ABSTRACT
The importance of the service volunteer is acknowledged but not all organisations acknowledge the importance of the induction process for Board volunteers and staff. Organisations also vary in their provision of induction for service users as Board members. Orientation includes any time that the worker operates with restricted caseloads or workload. In the case of a Board member the end of the orientation period is not as clear-cut but every attempt should be made to identify a sequence of activities clearly as 'orientation'. Many of the orientation topics are relevant also for the orientation of service users, as they are active participants in the organisational life of the agency and the reason for its existence. Organisations are often quite effective in orienting new Board members and staff about physical and factual aspects of operation. At orientation, Board and staff should be familiarised with the organisational chart and its significance in relation to accountability, reporting requirements and the organisation of work.
