Supporting our volunteers

Volunteer and Employer Recognition and Support Program (VERSP)

SAFECOM offers the Volunteer and Employer Recognition and Support Program (VERSP) that formally recognises and rewards the passion and commitment of emergency services volunteers and their employers.

Emergency services volunteers are supported by their committed employers who make it possible for them to leave their places of work at short notice in service of their communities. Employers who take a socially responsible approach to volunteers contribute to the fabric and resilience of their communities and make an enormous contribution to the success of our emergency services.

VERSP supports:

1. Recognition of the role of volunteers by linking in with existing award and recognition programs.
2. Raising the profile of volunteering through activities and events including state-wide media campaigns and local events, as appropriate.
3. Recruitment by engaging in activities that promotes the recruitment of new volunteers and employers into emergency services through raising their profile and promoting emergency services as the preferred volunteering option and a worthy cause for employers to support.
4. Retention through events and activities that are designed to raise the profile and recognise volunteers and employers.

Activities conducted as part of the VERSP program can include:

• Presentation of Certificates of Recognition for employers and self-employed volunteers.
• Promotional material for employers to display in recognition of their involvement with the emergency services.

For more information for volunteers and employers see the Employing Emergency Service Volunteers booklet.

If you are a volunteer that would like to recognise your employer, or are an employer that would like further information on supporting emergency service volunteers, contact the Volunteer Services Branch on 1300 364 587 or email vsb@safecom.sa.gov.au.

Volunteer Services Branch

The Volunteer Services Branch (VSB) supports both the CFS and SES and their volunteers through the provision of best practice, advice, and services in volunteer management. This includes:

• Online and telephone based enquiries
• Criminal History Checks
• Non-operational training
• Cadet program and child protection
• Data analysis and reporting
• Legislative and policy advice
• Policy development and project management
• Recruitment and retention initiatives
• Supporting the Volunteer and Employer Recognition and Support Program (VERSP) 

Non-operational training courses provided by VSB include:

• Team Strengths Assessment
• Building High Performing Teams
• Ethical Conduct
• Dealing with Challenging Behaviour
• Cadet Leader Training
• Child Safe Environments