Older People

Recruitment

It is vital that organisations consider older volunteer’s specific and individual interests, abilities and lifestyles during the recruitment process – otherwise organisations may struggle to attract and retain older applicants The older generation can bring time, knowledge and expertise to voluntary work, but they may find it difficult to find out about what is available locally. They may also not know the best way to enquire about volunteering roles. 

The retired may have a lot of commitments, such as looking after their grandchildren, travelling or developing their hobbies but some of this age group may be happy to offer a regular commitment to a voluntary organisation. Others may be only interested in one-off projects or short, infrequent tasks. Your organisation will benefit hugely if it can demonstrate a flexible approach to volunteering. 

Factors such as online registration, completing lengthy application forms, formal interviews that may be associated with an employment situation, or criminal record checks are barriers to volunteer recruitment. It is always a good idea to take the time to explain the rationale behind each of the recruitment stages. 
Ways to recruit: Be aware that recruitment of volunteers cannot be reliant on the internet. Instead, use local newspapers and the radio. Word of mouth and informal meetings are good methods of recruitment, preferably with the offer of refreshment - conversations go much better with a tea or coffee. Encourage your existing volunteers to act as ambassadors in recruiting from their peer group. 

Places to recruit: Put notices in local shops, banks, offices, post offices, libraries, local health clinics, places of worship, homes for the elderly, day-care and resource centres, parish newsletters and contact active age/retirement groups.

Working conditions needed 

Volunteers’ potential limitations may need to be accommodated, such as health difficulties or mobility issues. By creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere, you will make it easier for volunteers to share their limitations, and it will allow you to work around them where possible. It is important that you explain the precise requirements of role (e.g. if there is a lot of standing or travelling involved, finishing hours etc.). Ensure that places of volunteering are easy to access, safe and well-lit, particularly if volunteers are finishing at a late hour.

Example

Title: Involving Older People as Volunteers 

Background: A prospective volunteer did not use a mobile phone, had no interest in the use of internet or computers and had nothing to do with social media. He therefore could not access information from the charity via these methods.  

Volunteer Role: Community Car service Volunteer 

Volunteer Recruitment: The project co-ordinator worked with the volunteer and planned around his needs and requirements. Various means of communication and sharing information that worked perfectly with the volunteer were put in place.  

Support Provided to the Volunteer: The volunteer was given the option to pop into the office once a week to discuss his volunteering tasks whilst having tea and biscuits with the co-ordinator.  

His landline number was used as another means of relaying information to him should he not be able to make it to the office.  

Monthly newsletters were sent to the volunteer by post instead of having to read it on the Facebook page of the charity or via email. 

Impact:  The volunteer was enabled to take up the role he applied for due to the proactive and sensitive approach by the project co-ordinator.