This page provides tried-and-tested tips from current volunteers and RABI staff to help committees recruit and retain new committee members.

“There should be no limit on who joins a committee… sitting around the table organising things – that’s the original social network.” Cath Houghton, Clwyd Committee & Volunteer Voice member

Pathways into Recruiting Committee Volunteers

  • This approach allows volunteers in lower-commitment RABI roles to meet the committee and observe its dynamic.
  • New volunteers can build their understanding of RABI, grow in confidence and develop relationships with committee members before being invited to join more formally.

  • Recruitment is often more effective through personal connections.
  • Knowing someone already on the committee can make joining a more established group feel more accessible.

Volunteers who consistently help with committee events may be open to transitioning into formal committee roles over time. It’s always worth asking.

Support Recruitment by Making Your Committee as Inclusive as Possible

  • Play to people’s strengths. Some may excel at planning and promoting events; others might prefer raising awareness at auction marts. Every contribution matters.
  • It may seem obvious, but a warm welcome and a sincere thank you at the end of an event or meeting can go a long way. It shows prospective members that their support would be valued.

  • Schedule meetings at times that accommodate a range of lifestyles. For example, those in full-time employment are unlikely to be available Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm.
  • For new volunteers, joining an established group at someone’s home can be intimidating. Ease any nerves by meeting for a coffee beforehand to discuss what to expect at a committee meeting.

“For some people, it’s the confidence to join an established group… Particularly if a committee meets at someone’s house, going into someone else’s house can be quite a big thing.” Amy Cox, Oxfordshire Committee & Volunteer Voice member

Check if any members need support. For instance, if someone doesn’t like driving in the dark, could others take turns giving them a lift in winter months?

Keep the social side strong — it’s a big draw for potential new members.

  • Some committees work without a formal chairperson, rotating leadership instead.
  • Encourage all event ideas. In some committees, members lead their own ideas with the support of others.

“We don’t have a chairman… Somebody within the committee will take the lead on each event, and everybody else supports them… and it just works.”
Helen Moore, Warwickshire Committee & Volunteer Voice member

Success! You’ve Recruited a New Committee Volunteer – Now What?

The new volunteer needs to sign up via our website:

Why is this important?

It’s vital for RABI to have accurate information for each volunteer to ensure they’re supported in their role and covered by our insurance. When a new volunteer signs up via the website, they receive:

  • A warm welcome and induction into volunteering with RABI
  • A Volunteer Promise outlining mutual expectations
  • A Committee Volunteer role description
  • Our volunteer newsletter
  • Opportunities to take part in groups and events, such as Volunteer Voice, Connect & Share and volunteer awards.
  • RABI volunteer clothing

Due to GDPR regulations, RABI staff cannot include or support new committee volunteers unless they have officially signed up. Please help any new member complete their registration today.

This page provides tried-and-tested tips from current volunteers and RABI staff to help committees recruit and retain new committee members.

“There should be no limit on who joins a committee… sitting around the table organising things – that’s the original social network.” Cath Houghton, Clwyd Committee & Volunteer Voice member

Pathways into Recruiting Committee Volunteers

  • This approach allows volunteers in lower-commitment RABI roles to meet the committee and observe its dynamic.
  • New volunteers can build their understanding of RABI, grow in confidence and develop relationships with committee members before being invited to join more formally.

  • Recruitment is often more effective through personal connections.
  • Knowing someone already on the committee can make joining a more established group feel more accessible.

Volunteers who consistently help with committee events may be open to transitioning into formal committee roles over time. It’s always worth asking.

Support Recruitment by Making Your Committee as Inclusive as Possible

  • Play to people’s strengths. Some may excel at planning and promoting events; others might prefer raising awareness at auction marts. Every contribution matters.
  • It may seem obvious, but a warm welcome and a sincere thank you at the end of an event or meeting can go a long way. It shows prospective members that their support would be valued.

  • Schedule meetings at times that accommodate a range of lifestyles. For example, those in full-time employment are unlikely to be available Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm.
  • For new volunteers, joining an established group at someone’s home can be intimidating. Ease any nerves by meeting for a coffee beforehand to discuss what to expect at a committee meeting.

“For some people, it’s the confidence to join an established group… Particularly if a committee meets at someone’s house, going into someone else’s house can be quite a big thing.” Amy Cox, Oxfordshire Committee & Volunteer Voice member

Check if any members need support. For instance, if someone doesn’t like driving in the dark, could others take turns giving them a lift in winter months?

Keep the social side strong — it’s a big draw for potential new members.

  • Some committees work without a formal chairperson, rotating leadership instead.
  • Encourage all event ideas. In some committees, members lead their own ideas with the support of others.

“We don’t have a chairman… Somebody within the committee will take the lead on each event, and everybody else supports them… and it just works.”
Helen Moore, Warwickshire Committee & Volunteer Voice member

Success! You’ve Recruited a New Committee Volunteer – Now What?

The new volunteer needs to sign up via our website:

Why is this important?

It’s vital for RABI to have accurate information for each volunteer to ensure they’re supported in their role and covered by our insurance. When a new volunteer signs up via the website, they receive:

  • A warm welcome and induction into volunteering with RABI
  • A Volunteer Promise outlining mutual expectations
  • A Committee Volunteer role description
  • Our volunteer newsletter
  • Opportunities to take part in groups and events, such as Volunteer Voice, Connect & Share and volunteer awards.
  • RABI volunteer clothing

Due to GDPR regulations, RABI staff cannot include or support new committee volunteers unless they have officially signed up. Please help any new member complete their registration today.