Ardoch is a children’s education charity focused on improving educational outcomes for children and young people in disadvantaged communities. Ardoch offers a range of volunteering opportunities in both an individual and workplace capacity.

To stay connected with volunteers during COVID-19, Ardoch has communicated via email, text message and phone calls. Regular emails include updated information about the organisation’s COVID-19 response plan. This involves looking for new ways to meet the needs of children in disadvantaged communities, while maintaining volunteer engagement.

Ardoch monitor Government advice closely to make decisions with high-risk volunteers in mind. This has resulted in virtual replacements and pauses for various programs.

Retaining volunteers has stemmed from acknowledging Ardoch’s organisational value “collaboration” and a reminder that “they cannot do this alone”. Ardoch relies on its volunteer connection for program development and innovation. The organisation is currently filming for pilot versions of some virtual programs for early years and primary schools. The filming for this initiative takes place in volunteers’ homes.

To creatively engage with volunteers, Ardoch has consulted volunteers via a well-received survey about how to best utilise their skills. Volunteer who would normally work in schools have been given the opportunity to engage in a letter writing program. Around 50% of volunteers have joined this initiative. Volunteers can also send letters (which Ardoch screen) to classes in which they would normally volunteer.

Ardoch also continue to offer their Literacy and Numeracy Buddies program collaborating with their corporate and community partners nationally. The organisation has also initiated a Program Adaption Taskforce on program development and innovation to allow Ardoch to deliver some things differently.

Ardoch have ensured their continual versatile delivery of training by converting to training and professional development to a virtual platform. The programs team are developing ways for more programs to go virtual, as well. Significant work has been undertaken to ensure volunteer programs are adaptable, while maintaining their commitment to child safety. Ardoch is excited for the future, and acknowledges the benefits of volunteers donating their time in different ways.

By Ruby Jacobs, volunteer writer for Volunteering Victoria