Policies and Procedures

A sustainable non-profit organization establishes human resources policies and procedures relating to staff and volunteer recruitment, evaluations, compensation, training and performance improvement.  Human Resources and Volunteer Resources in a sustainable non-profit organization are linked to strategic goals and objectives in order to improve organizational effectiveness. This includes such things as:

• A human resource strategy is in place that connects to organizational strategy and incorporates a volunteer strategy;
  
  
• A written, up-to-date Succession plan for key positions is in place;
  
  
• There are documented volunteer and human resource plans in place;
  
  
• Professional Human Resources and Volunteer Resources Management expertise is available and utilized;
  
  
• The organization is aware of and compliant with all legislation and regulations governing employer/employee relationships;
  
  
• Every organizational change includes a communication and transition plan appropriate to the project;
  
  
• The organization has adopted the Canadian Code of Volunteer Involvement.The Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement (Code) is a tool that enables organizations to enhance their existing practices and continue to ensure that solid foundations are in place for involving volunteers in their work.  The Code proposes ways to integrate volunteer involvement strategically into the organization, and helps leaders in the organization understand the value and role of volunteers.
  
  
• Communicating the values and benefits received from volunteer involvement;
  
  
• Provide a framework for decision making, taking into account organizational values and guiding principles; and
  
  
• Develop standards for involving volunteers in meaningful ways to ensure successful integration of volunteers for both the organization and its volunteers.

Board policies exist containing clear descriptions of:

• Desired culture;
  
  
• Expectations of leadership and management styles;
  
  
• Commitment to a particular work environment;
  
  
• Commitment to professional development; and
  
  
• Organizational compensation strategies.

A sustainable non-profit organization establishes human resources policies and procedures relating to staff and volunteer recruitment, evaluations, compensation,
training and performance improvement.