Volunteer Managers Archives - VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW

2026 Volunteer Managers Conference

Kate Bowman — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:25:56 +0000

With a record number of attendees, a good time was had by all at the 2026 NSW Volunteer Managers Conference. This year for the first time we had volunteer managers joining us from out of state, with two coming up from Tassie and one coming down from Darwin. It was also the first time we tried running the conference concurrently with the State Palliative Care Conference giving us the benefit of a nicer venue.

Conference opened for both us and state attendees with a powerful story of culture and connection from mob up in South West Rocks. Volunteer Managers came back to their conference room to find it full of pettable pooches brought in by Nepean Therapy Dogs.

Professor Megan Best then shared with us some insights from her ongoing research into volunteer-led volunteer biography programs. Emerging findings demonstrate the incredible meaning and value clients get from such programs and highlight the need to better resource the volunteer managers spearheading them.

We learned about practical ways to connect with multicultural communities from Dipti Zachariah and how to build a volunteer workforce that reflects the diversity of the community served. Dr Patricia Mackey from Charles Sturt University and Kate Bowman then shared early findings from their ongoing research into the impact of palliative care volunteers.

Next up was an interactive workshop delivered by Melanie Liddell from Volunteering WA. She showed us simple ways of identifying intended outcomes, developing meaningful indicators, and practical approaches to collecting evidence designed to demonstrate the impact of volunteers.

Day one of conference concluded at the Sydney Cidery bar where Volunteer Managers got to enjoy each other’s company without having to learn anything at the same time. Dinner and drinks in good company was a great way to end a very full day.

Day two kicked off with Tracey O’Neill’s The Expert Nobody Consulted workshop. She helped us learn ways to advocate for our programs and be rewarded with resources. Following that we had three managers from our network present on their own research projects. Janet Pearce from FWLHD shared how volunteers have been making a difference in Broken Hill, Maree (Monty) Montgomery from Murrumbidgee LHD talked about patient experiences gathered using the new ConsideRATE tool, and Kylie Clark talked about the powerful changes brought about by music therapy in Nepean Hospital.

The training resources swap meet led by Sarah Potter was a conference favourite with a variety of videos and tools being shared by the group. Everyone seemed keen to add these novelties to their own training repertoires.

To close conference we came back together with the state conference attendees for a powerful plenary. Nadine Champion is an inspiring speaker, author and awarded martial artist who knows what it means to use “10 Seconds of Courage” to overcome obstacles and reach her potential. An energetic, dynamic and uplifting presentation, it was the perfect way to conclude our conference and leave equipped with some new tools.

A big thank you to all the volunteer managers who joined us for conference this year. Your engagement helps drive the network and build a fantastic community of practice. Another big thanks goes to Friends of Palliative Care who generously sponsored the registration and accommodation for three regional manager’s. Palliative Care NSW covered the accommodations for four volunteer managers with our regional managers subsidy.

The 2026 NSW Volunteer Managers Conference was supported by the NSW Government.

See some of the fun we had by checking out this short video. Click here.

The post 2026 Volunteer Managers Conference appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

Top Time Management Tips

Kate Bowman — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:15:00 +0000

Managing volunteers often means juggling a wide range of responsibilities. From responding to emails and coordinating schedules to planning events and maintaining relationships, volunteer leaders frequently feel pulled in many directions at once.

Volunteer Nation is a podcast hosted by Tobi Johnson. Tobi is a volunteer management expert who also runs the VolunteerPro website. In this episode, Tobi shares practical strategies to help volunteer managers regain focus and reduce the sense of constant overwhelm.

“Time management tips aren’t about squeezing more things into your calendar,” says Tobi. Drawing from her own non-profit experience, she explains why the common pressure to “do more with less” can make work harder rather than more productive.

Tobi walks through several simple but powerful approaches to managing your time more intentionally, including setting clear priorities, protecting time for focused work, reducing the impact of constant interruptions, and task switching. You’ll also hear why delegating outcomes instead of tasks, building stronger systems, and protecting your personal energy are essential for sustainable leadership.

If you often feel like your to-do list never ends, this episode offers practical ideas to help you work more strategically, focus on what matters most, and create a more manageable rhythm in your volunteer leadership work.

Volunteer Nation is available on Apple Podcasts and on Spotify or listen to Episode #205: My Top Time Management Tips for Overwhelmed Volunteer Managers by clicking here (40 min).

The post Top Time Management Tips appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

Positions vacant

Kate Bowman — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:22:46 +0000

HammondCare in northern Sydney has two positions currently open for leaders of volunteers. Based at their St Leonards headquarters, both offer hybrid work from home opportunities, NFP salary packaging, and other benefits.

Volunteer Manager – Full time REQ2771

The Volunteer Manager plays a key leadership role in managing and developing a team of Volunteer Coordinators (VC) who oversee volunteer services across designated business areas. This role ensures alignment with organisational goals, provides strategic leadership to the VCs, enhancing the effectiveness of volunteer programs, and contributes to workforce planning through innovative solutions.

Final date to apply: June 28, 2026

Volunteer Coordinator – Part time 2 days per week REQ2211

The role of Volunteer Coordinator plays a critical leadership role in developing, managing, and enhancing their Northern Sydney Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme volunteering programme.

For more information please click here to go to the HammondCare Careers page.

The post Positions vacant appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

Volunteer Coordinators stand up and be counted

Kate Bowman — Mon, 11 May 2026 05:24:31 +0000

The 2026 Census in August presents an important opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteer management. For the first time, Volunteer Coordinator will be included as one of the listed occupations on the form.

If you lead, coordinate, or manage volunteers we encourage you to select this category when filling in your Census form come August. You will find this occupation listed under the section called Other Community and Welfare Support Workers.

Help make volunteering count. Learn more about the Census on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.

The post Volunteer Coordinators stand up and be counted appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

Privacy and the use AI tools in biography

Kate Bowman — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Volunteers have an obligation to protect the privacy of their clients when creating biographies, but the lure of using AI tools to assist in this process is compelling. For volunteer managers responsible for creating procedures and training volunteers, it is useful to understand the privacy policies of popular AI tools alongside secure, offline alternatives.

Core activities of biography creation, such as transcribing, proofing, and editing, are laborious, and it is natural to seek technologies that help. However, managers have raised concerns regarding the importance of keeping client information secure in local files and preventing it from passing through the cloud.

InfoXchange has published a handy guide to help you understand how AI systems capture and utilise data. In plain English, it explains some of the terminology used and looks into the different privacy policies from the eight most popular AI platforms including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot.

The good news is there are safe, offline alternatives available for voice-to-text transcription. Buzz Captions is an offline audio transcription and translation tool which processes audio locally to ensure 100% data privacy. It works without an internet connection and can create secure transcription of recordings or turn live audio into text. Buzz Captions allows 2000 minutes (over 30 hours) per month on their free plan and is suitable for Windows, Linux, and Apple Mac operating systems.

Vibe Write is another transcription and speech-to-text application. It is suitable for both Windows and Macs and works offline for complete privacy and security. This one is not free but you can buy unlimited access for a very reasonable once-off fee.

Both Buzz Captions and Vibe Write are powered by OpenAI’s Whisper. Whisper is a cutting-edge Automatic Speech Recognition system known for high accuracy and robustness. It excels at handling accents and background noise and can translate into 98 different languages. Make sure your PC has the capacity to run this software before installation as AI models need processing power. Most newer computers should be up to the task.

Most mobile phones now have voice-to-text capabilities built-in making the recording and transcription of biographies easier than ever however care should be taken to ensure privacy and confidentiality are maintained. Apple Dictation is available on iPhones and Macs and can be used in the Notes app even without an internet connection. Android phones have Google Docs Voice Typing which can also be used offline. In Windows, users can press Win + H in an open document and and click the microphone button to begin voice typing. Most headphones and earbuds feature built-in microphones of sufficient quality to capture clear voice recordings.

There are ways to store recordings and voice-to-text transcription files securely on mobile phones and maintain this security when transferring to a personal computer. Files should only ever be saved in folders that are stored locally on phones and must never be synced or uploaded to cloud accounts such as Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, or Google Drive.

Maintain security when transferring files from phones to personal computers in your home by tethering the device to the PC with a cable, or by using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Ensure files are saved to folders on the computer that do not automatically sync with cloud accounts. Storing folders and files in external hard drives or USB flash drives might be an easy solution.

Sync settings for devices including phones, tablets, and personal computers can be changed quickly and easily to keep selected folders stored locally and securely. Try these easy to follow user guides for how to turn these features on or off:

Enable Apple Dictation on iPhone and Mac. Change iCloud sync settings on Apple devices to store files locally. How to sync between Apple devices without using iCloud.

Type and edit with your voice in Google Docs. How to work offline on Google apps, phones, and devices.

Set up microphone and use voice recognition in Windows. How to choose which folders sync to OneDrive from PCs or Macs and using OneDrive on Android and iOS devices such as phones and tablets.

This information is provided as an overview and is relevant at the time of writing. Readers should do their due diligence by checking for the most up-to-date information. None of this information is to be regarded as legal advice or recommendations for one service over another, and each individual or organisation should consider their own needs and risk when deciding whether to use any of the information listed here.

The post Privacy and the use AI tools in biography appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

Volunteer Management Software Survey

Kate Bowman — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 22:20:00 +0000

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice Volunteering team is conducting a short survey on what volunteer management software programs or applications are used by volunteer involving organisations in NSW and your reasons for using or not using them.

The NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020-2030 contains a commitment to increase participation, build sector capacity, boost knowledge of the sector, and enhance volunteer recognition. In 2023, the NSW Volunteering Taskforce made recommendations relating to the need to build sector capacity and the use of volunteer management software.

In the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, the percentage of paid volunteer managers that use volunteer management software is 28.6%, versus 14.5% of unpaid volunteer managers. The findings of this short survey will help to inform next steps.

Please click here to complete the short survey. The form will be open until 5pm on Friday 30 January 2026. If you have any questions please email volunteering@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

The post Volunteer Management Software Survey appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

Be a BEACON in South Eastern Sydney

Kate Bowman — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:28:05 +0000

A very exciting opportunity to join the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s BEACON Project Team has arisen, which will support the development of their Palliative Care Volunteer Strategy.

The BEACON Project (Building End of life Awareness, Compassion & Outreach Networks) is a Public Health Palliative Care initiative aiming to build a community whereby every person, every family, and every community member knows what to do when someone is caring, dying or grieving.

This innovative role will focus on scoping local community needs and reviewing contemporary volunteer models to assess the feasibility of a dedicated SESLHD Palliative Care Volunteering Service, and to help shape an appropriate, future-focused service model.

This full-time Health Manager Level 2 position will be based at Sutherland Hospital. Applications close August 10.

For more information, the full position description, or to apply please click here.

The post Be a BEACON in South Eastern Sydney appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

OSCA classifies Volunteer Coordinator role

Kate Bowman — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 02:16:56 +0000

‘Volunteer Coordinator’ has been officially recognised as an occupation in the inaugural edition of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). This milestone follows a comprehensive review of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) with the OSCA replacing ANZSCO for use in Australia.

This recognition means Volunteer Coordinators will now be included in vital data used by governments, industries, and businesses to shape education pathways, workforce strategies, and policy frameworks. This recognition could lead to better support for people in these roles, which in turn helps volunteers and communities thrive.

This achievement is a testament to the ongoing advocacy efforts of people like Colleen Williams at the NSW Centre for Volunteering and the other volunteering peak bodies. For the first time, Volunteer Coordinators, Managers, and Leaders, are formally acknowledged as a distinct and essential occupation and can be found at ‘411933 Volunteer Coordinator‘, under classification ’41 Community and Welfare Support Workers’.

Leading and managing volunteers is more than just administration; it requires time, talent, and skill. Recognising the importance of volunteer management is a strategic objective in the National Strategy for Volunteering and being included in OSCA will give better visibility to this critical role.

The post OSCA classifies Volunteer Coordinator role appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

Psychosocial safety in the workplace

Kate Bowman — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 23:44:59 +0000

In the community and health sectors, the physical safety of employees and clients has always been a key priority. But recently, the spotlight has shifted towards understanding and ensuring something just as important – psychosocial safety.

In this post, we’ll take a look at what psychosocial safety actually is, its significance in the sector, and how organisations, leaders, and individuals can help create safe work environments. While this article typically uses the term employees, it is also relevant for volunteers and volunteer managers.

Understanding Psychosocial Safety

Before we begin, a couple of definitions may be helpful – “psychosocial” refers to the relationships between people in terms of their thoughts, behaviours, and social environment, while “psychological” specifically concerns an individual’s mind and thoughts.

When we talk about psychosocial safety, we mean creating a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and other forms of negative behaviour that can cause significant psychological damage.

Safe Work Australia identifies numerous situations as potential psychosocial hazards. When these issues persist or multiple factors converge, they can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. Some of the issues include:

Job demands
Low job control
Poor support
Poor organisational change management
Inadequate reward and recognition
Poor organisational justice
Traumatic events or materials
Poor physical work environment
Violence and aggression
Bullying
Harassment, including sexual harassment
Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions

Why Psychosocial Safety Matters

Put simply, psychosocial safety matters because the health and wellbeing of people matters!

In addition, there are a wide range of reasons why psychosocial safety is important, not just for workers, but for organisations as a whole.

Employees who grapple with bullying, harassment, or other negative workplace behaviours often struggle to stay focused and meet expectations, leading to reduced productivity. Conversely, when employees feel valued, respected, and supported, their motivation and commitment to their work rise. This creates a win-win situation for both employees and employers.

Empowered and supported individuals and teams are more likely to innovate and deliver exceptional results. Fostering an innovative culture, including a healthy approach to risk, is only possible when employees feel safe to experiment, try new approaches, and learn from failures.

Organisations that prioritise their employees’ well-being and create supportive work environments build reputations as ethical and responsible employers. This reputation appeals to customers and stakeholders who value organisations that prioritise people.

Obstacles to Achieving Psychosocial Safety

Despite the clear advantages, several obstacles can hinder the achievement of psychosocial safety in our workplaces:

Lack of Clarity and Confusion: Unclear roles, vague task descriptions, and undefined expectations can create uncertainty and disagreements, hampering performance and standards.
Poor Visibility of Negative Behaviour: Subtle forms of negative behaviour, particularly in remote working conditions, can go unnoticed, making it challenging to detect potential issues.
Fear of Speaking Up and Retribution: Many individuals fear speaking up due to concerns about being perceived as overly sensitive or not being seen as team players. It’s often easier to leave an organisation than confront an unsafe environment.
Dismissal or Protection of Poor Behaviour: An informal culture that protects or dismisses problematic behaviour can stem from management’s lack of awareness or reluctance to address uncomfortable situations.
Lack of Time and Skills: Leaders may struggle to create psychosocial safety due to concerns about handling difficult conversations or lacking the necessary interpersonal skills.
Competition Over Collaboration: A culture of “win at all costs” can create stressful environments fraught with psychosocial risks.

Now that we know what psychosocial safety is, some of the hazards and obstacles that can lead to unsafe environments, let’s take a closer look at how leaders, organisations, and employees can all play their part in improving psychosocial safety.

How leaders can help improve psychosocial safety

Provide Clarity and Set Expectations: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations to reduce uncertainty and confusion within the team.
Foster Open Communication and Create Space: Encourage open dialogue and create channels for employees to express concerns or grievances without fear of reprisal.
Be a Role Model and Take Responsibility: Lead by example, setting the tone for expected behaviour and accountability within the organisation.
Promote Work-Life Balance Authentically: Promote work-life balance by supporting flexible work arrangements and discouraging excessive work hours.
Develop Skills and Capabilities: Cultivate skills such as active listening, feedback, trust-building, and coaching to create safe spaces for teams to address psychosocial risks.

How organisations can help improve psychosocial safety

Invest in Training and Development: Facilitate development opportunities for employees, including conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and stress management training.
Increase Employee Confidence: Support individuals in voicing their challenges and needs, creating a culture where speaking up against inappropriate behaviour is encouraged and protected.
Listen to Signals and Respond to Warning Signs: Create spaces for employees to share their experiences, unveiling hidden issues and allowing the organisation to respond proactively.
Leverage Your Values: Align organisational values with expected behaviours, setting explicit expectations about what is not tolerated in the workplace.
Provide Support and Resources: Ensure employees have access to necessary resources and support tools for effective job performance.

How employees can contribute to psychosocial safety

Prioritise Self-Care: Engage in self-care activities, including mindfulness and meditation, to recharge mentally and emotionally.
Build a Support Network and Ask for Help: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or colleagues for guidance and support. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
Monitor and Address Early Signs: Be vigilant for warning signs of burnout, such as chronic exhaustion, irritability, and decreased motivation, and take steps to address them.
Increase Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation: Question your biases, seek feedback, and be curious about how your behaviour affects others.
Set and Enforce Boundaries: Establish clear work-life boundaries and have the courage to uphold them, ensuring personal well-being and addressing psychosocial risks.

This article was originally published at BeRecruitment.com.au

The post Psychosocial safety in the workplace appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.

New Volunteering Gateway helps leaders of volunteers

Kate Bowman — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 02:45:49 +0000

Volunteering Australia is pleased to announce the launch of their latest resource for leaders of volunteers. The Volunteering Gateway is a centralised and curated platform designed to support people who manage volunteers by providing access to a comprehensive range of resources, relevant technology solutions, and nation-wide training opportunities.

Whether you’re recruiting new volunteers, providing training, or managing day-to-day operations, the Volunteering Gateway is designed to support managers of volunteers. It’s easy-to-navigate and offers a wealth of curated resources to make your job easier.

The Volunteering Gateway has been designed with volunteer managers in mind, addressing the specific challenges people managing volunteers face every day. Here’s how it can help:

• Access templates, guides and research.
• Access training and improve your practice.
• Tap into new technology solutions and software.

Please click here to visit Volunteering Australia’s Volunteering Gateway.

The post New Volunteering Gateway helps leaders of volunteers appeared first on VolunteerHub - Palliative Care NSW.