See the writing role descriptions guidance for more information.

Before you start recruiting, think about:

• Possible volunteer motivations for your ideal volunteer.
• Different audiences that you want to approach with your recruitment strategy. 
• Resources you have and resources you need.
• Who else can help you.

Target

Decide on a SMART Target: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. 

• E.g. We will receive 10 applications, which will translate into 5 volunteers being appointed by 30^th June 2023.

Audiences

Breakdown the specific audiences you want to approach in your recruitment. It may just be one, or you may be approaching several different audiences. E.g.

• 16 and 17 year olds who are interested in theatre and want something to do in their summer holidays.
• Retirees and stay at home parents who want to use their parenting skills to help vulnerable children.
• Professionals in demanding roles who want an impactful opportunity that fits in with their busy lifestyle.

Key message

Think about the key message you want to share with each audience – try and sum it up in one sentence. This will help with your recruitment.

Tactics

Think how you want to reach these audiences – aside from posting an opportunity on our website. Where can you find them? What resources do you have access to? Some examples of tactics:

• Ask current volunteers who match that audiences to speak to their friends and neighbours.
• Email the teacher of a local sixth form college course on health & social care.
• Create a poster and ask local shops and businesses to put it up.
• Send a press release to local newspaper about your need for volunteers.
• Hold a taster volunteering day.

Next actions

Looking at the tactics, make a list of next actions to achieve. Be realistic about how much you can do and consider focusing on the areas that will make the biggest impact.

Template

Opportunity: 

Target:

Audience	Key message	Tactics

Worked examples

Opportunity: Family Support Volunteer

Target: Get 20 applications and have 10 volunteers get through 

Stay at home parents who want to use their parenting experience to support young families.	Bored now the kids are at school? We’re looking for volunteers with experience of parenting or childcare who want to help young families who are going through challenges.	Post opportunity on the Legends of the Forest website.Ask current volunteers to share info about the role in parent whatsapp groups they are in.Leave leaflets and flyers at the local library.	Stay at home parents who want to use their parenting experience to support young families.
Retired people who want to volunteer to help families.	…	…	Retired people who want to volunteer to help families.

Opportunity: Gardening Volunteers

Target: Get 30 sign ups and have 20 volunteers sign up

Audience	Key message	Tactics	Audience
People who are interested in the environment	Want to help keep Waltham Forest green?	Post opportunity on the Legends of the Forest website.Post on local environmental Facebook groups.Put up a poster in a local zero waste shop	People who are interested in the environment
…	…	…	…