How do I write an engaging role description?

Opportunity listings include three main headings: Description, The impact you’ll have, and The skills you’ll need.

Below are some additional suggested headings you can use, based on volunteer feedback about what helps them decide whether to apply. We also recommend using markdown formatting in the upload spreadsheet to help structure your description. (We’ve linked to our Markdown Guide to help.) 

Description:

About the role
Write a 1–2 sentence summary of what the volunteer will do.

What you’ll be doing
List clear, practical tasks:
• Task 1
• Task 2
• Task 3
• Task 4

How you’ll be supported in this role
e.g. Is training provided? Will they have a buddy or supervisor?

What to wear/bring
e.g. Comfortable clothing, practical footwear, or whether a uniform is provided

Who it’s suitable for
e.g. Someone happy to get hands-on in the garden, or someone friendly who enjoys talking to people in a people-focused role

Accessibility
e.g. Any accessibility information relevant to the role, location, or organisation. You should also let volunteers know if adjustments can be made. (We’ve linked to our Writing Accessible Roles Guide to help you with this.) 

The impact you’ll have:

Write 1–2 lines explaining the impact of the role — for example, who the volunteer will be helping (directly or indirectly). Volunteers really value understanding this. You could also include what they’ll gain, such as skills or social impact.

The Skills you’ll need:

Include any essential skills, and any desirable skills if relevant and remember, many roles don’t require prior experience so you can state that too.

Here are our five top tips to help your opportunities shine on GoVo.  

Your title is the first thing a potential volunteer will see, so make it specific, simple and attention-grabbing. Avoid jargon and try to capture the heart of the role in just a few words. A strong title can be the difference between someone clicking or scrolling past.

2.  Use keywords in the description

Think about the keywords a volunteer might use to find your opportunity and ensure you have used them throughout your role description. Our search function works by scanning the description. So for a gardening based role you would want to include words like 'garden', 'gardening', 'planting' etc

3.  Highlight the difference the volunteer will make

People volunteer because they want to help others. Make the purpose of the role clear and explain how their time will have an impact. Describing the outcome helps volunteers feel confident that their time matters.

4.  Offer flexibility where you can

Fixed, rigid time commitments can put volunteers off. If your role allows for flexibility, be sure to say so. Whether it’s choosing a shift, helping once a month, or fitting volunteering around other responsibilities, flexibility can open the door to more people getting involved. 

5.  Check the basics: spelling and grammar

Clear, well-written descriptions help volunteers feel welcomed and reassured about the experience they’ll have with your organisation. Before publishing, take a moment to proofread or ask a colleague to check your wording. Small details help build trust.