Mission Statement

To encourage and support volunteering on the Sunshine Coast.

Our Goals

• To support people to make informed choices about volunteer work;
• To refer volunteers to not-for-profit organisations across all sectors of the community;
• To promote best practice standards, including training, when managing volunteers; and
• To encourage the government, community and corporate sectors to recognise the value of volunteering.

The Service

Who are we?

Volunteering Sunshine Coast (VSC) is an independent not-for-profit organisation committed to building the local community sector on the Sunshine Coast.

We were established in 2003 as a result of Volunteering Queensland seeing a need for a one stop shop which community groups could access for support.  We were incorporated in 2004.

We have over 150 community organisations as members of VSC plus we also offer assistance to the broader volunteer community.

What Area do we cover?

Volunteering Sunshine Coast provides services to an area extending from south of Gympie to the north of Caboolture and west to Kilcoy.

Our Services

The range of services provided by Volunteering Sunshine Coast include:

• volunteer interview and linking services;
• resources on volunteer issues and volunteer management;
• training in the areas of volunteering and volunteering management; and
• educational assistance, support, networking opportunities and training in the form of workshops, speakers and resources.

Members

All not for profit organisations are welcome to become members of Volunteering Sunshine Coast.  There is an annual membership fee based on a scale relating to the number of paid employees.  Corporate membership is also available.  Full membership entitles members to:

• the referral service;
• a monthly newsletter;
• information regarding current volunteering issues, supplied by the peak national and state bodies;
• material to promote National Volunteers Week and International Volunteers Day; and
• networking opportunities.

Volunteers

Volunteers come from the general community as well as through referral from Centrelink and Job Network Providers.

After making contact with the service. Volunteers are invited to an interview to discuss their skills and interests.  An appropriate organisation is contacted and a referral is made.

The Constitution

A copy of the Constitution of Volunteering Sunshine Coast is available by contacting our office.

Staffing

Volunteering Sunshine Coast employs a Manager and a number of volunteer staff who undertake:

• Interviewing
• Administration including: reception, data entry, bookkeeping, etc
• Publicity/promotions
• Training
• follow up

Funding

Volunteering Sunshine Coast currently receives its primary funding from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and a small operational grant from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

From time to time the service also receives additional funding in the form of small grants, usually for specific projects such as promotion and special events.

A monthly financial report is prepared and presented to the Management Committee.

Policies &Procedures

Volunteering Sunshine Coast has a Policy & Procedures Manual which contains policies and procedures relating to:

• Agency Information
• Incorporation
• Management Committee
• Funding Agreements
• Service Delivery
• Right & Responsibilities
• Planning and Evaluation
• Financial Management
• Assets Management and Insurance
• Staff Recruitment
• Position Descriptions and Conditions of Employment
• Staff Management and Development

A copy of the manual is available for perusal from the Manager.

For further information contact the Manager on 07 5443 8256