Spending time with your volunteer at the very beginning to thoroughly explain their role and who we are, will help the volunteer feel valued and included. A brief conversation about what it means to be a Behind the Shield volunteer will also help them to understand their part in the wider context of The Salvation Army. We have created a Behind the Shield bookmark, for you to give them as a small welcome present.

Have you:

1. Discussed The Salvation Army's mission and values?
2. Discussed what it means to be a Behind the Shield volunteer?
3. Given the volunteer a copy of the Volunteer Handbook?
4. Given the volunteer a name tag (if applicable)?
5. Introduced them to other volunteers and staff?

The site orientation is one of the most important parts of a volunteer’s first day. It is the stepping stone to the successful navigation of their new role and physical environment.

Have you:

• Shown the volunteer the facilities?
• Discussed general housekeeping procedures?
• Discussed other practical issues, such as parking?

Health and safety training is essential information required to keep volunteers, others and the workplace safe.

Have you:

1. Informed them of evacuation procedures?
2. Shown them where the first-aid kit is located and who is appointed as the first-aid officer?
3. Discussed specific hazards related to the role?
4. Talked over the safety precautions?
5. Informed them how to report a hazard or incident?

Does the volunteer have everything they need to commence and feel confident in their role? For example, if it is a computer-based role, the volunteer may need a login and password.

To create a harmonious environment, both the volunteer and the wider team must be aware of what the volunteer can and cannot do. Are there any unspoken rules in your ministry unit/corps? These are useful details for a volunteer to feel part of the team.

Volunteer Expense Reimbursement 

The corps officer/ministry unit leader may have the authority to decide whether expenses incurred by volunteers will be reimbursed.

The corps officer/ministry unit leader must approve any expenditure before the volunteer can incur the expenditure/be reimbursed.

Many volunteer positions will require role-specific training to be properly set up for success. Make sure the volunteer leaves the orientation with a set date and time for their training session.

Role-specific training provides the opportunity for:

• A volunteer to feel valued and confident in their role.
• A volunteer to be clear about their rights and responsibilities.
• A volunteer to be prepared in case of an emergency.
• You to be confident you have reduced the probability of any legal risks eventuating.

Volunteers appreciate support and peer-to-peer mentoring. Remember, existing volunteers make great mentors.

There are risks that could occur while a volunteer is in their role, but effective mitigation of these risks begins with a thorough orientation and training process.

A few examples of these risks are:

• Volunteer represents themselves externally as if they are an employee or have the authority to act on behalf of The Salvation Army.
• Client, volunteer or employee confidentiality is breached by a volunteer.
• Volunteer discriminates against a client, volunteer or employee.
• Volunteer’s intellectual property rights are infringed by The Salvation Army.

For this stage, have you: