Human Resources

In most non-profit organizations, both paid and unpaid staff are essential to success. While separate professions support the two (Human Resources Management for paid staff, and Volunteer Resources Management for un-paid staff), it is important that they work together and recognize both the similarities and the differences that must be honored when supporting paid and unpaid staff. Additionally, many organizations engage contracted staff or services to assist in delivery and/or development of services. The professional support and management of employees (paid staff), volunteers (unpaid staff) and contracted staff or services is a key factor in sustainable non-profit organizations.

A sustainable non-profit organization has the capability to attract, retain and develop people, whether paid, volunteer, or contracted. This capability is dependent upon how an organization engages in Strategic Human Resources and Human Resource and Volunteer Resource Management.

Strategic Human Resources involves Integrating human resource management strategies and systems to achieve the overall mission, strategies, and success of the organization while meeting the needs of employees, volunteers and other stakeholders.
Human Resources Council for the Voluntary/Non-Profit Sector

Human Resource Management consists of a framework of activities and practices that support and develop a motivated workforce while at the same time complying with legislation and regulations that govern the employer/employee relationship. Good human resources management directly contributes to organizational effectiveness.
Human Resources Council for the Voluntary/Non-Profit Sector

Volunteer Resources Management consists of a framework of activities, practices and values that attract support and develop motivated volunteers to assist in achieving the organization’s mission. Good volunteer resources management directly contributes to organizational effectiveness.
Heidi Miller-Zerr, CentrePoint Volunteer