NSW Volunteer Charter
As of November 2023, the NSW Government has broken ground with a new NSW Volunteer Charter, making ours the first state to do so. As well as leading the way for our neighbouring states and territories, this is a crucial step for the support and recognition of our 4.3 million volunteers statewide.
In our role as your peak body for volunteering, we are thrilled to have played a role in developing and celebrating this important milestone.
The Charter codifies best practice and principles for the sector, and to do it at a state governmental level ensures these standards will be protected and upheld for years to come.
© Salty Dingo 2023
The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister with responsibility for volunteering
Setting consistent standards and supporting good practice across organisations helps our sector to grow, and the Volunteer Charter is an important tool to help ensure this.
What is the NSW Volunteer Charter?
The NSW Volunteer Charter is a code of conduct that organisations can follow to ensure best practice and growth in the volunteering sector.
Developed in alignment with the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020 – 2030, it provides a standard framework, identifying the key purposes and principles we should all abide by. This ensures consistency, unity, and success for the sector.
The NSW Government’s decision to develop and implement the Charter validates its importance and offers stronger protection for the practices it encourages and the principles it stands for.
What is the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020-2030?
The NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020-2030 outlines our plan to support the sector for the next 10 years.
It is informed by thousands of stakeholders, including NSW peak bodies, government agencies and members of the community.
The NSW Volunteering Strategy covers:
- Our Vision
- Guiding Principles
- Focus Areas
- Strategic Implementation
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the 10 Principles of the NSW Charter?
The 10 guiding principles outlined in the Charter are:
- Choice
- Involved
- Respect
- Safety
- Timely
- Training
- Clarity
- Reasonable
- Leadership
- Recognition
These principles are made to be integrated into every organisation, to ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves, their volunteers, and the communities they support.
Who can I speak to?
As the peak body for volunteering in New South Wales, The Centre was consulted on the NSW Volunteer Charter.
For questions, concerns, or assistance on how to integrate the Charter into your volunteer program, please reach out to us and one of our team of experts will get back to you shortly.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO, Gemma Rygate
Setting consistent standards and supporting good practice across organisations helps our sector to grow, and the Volunteer Charter is an important tool to help ensure this.