Training resources and materials

Many of our training resources and materials have been developed or sourced as part of the National Volunteer Skills Centre project and are crafted so that they help learners to build competencies.

Materials developed and written under this project have been created especially for the volunteering sector.  Look for the NVSC logo on the cover, to identify these.

Materials sourced from other organisations and developers will serve as useful reference points from which you may want to extend your learning.

Explore our range of training materials, below:

A toolkit and guide for people who train volunteers - learn about what's involved in training volunteers - this resource in two parts will help people working within volunteer-involving organisations understand the volunteering context and develop and deliver appropriate and effective training for volunteers.

Access and retrieve computer data - this Learning Guide will support you in accessing organisational records, finding information (data) and adding new data to the records. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.5MB - Learner Guide

Act as a witness - assists the learner to provide assistance within juvenile justice and care and protection processes. Community Services [CHC02] - Learner Guide

Administer human resources policy - this workbook assists learners to develop the skills and knowledge required to plan and manage Human Resources in a retail environment. It covers implementing staffing level policies and procedures, monitoring and appraising staff performance, counselling team members, managing industrial relations establishing training plans. Retail [WRR02] - Learner Guide

Administer projects - this learning guide is designed to support you in learning about and performing the tasks associated with administering a project. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.4MB. Learner Guide - Learner Guide

Advocate on behalf of individuals and groups - covers the broad range of advocacy functions from monitoring issues and concerns, through the process of representing the interests of individuals and groups, and how community education fits with the advocacy role. - Learner Guide

A guide to writing competency based training materials - this guide is written as an application focused reference for novice and veteran trainers working in the not-for-profit sector who develop or deliver competency based materials or learning activities. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1MB - Learner Guide

Apply basic communication skills - this supports learner development of communication skills in the workplace. It covers the activities of gathering, conveying and receiving information, together with completing assigned written information under direct supervision. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Balance a register or terminal - provides learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a register or terminal in a retail environment. Covers clearing the register, counting money, calculate non-cash transactions and reconciling takings. Retail [WRR02] - Learner Guide

Be an effective volunteer - this book has been designed to support you in understanding what it means to be a volunteer in a not for profit organisation. This includes knowledge of the volunteering sector and how to apply basic work practices to your volunteer role. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.64MB. Learner guide - Learner Guide

Be an effective volunteer: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Be an effective volunteer

Be an effective volunteer: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Carry out business planning - One of six modules from a course in Creative volunteering no limits, an initiative of Regional Arts Australia. It is designed to be used in a facilitated workshop and as a resource tool. This workbook includes an overview of the arts and cultural industries in Australia, strategies and milestones, action planning and evaluation. Templates on business poan, budget and cash flow budget are provided.A list of further reading is listed.

Communicate appropriately with clients and colleagues - this learning guide will assist you to develop your skills in communicating with clients and colleagues in your role as a volunteer for a not for profit organisation. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.00MB. Community Services [CHC02] - Learner Guide

Communicate appropriately with clients and colleagues: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Communicate appropriately with clients and colleagues

Communicate appropriately with clients and colleagues: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Communicate with people accessing the services of the organisation - this learning guide is designed to assist you to develop the skills and knowledge to communicate with clients and stakeholders of your organisation. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.27MB. Community Services [CHC02] - Learner Guide

Communicate with people accessing the services of the organisation: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Communicate with people accessing the services of the organisation

Communicate with people accessing the services of the organisatin: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Complete daily work activities - this workbook is for people working or wanting to work in an office who wish to improve the way they manage their work activities Topics covered include the processes to identify work tasks and goals as well as how work can be planned so it is completed effectively. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Conduct a community meeting - this describes the functions of initiating, planning and supporting community meetings in their role of informing, debating and giving direction to community issues in the Community Services and Health sectors. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Contribute to positive learning - this guide looks at how to enhance and maintain the skills of people with disabilities. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Corporate volunteering training kit - a toolkit to help volunteer centres deliver training on corporate volunteering

Create client relationships - this unit will assist you develop skills and knowledge to create effective and positive client relationships. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. - Learner Guide

Create client relationships: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Create client relationships

Create client relationships: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Create links with the community - explores communities, their networks and leaders and why it is important for community workers to know about their community. Also looks at ways community workers link people together. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Designing volunteer roles and position descriptions - everything managers of volunteers and not-for-profit organisations need to know about designing volunteer roles and writing position descriptions

Develop community resources - provides the learner with a project based framework for developing a community resource. Community Services [CHC02] - Learner Guide

Develop employment policies - this covers the development policies for the employment of staff and the commitment to fair and equitable staffing practices within the organisation. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Develop funds and resources - One of six modules from a course in Creative volunteering no limits, an initiative of Regional Arts Australia. It is designed to be used in a facilitated workshop and as a resource tool. This workbook assists you to determin skills and resources required, undertake an organisational capacity audit look at runding and resourcing solutions and prepare applications and proposals.

Develop keyboard skills - this covers the development of basic keyboard skills using touch typing techniques. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Employee Volunteering: A Guide for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises - A guide for SMEs who are interested in helping the community through volunteering. Includes an accompanying range of templates, tools and checklists.

Facilitate cooperative behaviour - this guide is designed to assist you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work with clients in responding to unacceptable behaviour and supporting responsibility for behaviour management and change. This unit is particularly relevant for volunteers working in the community services or health sectors but may also be useful in other areas such as sport and recreation. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.2MB. - Learner Guide

Facilitate social action - takes the learner through the process of developing strategies to respond to community needs and describes the mechanisms and resources required to support social action strategies. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Follow environmental work practices - this workbook is for people working or wanting to work in an office. It examines the environment and the workplace, and how a person's work practices and procedures contribute to an environmentally friendly office. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Follow OH&S procedures - on completion of this module you should be able to recognise hazards in your workplace, follow workplace health and safety instructions and procedures to deal with emergencies. This module has been combined with CHCOHS301A 'Participate in workplace safety procedures'. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Combined size: 2.9MB - Learner Guide

Follow OH&S procedures: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Follow OH&S procedures

Follow OH&S procedures: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Follow workplace safety procedures - this workbook examines health and safety in the workplace. It covers hazards, safety procedures, how to respond to emergencies and how the learner can contribute to improving health and safety in the workplace. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Follow workplace safety procedures: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Follow workplace safety procedures

Follow workplace safety procedures: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Lead and manage people - this workbook supports the learner in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to lead and manage people in teams in a retail environment. Retail [WRR02] - Learner Guide

Maintain effective networks - this Learning Guide will support you in your volunteer role to develop cooperative and planned partnerships with other organisations, representing your organisation and maintaining those networks. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.5MB - Learner Guide

Maintain the organisation's information system - this Learning Guide is designed to assist you in developing the skills and knowledge needed to collect, store and provide accurate and current information to clients of your volunteer-involving organisation. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.2MB - Learner Guide

Manage a board meeting - to assist you to develop the skills involved in the planning and conducting of Board or Committee meetings. Size: 910KB. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Manage financial resources - this provides the learner with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement financial control systems, including the development and negotiation of budget allocations in a retail environment. Retail [WRR02] - Learner Guide

Manage self as a board member - this guide is designed to assist you understand the specialised roles that are taken on by members of Boards or Committees of Management in not for profit organisations. Size: 1.62MB. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Meet the roles and responsibilities of a board member (1) - this learning guide will assist you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective member of a Board or Committee of Management in a not for profit organisation. Size: 2.18MB. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Meet the roles and responsibilities of a board member (2) - this learning guide is designed to assist you to assist you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective member of a Board or Committee of Management in a not-for-profit organisation. Size: 2.09MB. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Network within communities - One of six modules from a course in Creative volunteering no limits, an initiative of Regional Arts Australia. This workbook covers an explanation of networks, networking tools and covers communication and working in groups.

Operate a personal computer - a guide to assist learners to start up a personal computer or business computer terminal, correctly navigate the desktop environment and use a range of basic functions. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Operate within a statutory environment - this workbook is for people working or wanting to work in an office who wish to improve the way they manage their work activities. Topics covered include the processes to identify work tasks and goals as well as how work can be planned so it is completed effectively. Community Services [CHC99] - Learner Guide

Organise work - this Learning Guide has been designed to support you in learning to organise a daily routine of tasks, maintain your personal presentation and clean your work area using the appropriate equipment. This could be anything from organising a function in the local hall for fundraising activities to being involved in a clean-up of the environment in your region. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.7MB - Learner Guide

Organise work: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Organise Work.

Organise work: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Participate effectively in meetings - provides support to learn about the roles and procedures of meetings so that the learner can participate in them effectively. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Participate in networks - this Learning Guide has been designed to support you in learning to develop networks and contribute to the effectiveness of networks in the organisation in which you volunteer. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 2MB - Learner Guide

Participate in workplace safety procedures - this module requires you to identify hazards and assess risk as well as following instructions and procedures with minimal supervision. This module is combined with CHCOHS201A \'Follow OHS Procedures\'. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Combined size: 2.9KB - Learner Guide

Participate in workplace safety procedues: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Participate in workplace safety procedures

Participate in workplace safety procedures: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Participate in the work environment - this Learning Guide will help you to learn about working effectively in work groups and as an individual, so that the objectives of your organisation are achieved. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.7MB - Learner Guide

Participate in the work environment: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Participate in the work environment

Participate in the work enviornment: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Plan and manage conferences - this unit covers planning, promoting and coordinating conferences, ensuring follow up procedures are incorporated. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Plan and program events - one of six modules from a course in Creative volunteering no limits, an initiative of Regional Arts Australia. It is designed to be used in a facilitated workshop and as a resource tool. This workbook covers event design, budgeting, and includes planning tools. Templates for assessing your event plan plan and your prgram are included. A list of references are also listed.

Plan skills development - this workbook is for people who are about to enter (or re-enter) work and want to learn the basic elements required to manage this aspect of their careers. The material covers finding out about jobs and careers, how to assess and develop skills as well as how to prepare a resume. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Prepare for public speaking - this Learning Guide will assist you to learn about planning and delivering a talk or speech to others. This could be anything from a short talk to a group at a meeting or a more public speech to a group of interested community members.

Prepare for work - this workbook is for people who are about to or who have just begun working in an office. It looks at what they need to learn about and how this information is typically provided so they able to quickly become a productive member of their new organisation . Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Produce financial reports - this workbook assists learners to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and maintain financial systems in a retail environment. Includes material on journals, reconciling accounts, payments and statements as well as preparing financial reports. Retail [WRR02] - Learner Guide

Produce simple word processed documents - this learning guide is designed to support you in learning about word processing and producing some simple documents. This could be anything from producing a sign to put in a tearoom to producing a letter or memo. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 2.6MB - Learner Guide

Provide leadership in the workplace - develop the skills and knowledge for effective workplace leadership and management whether you are a leader or future leader in a small community organisation or a larger and more formal structure. Size: 748KB. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Recognition of Prior Learning Toolkit - designed to support volunteers and managers of volunteers in learning about recognition of prior learning (RPL) and the process involved in attaining RPL for existing competency - knowledge and skill.

Represent your organisation - this covers Board Members representing their organisation in a range of situations, including the community, government and private sector organisations. It also covers establishing and representing relevant networks. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Roles and responsibilities of a board member - this unit covers the diverse roles and responsibilities of being a board member. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Secure funding - covers the main steps in securing funding: identify and contact funding bodies; prepare and promote the case for funding, and; appeal if necessary. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Side by side (1) - this program aims to link people with a disability to volunteering options with the support of a mentor. It was developed by the Disabilty Information Advocacy Service Inc (DIAS) for Volunteering Central West and funded by the NDS Premier's Department. This program includes handbooks, resource materials, facilitator's guidelines and training materials. Templates of forms are provided. - Learner Resource

Side by side (2) - this program aims to link people with a disability to volunteering options with the support of a mentor. It was developed by the Disabilty Information Advocacy Service Inc (DIAS) for Volunteering Central West and funded by the NDS Premier's Department. This program includes handbooks, resource materials, facilitator's guidelines and training materials. Templates of forms are provided. - Learner Resource

Side by side (3) - this program aims to link people with a disability to volunteering options with the support of a mentor. It was developed by the Disabilty Information Advocacy Service Inc (DIAS) for Volunteering Central West and funded by the NDS Premier's Department. This program includes handbooks, resource materials, facilitator's guidelines and training materials. Templates of forms are provided. - Learner Resource

Support effective community leadership - examines leadership skills and how to develop and maintain tools for supporting community leadership. Also looks at how agencies can promote community leadership. Community Services [CHC02] - Learner Guide

Support group activities - this book is designed to support you in learning to plan and support the activities of groups that involve volunteers. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.5MB - Learner Guide

Support the activities of existing groups - this Learning Guide is designed to support you through the actions and information required for the effective provision of support to existing groups. This guide will assist volunteers that are required to organise, or be involved in some way in the provision of resources and services to other groups. On completion of this unit, you will be able to identify and respond to the support needs of groups and undertake any required record keeping and reporting that is associated with the provision of support to groups. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.5MB - Learner Guide

The proof is in the pudding - this article seeks to explain a little about evaluation and the instructional design process. It provides very specific and practical information on conducting reaction, learning, behaviour and impact evaluations of training and learning evaluations. Author: Graeme Dobson, published in the Australian Journal on Volunteering, vol 8 no 2 pp 75-82, by Volunteering Australia. Size: 150KB - Learner Guide

Undertake basic administrative duties - this Learning Guide is designed to support you in learning and performing some of the basic tasks that effective volunteers often have to do. This could be anything from re-stocking supplies to filling out a time sheet or recording data for a major scientific investigation. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.1MB - Learner Guide

Undertake basic administrative duties: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Undertake basic administrative duties

Undertake basic administrative duties: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Undertake interviews to collect information - Deals with preparing for, and conducting interviews. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Undertake marketing - One of six modules from a course in Creative volunteering no limits, an initiative of Regional Arts Australia. This workbook covers planning, undertaking maret research, measuring success. A template for developing a marketing plan as well as further information is included.

Using business equipment - this workbook is for people working or wanting to work in an office. It will help you with the skills you need to use business equipment encountered in offices. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Volunteering: What's it all about? - this toolkit has been created to help managers of volunteers and not-for-profit organisations develop an inspiring informative session on volunteering.  It includes a Powerpoint presentation, presenter's notes for each slide, templates and information to help in creating a great talk.

Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers - develop skills involved in working in a volunteer involving organisation which includes culturally diverse clients and co-workers. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 838KB - Learner Guide

Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Work effectively with young people - to assist you to develop the skills involved in working in a not for profit organisation that involves young people. Size: 847KB. Community Services [CHC02] - Learner Guide. Size: 838KB - Learner Guide

Work with clients - this Learning Resource is for the people working in the child protection, statutory supervision and juvenile justice sectors. It covers identifying and facilitating dealing with client issues as well as promoting preventive strategies with a client. - Learner Guide

Work with collections - One of six modules from a course in Creative volunteering no limits, an initiative of Regional Arts Australia. This workbook covers collection planning managment, terpreting collections and provides tips and activities. Templates for developing a collection management policy, budget as well as a catalogue registration worksheet are provided. A list of further reading and useful websites are also included.

Work with others - this Learning Guide will help you to learn about and perform the tasks involved in working with others in your organisation, as well as helping you to plan your own workload. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 1.4MB - Learner Guide

Work with others: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Work with others

Work with others: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Work with others as a team - assists the learner to explore how to work with team members, take responsibility for their work and work area and to seek the appropriate support required to improve their work practices. Also looks at how to identify and apply conditions of employment, rights and entitlements. - Learner Guide

Work with the manager - this covers appointing the manager, clarifying respective roles and working together effectively on an on-going basis. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Work with the manager - to assist you to understand the specialised roles that are taken on by members of Boards or Committees of Management in a not for profit organisation. Size: 1.55MB. Business Services [BSB01] - Learner Guide

Work within a legal and ethical framework - this learning guide will assist you to develop the skills and knowledge to work within legal and ethical frameworks. Published by Volunteering Australia for the NVSC and funded by the Australian Government Department of Family & Community Services. Size: 980KB. Community Services [CHC02] - Learner Guide

Work within a legal and ethical framework: Toolkit of modifiable templates - this kit has been designed to support volunteers develop a portfolio of evidence and application for Recognition of Prior Learning for the competency Work within a legal and ethical framework

Work within a legal and ethical framework: RPL tool for registered training organisations - this template has been designed to support registered training organisations in their assessment of applications for recognition of prior learning

Working safely in an office - this workbook examines health and safety in the workplace. It covers hazards, safety procedures, how to respond to emergencies and how the learner can contribute to improving health and safety in the workplace. - Learner Guide

Working with volunteers and managing volunteer programs in health care settings - the NHMRC and Volunteering Australia recognise that volunteers play an integral part in our health care system, particularly in rural and remote areas of Australia. This manual has been developed by the NHMRC in recognition of volunteers in the health care sector. Published by Commonwealth of Australia and Volunteering Australia 2003 - Learner Guide