Access Assemble
What is volunteer management software?
With the world becoming increasingly more digitised, organisations who are reliant on volunteer participation are turning towards volunteer management systems for support. But what is volunteer management software? And how do you know if this piece of software will be a wise investment for your organisation?
In this article, we outline the benefits of this software, the common features to look out for, and the steps we advise you take prior to purchase.
What are the benefits of volunteer management software (VMS)?
A VMS can be applied in order to tighten up your processes around the recruitment, management, and retention of your volunteers. This improves the entire volunteer journey; making it simple to navigate and manage for the volunteer and Volunteer Manager respectively. Put simply, the software supports you to work both safer and smarter.
This piece of software therefore provides tangible benefits including the following:
Reduced admin
Volunteer management systems provide Volunteer Managers with a central location to store volunteer data and manage the many associated tasks with volunteering. Everything from looking up a contact, through to recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, event planning and communication are in one place with ready-to-go features. Everything you need is logged and tracked within a VMS – removing the need for complicated spreadsheets!
Read our guide to discover the importance of digitising your volunteer management processes
Increased productivity
Volunteer management systems can improve productivity with automated workflows. Repeatable tasks such as recruitment will typically include a series of actions for an applicant to complete on their journey to becoming a volunteer. Automating this process with customisable steps and communications at each milestone can reduce the manual work involved, allowing you to process a larger volume of applicants, speeding up recruitment and suffering lower drop-off rates.
Improved efficiencies
Volunteer management systems are intuitive software, with easy to navigate functionality. This approach supports Volunteer Managers to produce beautiful and engaging adverts and rotas with no coding or designer required. Volunteers are also able to self-serve and amend their own personal profiles, sign-up for events, training, or shifts and record activities all in one place for a more efficient and organised approach.
Increased volunteer engagement
Volunteer engagement is key to a successful ongoing volunteer experience. Volunteer motivations will vary, but feeling part of the team, receiving regular updates and consistent communication all play a key role where engagement is concerned. Within a VMS, you should be able to make these things happen.
Watch our webinar to find out how you can increase volunteer engagement
Closer collaboration
Volunteer management systems enable volunteer teams to collaborate with ease. Users can pick up where others have left off and see precisely what's happening thanks to auditable trails. This provides volunteers with a sense of accountability, while ensuring that daily tasks such as recruitment, scheduling and events move forward with transparency.
What are common features of a VMS?
A VMS is comprised of a number of impressive features that allow your organisation to operate to its full potential.
Using Access Assemble as an example, common features that can substantially develop your volunteer management processes are included below.
Simple recruitment
Gain the attention of suitable volunteers and onboard them with ease.
Collaborative management
Build a strong rapport with volunteers by effectively managing their day-to-day activities.
Engaging retention
Encourage your volunteers by nurturing their journey and acknowledging their contributions.
Consistent communication
Consistently communicate with your volunteers to keep them informed and enthused about your mission.
Flexible integrations
Integrate with third party platforms to bring your processes closer still and support the volunteer journey
Comprehensive event management
Confidently organise events to ensure full attendance and report on their success.
Diversity and inclusion
Ask the relevant diversity questions to ensure your organisation is a welcoming environment to all.
Accessible mobile app
Extend your presence and empower volunteers to engage with you from anywhere, anytime.
Essential GDPR compliance
Ensure volunteer data remains secure by meeting all GDPR compliance.
Watertight security
Ensure security and compliance are at the heart of your organisation.
Considering Access Assemble to support your volunteer recruitment?
Who benefits from using a VMS?
A VMS is beneficial to anyone who is leading a team of volunteers. Whether this is a Volunteer Manager, Volunteer Coordinator or anyone else who is responsible for the wellbeing of volunteers, this software has been built for you.
While designed specifically for organisations who recruit volunteers, Access Assemble is a flexible solution that has been adopted across a number of sectors, including:
With the support of a VMS like Access Assemble, organisations are able to manage the volunteer journey with ease and have experienced tangible benefits along the way.
But don’t take our word for it, listen to how Access Assemble has improved Dorothy House Hospice’s volunteer management processes!
In the market for a VMS? Gain sign-off with a strong business case!
What steps should you take before purchasing a VMS?
Prior to investing in a piece of software, it’s crucial that you do your homework beforehand to ensure you choose a solution that is suitable for you.
Firstly, it’s important to identify what challenges your organisation currently faces. Ask yourself questions such as:
- Are we struggling to recruit volunteers?
- Does the onboarding process take too long?
- Is our data spread across several platforms?
Once you identify issues that need addressing, then you are in a more confident position to reach out to software providers and find out how their volunteer management systems can support you. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Read our guide on what you should consider prior to investing in a volunteer management system
Let our team talk you through your options
At Access, we encourage you to approach several software providers in order to find the perfect solution for you. But with Access Assemble being the market leading volunteer management software for charities and nonprofits, why not start with us?
Our experts are available to walk you through a product tour of our software, and will happily answer any queries you may have.
Discover how our volunteer management software can support you
