Engaging volunteers in an emergency management organisation

The recruitment and retention of volunteers is a perennial and significant concern for emergency management organisations. this research aimed to identify factors associated with the successful engagement and retention of volunteers in an emergency management organisation. six focus groups were undertaken with participants from both rural and metropolitan areas of one australian jurisdiction. a number of themes were identified for the volunteer's reasons to join, leave and stay in a volunteer emergency management organisation. the notion of retention should not be a focus for organisations; rather volunteer emergency management organisations should implement and enhance strategies to engage volunteers.