Volunteer Risk Management

Volunteer Risk Management: Protecting People, Strengthening Purpose

Volunteers are the heart of nonprofit and community-serving organizations. Their generosity fuels missions, expands reach, and deepens impact. But with this vital contribution comes a shared responsibility: to ensure that volunteer engagement is safe, ethical, and legally sound.

The Volunteer Risk Management section of our Risk Portal is designed to help organizations navigate the complexities of volunteer involvement, Management Volunteer from recruitment and screening to supervision, recognition, and termination. Whether you’re welcoming a first-time volunteer or re-engaging a seasoned “boomerang,” our resources provide practical guidance and legal clarity to support every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.

Follow these steps to keep your volunteer program safe and compliant:

Step 1: Step 1: Screen & Place Volunteers Safely

• Volunteer Recruitment and Screening: A Comprehensive GuideUse a consistent screening and placement process to help protect your organization, your volunteers, and the people you serve.
• Background Checks, Screening and Your Nonprofit
• IntelliCorp Discounted Background Checks

Step 2: Understand Volunteer Classification and Agreements

• Use clear agreements to define roles, responsibilities, and compensation status. Volunteer Agreements and Documentation
• Create a Volunteer Agreement
  • Log into Technical Resources – GAIG SHS Risk Resources Portal
  • Go to My Risk Management Policies
  • Click on my Policies
  • Click on Add a Policy
  • Seach by Key Word “Volunteer Agreement”
    • Select the sections that apply
    • Click Create My Policy
    • Sample Volunteer Agreement

Step 3: Complete the Volunteer Risk Management Assessment

• Log into Technical Resources – GAIG SHS Risk Resources Portal
  • Go to My Risk Assessment
  • Click Assessment
  • Scroll down, click begin next to Volunteer Risk Management
  • Complete the Assessment

Step 4: Train and Supervise for Safety + Consistency

• Best practices for onboarding, role-specific safety training, and ongoing supervision. Training and Supervision for Volunteer Safety and Success
• Complete Abuse Risk Management for Volunteers in GreatAcademy
  • If not currently enrolled complete the enrollment form: Great Academy Enrollment Form
• Ensure volunteer drivers are properly screened, trained, and insured. Driving and Transportation Risk: Volunteer Driver Safety Guide
• Risk on the Road: Managing Volunteer Driver Exposures | Nonprofit Risk Management Center

Step 5: Recognize Volunteers Without Creating Compliance Risk

• Learn how to recognize volunteers inclusively and legally. Recognition & Rewards for Volunteers

• Stay compliant with federal and state laws regarding volunteer compensation and protection. Understanding the Volunteer Protection Act and Comp Risks

Step 6: Manage Returning Volunteers and Address Discipline

• Managing Returning Volunteers (Boomerangs)
• Termination Trepidation: Disciplining & Terminating Volunteers | Nonprofit Risk Management Center

Additional Resources

• Three Risk Trends to Keep in Mind as you Enlist Volunteers | Nonprofit Risk Management Center
• Tempting But Confusing and Dangerous: Paying Volunteers Just a Little Something | Nonprofit Risk Management Center
• Employee or Volunteer: What’s the Difference? | Nonprofit Risk Management Center
• Keeping Volunteers Safe From Harm: Street Smarts for Unfamiliar Turf | Nonprofit Risk Management Center
• No Surprises in Volunteer Management | Nonprofit Risk Management Center