Achieving success in our work requires continuous training. While on-the-job training is crucial for capability development, acquiring new skills and knowledge enables individuals to address proficiency gaps, excel in their roles, and be better prepared for the future.
The SSG Skills Framework for Social Services provides information on skills, competencies, potential career pathways, and progression for each job role. Discover more about the knowledge and capabilities of effective volunteer managers/executives.
Explore the following initiatives supporting Volunteer Management Practitioners (VMPs) in their capability development journey.
Learning and Development Roadmap
Professional & Capability Development is designed to fortify the capabilities of Volunteer Management Practitioners (VMPs) while providing guidance on the skills and competencies necessary for effective performance and optimising volunteer resources to meet the needs of service users. It not only outlines potential development pathways and learning opportunities for VMPs as they plan towards the longer-term goal of serving and growing with the sector but also serves as a valuable resource for management and human resource practitioners of SSAs.
This roadmap is a guide to developing practitioners and recruiting candidates for volunteer management roles. Check out the resources below that would help you build the skills and knowledge to play your role more effectively:
Volunteer Management Network
The Volunteer Management Network is a community for learning, sharing, and collaborating. This series of networking sessions is crafted for Volunteer Management Practitioners, offering insights from experts, a platform to exchange best practices, and fostering collaborations among the 3P Sectors. Our goal is to deepen your knowledge and equip you with the tools to navigate emerging trends in the social service sector.
Volunteer Management Network (VMN) |
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| Title and Date | Description and Network Report |
| Strategic Volunteer Deployment: Integrating Volunteers Effectively within Service Models 7 March 2024 |
Are organisations maximising the impact of volunteers by effectively integrating them within service models? Can volunteers help to increase quality of services and extend outreach to more service users? And maybe even allow the organisation
to move towards more upstream preventive work? Within service models, how can we strike a balance between what volunteers can do versus what staff can do to enhance service delivery to benefit service users better in the long run?
In this session, participants learned more about effective volunteer deployment models and how to harness potential of volunteers to increase their organisation’s manpower capacity. Download learning report I Watch the session recording |
| Effective Risk Management for Volunteer Managers: Identify, Assess, Control & Review 17 January 2024 |
Risk Management for Volunteer Managers involves the process of identification and assessment of potential threats and uncertainties that could impact organisation; developing strategies & processes to prevent, control or minimise these
risks or their adverse impact. In this session, participants heard from the speakers and learned more about the principles of Risk Management and how to develop strategies to identity, assess, control, and review these risks arising from volunteer activities for their organisation. Download learning report I Watch the session recording |
| How to Conceptualise and Formulate Your Volunteer Strategy 15 November 2023 |
Developing your organisation’s Volunteer Strategy involves an understanding of where your organisation is at now, where it wants to be and how to get there through the power of Volunteers. Learn how to develop a Volunteer Strategy
that will resource your organisation to secure whole-of-organisation’s outcomes to achieve greater impact. Download learning report I Watch the session recording |
| Enhancing Volunteer Experience for Stronger Retention 20 September 2023 |
Volunteers are critical resources for non-profit organisations. They help to sustain and scale up programmes, and increase outreach efforts to individuals and families in need. It is important that organisations design a meaningful and
impactful volunteer experience to engage and retain volunteers better. Download learning report I Watch the session recording |
| Developing Your Volunteers for Growth and Progression 2 March 2022 |
Keeping volunteers interested and invested in the organisation's work is a key to volunteer retention and this can be achieved through an effective and customised volunteer progression and development journey co-created with your volunteers. This session focused on volunteers' growth and development and the importance of defining and developing the role of volunteers. Download learning report I Watch the session recording |
| Engaging Volunteers with Strategic Marketing Lenses 19 January 2022 |
One of the common challenges faced by Volunteer Management Practitioners today is to attract and market for more volunteers that fit their needs. To engage and retain volunteers, there is a need for organisations to have good strategic
marketing lenses to communicate the requirements and seek out the right people for the volunteering roles. Download learning report I Watch the session recording |
| Enabling a Professional Approach in Volunteer Management 18 October 2021 |
Volunteer Management Practitioners need to tap on a diverse skillset to fulfil a myriad of important responsibilities. This session was designed to share professional development tools to help participants build skills and harness their
full potential in volunteer management. Download learning report |
| A digital mindset in Volunteer Management 30 August 2021 |
As the world embraces a new level of digital life brought about by COVID-19, there is an increasing need to digitalise volunteer management to cater to an increasingly tech-savvy generation of volunteers and service users. Download learning report |
| Empowering the sector to reimagine volunteerism for sustainable partnerships 14, 20 & 27 January 2021 |
Enabling our social service agencies (SSAs) through insights into more sustainable and future-ready partnerships with your volunteers, stakeholders and community for greater collective impact. This network was organised over a series of 3 webinars:
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| Empowering agencies to seize opportunities in uncertain times 24 September, 2 & 9 October 2020 |
This Volunteer Management Network was designed to support SSAs in leveraging their own learning and experience during the COVID-19 crisis. to strengthen resilience and volunteer continuity, better mobilise and motivate their volunteers
and stakeholders for more effective volunteer management. This network was organised over a series of 3 webinars:
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| Empowering VM Practitioners in building organisational readiness and responsiveness to crisis 17, 21 & 24 July 2020 |
Deepening knowledge of volunteer management practices for the 'next normal'. This network was organised over a series of 3 webinars:
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| Collaborative Partnership for Common Good Series — Volunteer Leadership Development 15 November 2019 |
Volunteer leaders bring special skills and dedication, but this talent pool is often underused or lacking in support. This network provided tips on how SSAs could identify, prepare and promote effective and courageous volunteer leaders. Download learning report |
| Volunteer retention through good processes and technology 4 September 2019 |
Retaining volunteers requires conscious efforts. This network highlighted the different elements of volunteer experience and how an agency could improve their processes through the Kaizen methodology and use of technology. |
| Collaborative Partnership for Common Good Series — Volunteer Partnerships 27 May 2019 |
Volunteers come from corporates, schools and private organisations. To effectively sustain the relationship, both partners and SSAs need to understand and appreciate the constraints and needs. This network equipped participants with negotiation tools and frameworks for a win-win volunteer partnership that is sustainable. Download learning report |
| To find out more about VMNS, please write to: volunteer_resource@ncss.gov.sg. | |
"In Conversation" series
Engage in thought-provoking discussions within small group settings through our 'In Conversation' series. Volunteer Management Practitioners can connect with sector leaders and peers to address hot-button issues in volunteer management. Gain insights to navigate daily challenges and participate in structured networking segments to share your 'gifts' (i.e. what can they offer) and voice your 'needs' (i.e. what help is required) for collaborative opportunities.
Conferences / Masterclass
The inaugural Singapore Volunteer Management Conference held in April 2023, aims to elevate volunteer management capabilities. Bringing together the entire volunteer management community, the event showcased trends and practices for effective volunteer management and engagement.
Elevating Volunteer Management Practices: a platform where local and global thought leaders converging to share insights and best practices in Volunteer Management. These Conferences and Masterclasses are not just events; they are platforms for networking and inspiration.
In March 2021, over 300 volunteer management practitioners gathered for the Volunteer Management Masterclass with Ms Tobi Johnson, an international expert, consultant, and master trainer in volunteer management. This virtual event provided valuable insights into key elements necessary to build a "future-proofed" volunteer strategy.
During the 3 half-day virtual workshops, Ms. Johnson shared practical tips with sector professionals, empowering them to achieve success despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. The sessions introduced innovative approaches to work processes and encouraged a shift in mindsets regarding the value volunteers bring to an organisation. Participants left equipped to chart a course for purposeful growth that is both realistic and achievable in the current environment.
In January 2019, international and local thought leaders converged for the "Global Leader Series for Non-Profits - The Future of Resource Mobilisation: Civic Entrepreneurship and Community-Driven Development" conference held at SIM Performing Arts Centre. With digitalisation at the forefront, the spotlight was on how resource mobilisation can enhance organisational efficiency. The conference highlighted the need for Social Purpose Entities (SPEs) to employ innovative approaches, leverage community involvement, and embrace technological advancements to address social problems.
Volunteer Management Training Programmes
Are you a Volunteer Management (VM) Practitioner looking to enhance your skills? The Social Service Institute offers comprehensive training programmes designed to equip you with fundamental knowledge and skills in volunteer management.
| Volunteer Management Practices: Connect, Engage and Develop |
Elevate your proficiency in volunteer management through practical application. This course blends online, experiential, and workplace learning, allowing you to implement concepts from the Volunteer Management 2.0 Toolkit[1]. Embrace a "learning by doing" approach, improving your competencies in managing and collaborating with volunteers. This journey is about achieving your organisation's mission and unlocking the full potential of your volunteers. Before attending the Volunteer Management Practices: Connect, Engage and Develop course, participants must complete the following 7 e-learning modules: Topics 01. Introduction to Volunteerism 02. Getting your Agency Volunteer Ready 03. Conducting Needs Assessment 04. Recruiting and Selecting Volunteers 05. Onboarding and Training Volunteers 06. Supporting and Recognising Volunteers 07. Reviewing Volunteer Management |
| Design and Develop an Effective Volunteer Work Programme | Crafting volunteer assignments that resonate with your organisation's goals requires strategic planning and vision. Dive into the intricacies of designing and developing meaningful volunteer work programmes. This module not only analyses the tasks at hand but also guides learners in creatively designing activities suitable for diverse skills and timeframes. Discover the Volunteer Leadership Framework and elevate your volunteer engagement strategies. |
| Plan and Strategise for an Effective Volunteer Engagement Programme | Volunteer engagement is an art that goes beyond recruitment. Delve into the core elements of a robust volunteer management framework. Learn how to engage and motivate volunteers effectively, transforming them into active citizens within
our community. This module covers critical management practices for working with skill-oriented and mission-focused volunteers, whether on a long-term or episodic basis. Connect with volunteers to achieve strategic goals for your organisation. |
| Strategic Volunteer Partnerships for Impact | A comprehensive leadership program designed for professionals engaged in volunteer partnerships within Social Purpose Entities (SPEs). With a successful track record spanning over five years, this course equips participants with essential
frameworks and skills for fostering impactful volunteer engagement. This module delves into crucial areas, including the establishment of successful volunteer programmes, optimisation of partnerships, and the enhancement of volunteer performance through strategic selection, onboarding, and engagement practices. By completing this module, participants gain the capability to apply strategic frameworks, assess programme development stages, and implement effective recruitment strategies. |
| Support the Implementation of Volunteer Programmes | A course that addresses the complexities of social issues, this 2-day course equips Volunteer Management Practitioners (VMPs) with crucial skills. Aligned with the NCSS roadmap, it enhances capabilities to implement volunteer programmes, adapt to changes in the volunteering landscape, and benefit both service users and volunteers. This module, part of the 'Support the Implementation of Volunteer Programmes' course, focuses on key aspects of managing organisational volunteer programmes. Participants learn to identify and implement effective programmes, navigate organisational regulations, and apply conflict management techniques for efficient conflict resolution. |
Volunteer Management Experiential Learning Programmes
The VM Developmental Camp is a 2D1N residential programme designed and curated for NCSS Volunteer Management Leaders with the aim to strengthen their VM capabilities towards contributing to a stronger social service ecosystem.
Held over two impactful days in February 2024, 30 Volunteer Management Leaders from various social service agencies (SSAs) delved deep into the realms of transformational leadership, equipped with the knowledge and insights to trailblaze volunteer management efforts. Their dedication paves the way for a future-ready, volunteer-enabled sector.
Embark on a transformative journey with the Volunteer Manager Residential Learning Programme, an initiative introduced in 2019. Designed to empower and enable our vibrant community of Volunteer Management (VM) Practitioners, this programme is more than just learning – it's about fostering change and overcoming day-to-day challenges.
This inaugural residential programme saw 25 participants from various Social Service Agencies (SSAs) came together to immerse themselves in design thinking and community development methodologies. The aim was to equip participants with the tools to navigate the complexities of volunteer management, embracing change with confidence.
Curious to know more about our exciting volunteer management initiatives? Register here to be a part of the community! Email us at volunteer_resource@ncss.gov.sg.
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