Volunteer Termination
Can we really fire a volunteer?
Yes, you can.
You have an obligation to your learners to provide a safe, supportive and effective learning environment. You also have a responsibility to your stakeholders to ensure a positive reputation in the community.
How do we handle concerns about a volunteer’s performance?
Investigate any violations of agency policies, and make notes. Then talk clearly with your volunteer about:
- agency guidelines
- specific concerns or violations
- specific benchmarks for improvement
- termination process if volunteer doesn't improve
Fire volunteers who do not follow agency guidelines or who demonstrate continued poor performance.
How do we fire a volunteer?
During the termination process:
- speak clearly and confidently
- conduct meetings in private
- be as polite as possible
- document every step
Firing a volunteer is difficult. You might worry that a fired volunteer will say negative things about your agency.
Remember, though, that it can be just as harmful, if not more so, to have a volunteer with poor performance representing your organization.
A volunteer who does not follow agency guidelines could expose you to liability or negatively impact your reputation with clients, supporters or funders.
Resources:
“How to Fire a Volunteer and Live to Tell About It” by Steve McCurly
http://www.volunteermayo.ie/about/568864/32elytl04_332.htms