Volunteer coordinator : Training

There are a range of training providers offering accredited courses tailored to meet the needs of volunteer coordinators at all levels. For example:

• Working for a Charity  offers short introductory training with a work placement, suitable for those with little or no experience of working in the voluntary sector, as well as distance learning opportunities.
• Community Service Volunteers (CSV)  offers a range of training, including advanced-level training for volunteer managers.
• The Institute of Leadership and Management  and Lantra: The Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector  are among a number of bodies offering accreditation for volunteer management.
• VolResource  provides information on available courses.
• Volunteering England  maintains an online portal for volunteer managers, signposting them to support, training and development opportunities and produces a thorough information sheet about available training.

Although the role is distinct due to the management of volunteers rather than employees, many volunteer coordinators utilise the same skills as those working in human resources, and therefore HR-related qualifications and training are beneficial. Business, finance and project management qualifications and training are also very relevant to this role.

Professional bodies and networks, such as the Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM)  and Volunteering England  address the needs of those managing volunteers and raise awareness of the professionalism of the role. Their websites also contain research publications, good practice banks and forums for people working with volunteers.

Increasingly, higher education institutions are offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications focusing on the voluntary sector and volunteer management.