Discipline and Volunteering

How do you reprimand a volunteer, or take issue with their behaviour, when they’re giving their time freely?

Discipline implies authority, control and regulation – the very opposite of volunteering. However, it is the preparation and training on which some voluntary organisations insist that make those organisations highly respected, trusted and much in demand.

The biggest difficulty facing a volunteer manager is the embarrassment factor; it’s difficult to criticise an individual’s work when they’re giving their time for nothing. This usually results in avoidance of the problem, which usually results in it getting worse and increasingly difficult to deal with. Putting it off can also lower the morale of other volunteers and paid staff who see that the problem is not being resolved.

Therefore it is important to deal with the problem as soon as possible, in most cases through informal discussions. Most grievances are the result of misunderstandings and bad communications. If the problem continues or becomes more serious, then the organisation’s disciplinary policy (that outlines pre planned and structured procedures to follow) should be used.