The core functions of a Volunteer Centre (or other Volunteer Development Agency) are:
Brokerage, Marketing Volunteering, Good Practice Development, Develop Volunteering Opportunities, Policy response and campaigning, Strategic development of volunteering.

Brokerage

The primary function of Volunteer Centres is to match both individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities in the local community. Volunteer Centres hold information on a comprehensive range of opportunities. They offer potential volunteers support and advice matching their motivation to volunteer with appropriate volunteering opportunities.

Marketing volunteering

Volunteer Centres stimulate and encourage local interest in volunteering and community activity. This may include promoting and marketing volunteering through local, regional and national events and campaigns. Volunteer Centres will manage and promote a national brand for volunteering.

Good practice development

Volunteer Centres promote good practice in working with volunteers to all volunteer involving organisations. They deliver training and accreditation for potential volunteers, volunteers, volunteer managers and the volunteering infrastructure.

Develop volunteering opportunities

Volunteer Centres work in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities. Volunteer Centres understand the potential offered by the local communities and work with them to realise this potential. Volunteer Centre target specific groups which face barriers to volunteering. Volunteer Centres work creatively to develop imaginative, non-formal opportunities for potential volunteers.

Policy response and campaigning

Volunteer Centres identify proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering. It will lead and/or participate in campaigns on issues that affect volunteers or volunteering. Volunteer Centres campaign proactively for a more volunteer-literate and volunteer-friendly climate.

Strategic development of volunteering

As the local experts on volunteering Volunteer Centres inform strategic thinking and planning at a regional and national level.