All volunteers are valued members of their school and preschool community. When you work on a council, you too are a volunteer. You’ll also be working with other volunteers.

Your responsibilities as a volunteer

As a parent member of a governing council, you have the same responsibilities as other volunteers with access to department schools and preschools. This means you:

• have to do the Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) training
• are considered a mandated notifier.

As well, some volunteers might need a working with children check. 

The site leader (principal or director) will guide you through what’s required and how to get more information.

Leadership and protecting children

Even though you might not work directly with children, you're in an influential position on the council. You might also hear about specific situations or children. The RRHAN-EC training will help you in how to deal with what you might hear.

Working with other volunteers

Part of your role on a council is working with other volunteers. Working with the site leader, you might need to:

• make sure volunteers are aware of their own responsibilities as a mandated notifier
• find ways to recruit new volunteers
• work with existing volunteers on affiliated committees 
• encourage new and existing volunteers to join the council.

Why volunteer

Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the education and wellbeing of children and young people. Also, it's proven that by volunteering you may improve your mental and physical health.