Effective organisation and management of public sector volunteer workers

Increasing numbers of people internationally are volunteering their time and expertise to a wide range of public sector and not‐for‐profit organisations. This resource needs to be organised and managed effectively to realise the potential benefits. Surveys 1,226 male and female volunteer Special Constables and regular officers from five UK police forces. Reports their motivations, experiences, preferences, deployment, training, relationships with full‐time officers, reasons for leaving and factors influencing the decision to rejoin. Identifies demographic factors associated with length of service. Managerial and organisational implications are discussed, particularly the need for detailed, up to date information on the volunteers and their experiences and aspirations to aid recruitment, retention and effective deployment.