The below information was sent, via email to all volunteers and staff across SSAFA on 5 June 2025.
To: all volunteers, employees, trustees
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Dear colleagues,
Focus: Volunteer recruitment in the NDP |
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The key strength of how SSAFA comprehensively supports beneficiaries is our dedicated and extensive cohort of volunteers, it sets us apart from our fellow military charities strengthens our reputation and enables us to offer the compassion and flexibility that our armed forces family requires and deserves. When someone offers their time to us as a volunteer, we want them to have a positive and efficient experience during recruitment, and we know that the NDP has created that. |
How do we attract people to volunteer with us?
People are drawn to us in many ways, and whilst campaigns raise awareness and understanding we know that one of the most influential factors are the positive interactions people have with those who already volunteer and work for SSAFA.
The new Regional Marketing Managers (RMM) will provide additional support, using their expertise to increase awareness of SSAFA and widen the reach of our volunteer recruitment adverts.
Our shared passion and dedication make all the difference, so let’s keep doing it!
How are volunteers recruited in the NDP model?
- Potential volunteers complete an application on the SSAFA website.
- The recruitment journey is visible and efficient on our new Volunteer Management System (VMS), GoAssemble (GA).
- People are supported throughout the process – the Volunteer Development Manager (VDM) for caseworkers and the Community Engagement Manager (CEM) alongside the branch for branch volunteer roles.
- Suitable applicants are invited for interview with the VDM or CEM and branch.
- Successful applicants are helped to do a DBS check (where required), referencing and mandatory training.
- Once complete they are introduced to those related to their chosen role.
- Casework volunteers who work directly with the regional office, are also introduced to their local branch so that they benefit from the SSAFA community in their area.
Are volunteers still involved in recruitment?
Yes - branches are encouraged to remain involved in the recruitment process for branch volunteers, and this is done in partnership with their CEM.
Once a new volunteer caseworker is qualified how does the Regional Office (RO) support them?
Under NDP all caseworkers and case management has moved from being the responsibility of the branches to the RO.
New caseworkers are welcomed into the RO team by their VDM who has supported them throughout the recruitment journey. The RO then provides tailored support as they begin working on their first few cases - offering guidance for as long as needed. This support can take various forms including remote one-to-one or group drop-in sessions, face-to-face meetings and connecting them with a fellow caseworker in their area for shadowing opportunities.
To learn more about the pastoral care available for casework volunteers please read the NDP FAQs.
Where can I get more information?
For detailed GA usage guides and all NDP processes and procedures go to The Volunteer Knowledge Base – accessible to all volunteers and employees.
For comprehensive NDP information please read the NDP Frequently Asked Questions document, which is a collection of questions that have been posed during and since the trials.
If you are looking for a wide variety of information and wish to view video clips from NDP Caseworkers and previously recorded presentations about the NDP then the place to be is the NDP Information Hub on SSAFA net.
If you no longer have access to SSAFAnet, you will already be on GA, so please refer to the NDP file in the document hub or head to the Volunteer Knowledge Base.
As ever, if you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
Many thanks,
The Network Delivery Project team