TOP 10 TIPS FOR RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS To meet the challenges of adult volunteer recruitment there is no single solution. But here are ten tips from the Grass Roots Adult Volunteer Recruitment Programme to help you succeed.
01
Make sure your county website showcases all the great things going
on around your county.
02
If your location allows, make your detachment visible by putting up
a banner that can be seen from the road.
03
Develop new activities by borrowing successful recruitment ideas from
across the ACF.
04 Promote the role of volunteers through events
OPEN WEEK Open Week 2017 takes place from 11-17 September. Visit armycadets.com/ openweekresources
level are best placed to understand the needs of their own patch. This is why the programme combines local knowledge with support from an engagement specialist company called Yes Agency, and best practice initiatives from around the country.
A tailored approach Lt Richard Etherington, PRO Nottinghamshire ACF, who took part in the pilot, says the flexible recruitment programme allowed him and his colleagues to “tailor our recruitment plan to our own county, instead of taking a national approach”. He adds: “Every county needs a bespoke action plan.”
Remember, word of mouth is a valuable recruitment tool
Yes Agency has conducted research into adult volunteer recruitment, and found some excellent initiatives being delivered across the ACF. However, what was sometimes missing was a consistent approach towards planning and delivery, which is why the new programme offers guidance to county recruitment teams, coordinated by a new recruitment officer role. The programme will give recruitment officers practical guidance in creating and delivering an annual recruitment plan. Col Rob Hughes, Commandant of Gwent & Powys ACF, who also took part in the pilot, has already seen strong results. “The process put a lot more structure around our approach and it has helped us focus us on whether our approaches are viable, rational, and backed by the experience of others,” he says. Following positive initial feedback, the programme will be rolled out to over 10 more counties.
Promote the role of volunteers through events. Detachment
open days can let the local community see what volunteers do. Plan cadet alumni activities to remind former cadets what the ACF was like and encourage them to give something back.
05
Many volunteers are recruited simply because somebody asked them.
Think about how you can engage the families and friends of current cadets and CFAVs.
06
Use your social and community networks to contact employers
and community groups.
07
Put up posters on community noticeboards near your detachment
and promote local events and volunteer opportunities on community websites.
08
Think about how you use your civilian assistants. Could
they give more support to officers and adult instructors?
09 10
Monitor what’s working to attract volunteers and learn from them. The ACF Cadets Brand Centre has information, downloads and
guidance on marketing issues including how to recruit adult volunteers. Visit armycadets.com/brand-centre
FIND OUT MORE For more info on the Grass Roots Adult Volunteer Recruitment programme, go to yesagency.co.uk/portfolio/army-cadets
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