NSW Volunteer Charter Launched
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.
Commonly Asked Questions
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 are the 10 Principles?
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.
When was the launch?
The NSW Volunteer Charter was launched on Thursday 9 November. It was attended by our CEO Gemma Rygate, The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, and the Department of Communities and Justice.
Who can I speak to?
As your peak body for volunteering, we’re here to support you and champion the volunteering community. So, we were consulted on the NSW Volunteer Charter and are now able to help you in integrating it with your own practice.
So, if you have questions or concerns about the NSW Volunteer Charter, or want to learn more about how we advocate for the sector, we’re the ones you can go to.
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.
More Advocacy Work
At The Centre, we consider your needs and concerns of the utmost importance. Our research and advocacy work allows us to inform the resources, policies, and new developments that matter most to you.
We recently:
- Submitted feedback on the issues paper for the ‘A stronger, more diverse, and independent community sector’ policy