After nearly two decades engaging volunteers at national, provincial, and local levels, I have seen a lot change in the volunteer world. But one of the biggest shifts has been how seriously organisations now take risk.
These days, most groups understand that if something goes wrong, say a volunteer makes a mistake or acts carelessly, it can reflect directly on the organisation. That realization has made risk management a key part of how we run volunteer programs.
It is not just about avoiding problems though. Good risk management helps you deliver better services, protect your people, and strengthen your organisation’s reputation. And as nonprofits take on more complex issues, volunteer management itself has become more strategic and intentional. Risk is not something we think about after something happens, it is built right into how we plan, recruit, and support volunteers.
Of course, there is always a bit of a balancing act. On one hand, you want to get volunteers in place quickly so programs can keep running. On the other, you need to take time for proper screening, training, and documentation. It can be tempting to skip a few steps, but cutting corners can create way bigger problems later, legal ones, reputational ones, and everything in between. Setting clear, consistent standards from the start saves a lot of headaches down the road.
The Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement
One of the best tools for managing volunteers effectively is the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement, or CCVI. Developed by Volunteer Canada and the Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada, it sets out fourteen standards that provide a national benchmark for engaging volunteers safely and meaningfully.
Think of it as a roadmap. The CCVI helps you build programs that are organised, fair, and worthwhile for volunteers. Following the standards shows that your organisation values its volunteers and takes its responsibilities seriously.
The Fourteen CCVI Standards
Here is a quick overview of the standards and why they matter:
1. Mission Based Approach:
Volunteer roles should connect directly to your organisation’s mission. Leadership needs to support a clear strategy for volunteer involvement.
2. Human Resources:
Volunteers are part of the team. They should feel respected, empowered, and included. Make sure your roles, policies, and resources reflect this.
3. Policies and Procedures:
Clear policies make everything easier. Recruitment, screening, and even letting someone go should all be consistent and kept up to date.
4. Volunteer Administration:
Managing volunteers takes skill. Whether you are paid or a volunteer yourself, you need training, support, and the right tools.
5. Risk Management and Quality Assurance:
Know your risks and manage them proactively. Focus on the role rather than the person to keep assessments fair and transparent.
6. Volunteer Roles:
Roles should be meaningful for both the volunteer and the organisation. Review them regularly to keep them relevant and engaging.
7. Recruitment:
Be honest about what you need. Aim to reach a diverse group of volunteers who reflect your community.
8. Screening:
Screening should match the level of risk, not assumptions about the person. This shows you take everyone’s safety seriously.
9. Orientation and Training:
Give volunteers a strong start. Orientation clarifies expectations and ongoing training builds confidence while reducing risk.
10. Support and Supervision:
Complex or high risk roles require extra support. Good supervision keeps volunteers motivated and aligned with your mission.
11. Records Management:
Keep volunteer records secure, current, and confidential. They are also useful for tracking impact and progress.
12. Technology:
Use technology to make volunteering easier, whether for recruitment, training, or staying connected.
13. Recognition:
A genuine thank you goes a long way. Recognition should feel personal and meaningful, not like ticking a box.
14. Evaluation:
Check in regularly. Ask volunteers how things are going, measure results, and make improvements where needed.
Being risk aware is not about saying no. It is about saying yes responsibly. Strong systems protect people, programs, and the mission itself. They make volunteering safer, more effective, and more rewarding for everyone involved. The CCVI is a framework worth using. Treat it as a guide, adapt it to your organisation, and keep finding ways to make volunteer involvement both safe and meaningful. When you do, everyone benefits, the volunteers, the organisation, and the communities you serve.
The Middle Slice 