These policies should outline the roles, responsibilities, expectations, and boundaries for your staff and volunteers. They should also cover topics such as recruitment, screening, training, supervision, evaluation, recognition, communication, safety, confidentiality, conflict resolution, and grievance procedures. You should document and communicate these policies to your staff and volunteers and ensure they understand and agree to them.

3 Provide training and support

The third step is to provide adequate training and support for your staff and volunteers to help them perform their duties safely and effectively. You should design and deliver training programs that match the skills, knowledge, and abilities of your volunteers and the needs of your organization. You should also provide ongoing support, feedback, and coaching to your volunteers to help them improve their performance and address any issues or concerns. You should also recognize and appreciate your volunteers for their contributions and achievements.

4 Monitor and evaluate risks

The fourth step is to monitor and evaluate the risks and liabilities that your organization and your volunteers face on a regular basis. You should collect and analyze data and information on your volunteer activities, outcomes, incidents, complaints, and feedback. You should also conduct audits, inspections, or reviews to check the compliance and effectiveness of your policies and procedures. You should use the results of your monitoring and evaluation to identify any gaps, weaknesses, or opportunities for improvement and make necessary adjustments or changes.

5 Seek expert advice

The fifth step is to seek expert advice from professionals or specialists who can help you with specific aspects of volunteer risk and liability management. This may include lawyers, accountants, insurers, consultants, trainers, or mediators. You should consult with them whenever you have questions, doubts, or challenges that require their expertise or guidance. You should also keep up to date with the latest trends, best practices, and legal requirements that affect your organization and your volunteers.

6 Foster a positive culture

The sixth step is to foster a positive culture that values and respects your staff and volunteers and promotes a safe and healthy environment for everyone. You should communicate your vision, mission, and values to your staff and volunteers and involve them in your decision-making and planning processes. You should also encourage collaboration, teamwork, diversity, inclusion, and feedback among your staff and volunteers. You should also celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and acknowledge your challenges and opportunities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?