Disadvantages of using volunteers

Disadvantages of using volunteers

Training and Management

  • Need for extensive training: Volunteers might not possess the necessary skills or knowledge for the assigned tasks. This warrants extensive training and orientation to ensure they are capable of performing their duties.

  • Inconsistencies in commitment: As volunteers are not working for pay, their commitment to the role can be unpredictable. This could lead to disruptions in service delivery especially in critical areas.

Operational Challenges

  • Turnover rate: Volunteers may not stay for long, leading to high turnover rates. This can result in recurring training costs and difficulty in maintaining service consistency.

  • Dependability: Since volunteers offer their services willingly and without any contractual obligations, their dependability can be an issue. They may not be available at crucial times, causing disruptions.

Quality of Service

  • Quality inconsistencies: Volunteer work could lead to inconsistencies in the quality of service as the proficiency level of volunteers may vary widely.

  • Slow operational speed: Due to lack of professional training or expertise, volunteers may perform tasks slower than paid staff, affecting overall operational speed.

  • Potential legal issues: Volunteers are not covered by employment law, meaning organisations need to be wary of potential legal implications, like accidents or disputes.

  • Due diligence and checks: Specific sectors require DBS checks and due diligence for all staff. Conducting such checks for volunteers can be time-consuming and costly.

Resource Allocation

  • Resource allocation: While volunteers offer their services for free, preparing job descriptions, volunteer handbooks, training materials, and implementing volunteer management systems involves costs.

  • Management time: Significant time can be invested in the recruitment, management and retention of volunteers making this a potential disadvantage.