Training for Volunteer Managers
The Smarter Volunteer Manager programme
Volunteer Glasgow’s online Smarter Volunteer Manager (SVM) programme is available to all UK-based Volunteering Involving Organisations.
The Smarter Volunteer Manager Programme, over 6 sessions, will:
- Improve your volunteer recruitment and retention rates
- Enhance the experience that your volunteers have with your organisation
- Establish a firm foundation for your Volunteering Programme that meets the needs of your organisation, its goals and ethos
Anyone who manages volunteers or a volunteering programme – or aspires to do so – should consider the SVM Programme as an investment which will reward you, your volunteers and your organisation. Whatever the scale or stage of development of your organisation, SVM will cater to your needs.
Group size is limited so that each participant’s experience and learning needs are taken into account. Your experience will benefit others because learning is peer-led, interactive and engaging.
SVM Programme Objectives
- Explore aspects of volunteer motivation and why this is fundamental to the successful recruitment and management of volunteers.
- Learn to apply the Dynamic Model and initiate a role analysis; assess your understanding through practical application.
- Begin outlining shared expectations for the volunteer, the organisation, and the beneficiaries served.
- Examine a range of best practice examples of Volunteer Management.
The 18-hour programme, plus Workbook, online resources, and post-programme support, costs £250. If you have a volunteer management role as part of a third sector (not-for-profit) group or organisation, and the group’s annual income is less than £20k, you can apply for a free place.
What do past participants say?
I started the programme with next to no formal knowledge or understanding of the volunteer journey. I am leaving feeling confident in the process and my ability to support volunteers. I have developed practical skills and have gained resources that will positively impact volunteers in my organisation. I’d highly recommend this programme to anyone interested in the volunteer process! (Participant, November, 2025)
This course has made me feel confident in designing a clear and consistent plan for my volunteer programme, ensuring that all volunteers receive the same treatment from the start. (Participant, November, 2025)
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the SVM to other organisations. It has given me the tools to improve our existing volunteer programme. The focus on the full volunteer journey, from initial contact to completion, has given me the confidence to handle any situation, and the skills to grow in my role. (Participant, August 2025)
Overall the training was excellent and I liked being able to think through each Dynamic Model stage as part of the training. It supported my knowledge, whilst adding in other areas that I had not considered fully. It created a process for me to work through which was great, resulting in a new approach within my organisation. (Participant, May 2025)
Future SVM programme dates:
Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to six.
Please note: a two-week gap is provided before the last session to prepare for participants’ ‘Present Your Vision’ session.
2026/27 Dates:
- July – August 2026: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00pm (Session Dates: 15th, 22nd, 29th July & 5th, 12th, 26th August)
- September – November 2026: Tuesdays 10:00 am – 1:00pm (Session Dates: 22nd, 29th September & 6th, 13th, 20th October and 3rd November) 1 PLACE REMAINING.
- October – November 2026: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00pm (Session Dates: 14th, 21st, 28th October & 4th, 11th, 25th November) ALL PLACES FULL, WAITING LIST ONLY.
- February-March 2027: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. (Session dates: 10th, 17th and 24th Feb; 3rd, 10th and 24th March) ALL PLACES FULL, WAITING LIST ONLY.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions. Please click for the answer.
Six sessions is a big commitment – do I have to attend all of them?
Yes, the programme is a significant investment of your time. Each session addresses a different set of Volunteer Management issues, and builds on the discussions of previous sessions, so you will only get the full benefit if you attend all the sessions.
Are the sessions held online or in-person?
Currently, we’re delivering the SVM Programme online, as it maximises flexibility for participants. We use Microsoft Teams, and invitations to the online sessions will be sent to you by email.
I’m new in my post and I don’t have any volunteers yet – should I attend?
SVM will help you to establish your Volunteering Programme in ways to suit your organisation’s needs. Attending early will mean that you have structures in place in advance to help you recruit, support and manage volunteers.
I’ve been managing volunteers for years – should I attend?
SVM gives you the opportunity to review your Volunteering Programme and to improve it – in what is an extremely challenging environment for Volunteer Involving Organisations it pays to adapt. As Lindsey Buckingham says “If you’re any good, you know you can be better!”
Can I have a bespoke Programme for my team/organisation?
Certainly! Please get in touch with us, and we can have a chat about what you need. You can email us at findvolunteers@volunteerglasgow.org.
Book Now
Please Note: Even when places for the current SVM Programme have been filled, or the upcoming Programme schedule is not suitable for you, you can still use our booking form and request to be contacted if places free up or new programmes are announced.
You can book a place by completing the form below or if you have other questions or would like to talk to a trainer about a scheduled or bespoke Programme please contact the Organisation Support team on findvolunteers@volunteerglasgow.org
