HUMAN RESOURCES

A nonprofit's relationship to its employees and volunteers is fundamental to its ability to achieve its mission. Volunteers occupy a special place in nonprofit organizations, serving in governance, administrative and programmatic capacities. An organization's human resource policies should address both paid employees and volunteers, and should be fair, establish clear expectations, and provide for meaningful and effective performance evaluation.

A. Personnel Policies

(1) A nonprofit should have written personnel policies and procedures, approved by the board of directors, governing the work and actions of all employees and volunteers of the organization. In addition to covering basic elements of the employment relationship (e.g. working conditions, employee benefits, vacation and sick leave), the policies should address employee evaluation, supervision, hiring and firing, grievance procedures, confidentiality of employee, client and organization records and information, and employee growth and development.

(2) With respect to volunteers, the organization's policies and procedures should also address initial assessment or screening, assignment to and training for appropriate work responsibilities, ongoing supervision and evaluation, and opportunities for advancement.

B. Employee Performance Evaluation

(1) Organizations should have a system in place for regular written evaluation of employees by their respective supervisors, which should take place at least annually.

C. Employee Orientation

(1) New employees of the organization should receive an orientation, which includes review of the organization's personnel policies and procedures, position description, and an introduction to the Standards for Excellence. Employees should be provided with a copy of the personnel policies and these Standards, and should acknowledge receipt in writing.