Survey of factors that determine volunteer management Capacity of charitable children institutions in Dagoretti Division of Nairobi province

Abstract

The purpose of the survey was to establish the extent to which best practices that determine the volunteer management capacities are adopted in Charitable Children Institutions (CCls). Upon interaction with volunteers and observation of volunteer activities in charity institutions and government departments there have been discernible contributions of volunteers to these institutions as well as notable gaps in the management of volunteers as a human resource base with high potential for charities. J9:is project sought to survey the capacities of CCls to manage volunteers with a view to providing practical recommendations to address the gaps and strengthening the best practices already in use. The practices the survey focused on included; the training of managers in managing volunteers, screening and recruitment, orientation and training, volunteer job design, supervision and recognition of volunteers. ~estionnaires based on the familiarity with, prevalence and adoption of these practices were directly administered to a systemic sample of CCls managers and volunteers in CCls in Dagoretti division of Nairobi province who were actively involved in volunteer services between February 2007 and February 2008. Mail questionnaires as well as telephone interviews were used 0 collect data. The survey established that all CCls surveyed use volunteers in their activities, either in providing support services or professional service. The results also provided an insight on the different capacities of various institutions in their adoption of these practices and this was dependent on characteristics of the CCI which included professional training of the managers of the eel, the availability of staff training opportunities, level of funding as well as staff retention level. The survey also generated from volunteers a list of primary needs for their effective performance and satisfaction. In conclusion, the result indicated that the adoption of volunteer management practices in Cels in the management of volunteers is not widespread. However the results also indicated existing good practices that need to be strengthened to enhance volunteer retention. The researcher also recommended best practices for eventual maximization and effective use of volunteers to enable volunteers make the best contribution to development.