Volunteers are almost always highly committed, purpose-driven individuals. However, passion and generosity do not make volunteer teams immune to interpersonal friction, poor role fit, or problematic behaviour.

When tension surfaces in a volunteer context, it is rarely straightforward. The personal motivations, unspoken expectations, and emotional investment of volunteers introduce layers of complexity that can make resolution feel uniquely difficult.

A recurring dilemma for leaders and HR managers is that no one likes to say "no" to a volunteer. Even the most experienced leaders hesitate to address boundary violations or performance issues when someone is giving their time for free. The default response is often postponement, hoping that a situation will self-correct or smooth over with time.

In reality, delayed action rarely resolves tension; it entrenches conflict, increases emotional fallout, and damages broader team morale. Avoiding necessary conversations does not protect a program. It exposes it to preventable harm.

Presented in partnership with The Centre for Volunteering, this session challenges the mindset of avoidance. Led by Voluntas Director Lynette Edwards, the webinar provides leaders with actionable, practical strategies to step into difficult conversations early, set compassionate boundaries, and use conflict constructively as an engine for organisational clarity and cultural health.

What We Will Cover

• Why conflict is different in volunteering organisations: Why values-based, voluntary engagement amplifies emotional stakes and creates hidden points of tension.

• The cost of postponement: How delaying action compounds interpersonal issues, impacts volunteer retention, and increases leadership strain.

• Overcoming the hesitation barrier: Practical tools to address behaviour, role misalignment, and boundary breaches with both firmness and empathy.

• Transformative resolution: How to shift your approach from crisis management to constructive dialogue, using conflict as a catalyst for stronger systems and relationships.

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for professionals and leaders across the not-for-profit, community, and volunteer sectors:

• Volunteer Managers, Coordinators, and Team Leaders

• People & Culture (HR) Professionals in the NFP and Charity sectors

• Executive Directors, Board Members, and Community Program Managers

• Anyone responsible for setting volunteer standards, safety, and engagement culture

About the Speaker

Lynette Edwards

Director, Voluntas

Lynette is an experienced dispute resolution practitioner, mediator, and facilitator specializing in complex group dynamics, organizational culture, and restorative dialogue. Through her leadership at Voluntas, Lynette supports organizations across Australia to navigate high-stakes conflict, repair relational trust, and build capable, conflict-resilient teams.

Registration

Attendance is free. Secure your spot to receive the live webinar link and access instructions.