We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you personalised advertising. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy

Skip to Content
University of Wollongong Australia. Logo. University of Wollongong Australia. Logo. University of Wollongong Australia. Logo.
  • Search
  • Give
  • Library
  • Current Students
  • Staff
  • UOW Global
    • Our global presence
    • UOW in Dubai
    • UOW in Hong Kong
    • UOW in Malaysia
  • Menu
  • Study at UOW

    • Courses
    • Apply
    • Scholarships & grants
    • Accommodation
    • High-school students
    • Non-school leavers
    • Postgraduate students
    • International students
    • Moving to Wollongong
    • Study abroad & exchange
    • Global sport programs
    • Campuses
    Study at UOW
  • Engage

    • Future student
    • Alumni
    • Visit UOW
    • Woolyungah Indigenous Centre
    • Volunteer
    • The Stand Magazine
    • Community Members
    • Grants and funding
    • Give to UOW
    • Visit the Library
    • Key contacts
    • Educators & school teachers
    Engage with us
  • About UOW

    • Welcome
    • Our people
    • Services
    • Contacts
    • What's on
    • Global presence
    • Media Centre
    • Faculties & schools
    • Our vision & strategy
    • Our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Strategy
    • Our reputation & experience
    • Locations, campuses & partners
    See more about UOW
  • Research

    • Our research
    • Researcher support
    • Research impact
    • Partnership & collaboration
    • Graduate Research School
    • Commercial research
    • Global Challenges
    • Media, news & events
    • Find an expert
    • Our people
    See more about research
  • Industry

    • Generator Lab
    • Advantage SME
    • Success stories
    • Industry research engagement
    • Equipment & Labs
    • Funding opportunities
    • Intellectual property
    • Collaboration for business
    • Collaboration for researchers
    See more about Industry
  • Alumni

    • Benefits
    • Outlook Magazine
    • Events & webinars
    • Volunteer
    • Awards
    • Honorary alumni
    • Testamurs & transcripts
    • Update your details
    • Your career journey
    • Contact us & FAQ
    See more about alumni
  • Quick links

    • Contact directory
    • Staff Intranet
    • Campus maps
    • Transport & parking
    • Key dates
    • Events
    • Password management
    • Jobs
    • Accommodation
    • Policy directory
  • Library
You are here More Pages
  • Home
  • About UOW
  • Media Centre
  • 2021
  • Researcher helping to address a devastating decline in volunteers

Media Quick Links

  • Contact UOW Media
  • Visiting campus
  • Image library
  • UOW key facts
  • Find an expert
  • News Corp subscription
  • Sign up for the latest news from UOW Media

May 17, 2021


  • Story By
  • India Glyde
  • Photo By
  • Paul Jones
Share
Type
Media Release
Category
Business and Economy
Tags
CommunityBusinessResearchSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthSDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

UOW in the News

Researcher helping to address a devastating decline in volunteers

Partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW focuses on leadership, creating a positive environment for vital volunteers


Australia relies on almost six million volunteers, who are the backbone of our society. Sports, education, humanitarian and notably the nation’s vital emergency and rescue services all depend on ordinary citizens making an important contribution. 

But, volunteering is in decline in Australia and the issue has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, organisations are racing to retain the volunteers Australians depend on to help protect our community and save lives.

This National Volunteer Week (Monday 17 May to Friday 23 May), Dr Vivien Forner is drawing attention to Australia’s declining volunteer problem and partnering with industry to solve it. 

Dr Forner’s research, which focuses on the psychology of leadership and motivation, has been helping organisations improve the quality of the volunteering experience and retain their volunteers. She said the lessons learned from her research can be applied to all organisations that rely on the work and support of volunteers.

Volunteering is worth approximately $43 billion to the Australian economy, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

While the effects of COVID-19 on Australia’s volunteers were stark, Dr Forner said it had simply accelerated a downward trend in volunteering that had been occurring for a number of years.

“Australia has one of the highest rates of volunteer participation in the world, but in the last 10 years, the number of volunteers lending their time to organisations has been in decline,” said Dr Forner, who is based in the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Faculty of Business and Law.

“Now, organisations and non-profits are competing for scarce volunteer resources. We are seeing a trend towards more episodic, one-off volunteering experiences, rather than people deciding to make a long-term, ongoing commitment to a cause or group they are passionate about.”

To solve this problem, Dr Forner’s research highlights the importance of effective volunteer leadership and a climate that sustains volunteers’ motivation.

“The interpersonal style of leaders at the organisation is one of the most critical factors in volunteers’ decision to continue or quit volunteering. Volunteers are especially sensitive to poor leadership,” Dr Forner said. “The research has shown that authoritative, command-and-control style leadership drives volunteers away.”

At the same time leaders who have strong interpersonal skills – good communication, the ability to listen and empathise and are supportive– have the most success in retaining volunteers. 

Dr Forner said volunteer are more motivated and compelled to stay when they are given autonomy, feel like they belonged, and felt competent or effective in their volunteer roles. 

“These are the ingredients of a motivating and supportive volunteer experience. She explained. “They provide a simple evidence-based framework that can guide volunteer organisations on where to focus their efforts.”

Dr Viven Forner with members of the Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club. Photo: Paul Jones

Dr Forner has been working with several emergency service and non-profit organisations, including Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW), to implement and evaluate interventions that are helping improve leadership to retain volunteers.

With approximately 75,000 members, SLSNSW is the largest volunteer organisation in Australia, but has also been impacted by declining volunteers.

SLSNSW have partnered with Dr Forner on a three-year strategy to help create a positive impact on the leadership culture of the organisation, resulting in an improved retention rate and improved volunteer satisfaction.

George Shales OAM, President of Surf Life Saving NSW, said the work with UOW had been instrumental to help the organisation create a positive environment for volunteers.

As first responders and lifesavers, the work that our volunteers carry out on behalf of Surf Life Saving NSW is critical to both their community, our organisation, and the hundreds of thousands of visitors that recreate on our beaches annually,” said Mr Shales.

“Without this volunteer commitment, which equates to over 650,000 hours per year, the fabric of community cohesion, confidence and resilience would be greatly diminished. In fact SLSNSW, would not retain the iconic and trusted status that it has enjoyed for many years. When you then contemplate the human impact of not having our volunteers protecting visitors to our coastline, both within and outside the red and yellow flags, the result would undoubtedly be that of a catastrophic nature with multiple devastating drownings and injuries.

“The pressure placed on our volunteers as first responders and leaders within their communities and respective surf lifesaving clubs can on occasions be significant and sometimes overwhelming, particularly if they are not appropriately equipped with the leadership training and tools to deal with these circumstances.

“The work that has been undertaken by UOW in partnership with SLSNSW plays an important role in ensuring our volunteers are prepared and equipped with the leadership tools and knowhow to effectively navigate and lead within an ever-changing operating landscape.”

Dr Forner said National Volunteer Week was a chance to celebrate the incredible role that volunteers play in our community and reinvigorate volunteering in Australia.

“Volunteering is good for you. It has so many benefits and is proven to improve health and wellbeing.

“If you have ever thought of volunteering, or have volunteered in the past, now is the time to come and join an organisation. We want to reverse this downward trend and encourage more people to look at how they can get involved in their community.”

Main photo caption: Dr Vivien Forner with leaders from Surf Life Saving NSW clubs throughout the Illawarra, pictured at Coalcliff Beach. All pictured took part in the Inspire Retain Engage Leadership Development Program. Photo: Paul Jones

Media Contacts for this article

UOW Media Office

You may also be interested in

Entrepreneurs showcase local business and compete for top prizes
iAccelerate to present regional entrepreneur program for First Nations Australians on NSW North Coast
Teklemariam overcomes challenges to achieve his dream
Services & Help
  • Current students
  • Library
  • Information technology
  • Accommodation
  • Security & safety
  • Pool, gym & retail
News, Media & Events
  • Media Centre
  • The Stand
  • Alumni Magazine
  • Research news
  • Events
  • Find an expert
Faculties
  • Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities
  • Business & Law
  • Engineering & Information Sciences
  • Science, Medicine & Health
Administration
  • Graduation
  • Environment
  • Policy directory
  • Learning and teaching
  • Financial Services
  • Access to information
  • Jobs
UOW Entities
  • Innovation Campus
  • UOW College Australia
  • UOW College Hong Kong
  • UOW in Dubai
  • UOW Global Enterprises
  • UOW Malaysia KDU
  • UOW Pulse
Connect with us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Conversation
  • Contact us
  • Feedback
  • Give to UOW

Northfields Ave Wollongong,  NSW 2522  Australia 
Phone: 1300 367 869 
International: +61 2 4221 3218 
Switchboard: +61 2 4221 3555

  • NUW Alliance: Smarter Solutions for NSW
  • University Global Partnership Network (UGPN)
  • Reconciliation Australia
  • AWEI LGBTQ inclusion awards logo

Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag

On the lands that we study, we walk, and we live, we acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders of these lands.

Copyright © 2023 University of Wollongong
CRICOS Provider No: 00102E | TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12062 | ABN: 61 060 567 686
Copyright & disclaimer | Privacy & cookie usage | Web Accessibility Statement

Close