5 Models of Volunteering

Formal volunteering volunteering takes place in traditional structured settings. Volunteers have clear ongoing roles with clear lines of accountability and responsibility. Volunteers are usually part of the service delivery team, within a managed environment.

These types of programs tend to be organised around volunteer involvement in the delivery of specific services. They involve defined supervision structures and the organisation of work into structured roles involving long term, regular attendance. There is often a strong emphasis on policies and procedures and quality management of the services being delivered.

Formal volunteering programs tend to have a business management structure, with volunteer coordinators or managers of volunteers working, resourcing, supervising and checking outcomes.

Some examples of formal volunteering include:

• Volunteering for the library trolley in a large metropolitan hospital


• Delivering meals to elderly through services such as Meals-on-Wheels


• Providing activities and outing support in aged care facility


• Volunteer driver for service organisation


• Volunteer animal carer for organisations such as RSPCA


• Volunteering in tourism, museums, large charities and emerging services

Visit our resources section to view templates, tools and information sheets specifically about formal volunteering. Look for resources that have the Formal (F) icon highlighted in red.