Ensuring that Surf Life Saving NSW is a great place to volunteer is a key priority. We want to be inclusive, welcoming and to know that our volunteers enjoy their roles and feel good about what they do.
To help us do this better, we partner with external researchers every two years to seek confidential feedback from our members on their experience of volunteering with SLS.
The last survey was conducted in 2023. You can download the snapshot of findings below.
WHAT ARE WE DOING WITH THE FINDINGS?
Tools for Existing Leaders
After an extensive multi-year, externally-evaluated pilot, SLSNSW released a 90-minute online leadership program in November 2024 that has been proven to reduce controlling leadership – a known key driver of volunteer turnover. The program promotes motivational leadership, with a particular focus on interpersonal skills that support autonomy and belonging.
The program was proven to be equally effective for all members, regardless of age, gender or previous leadership experience, and 97% of participants recommended an organisation-wide roll-out of the training.
The program can be found on the SLS eLearning Platform, accessed via the SLS Members Area – look for the SLS Leadership folder!
Inclusive Environments
In October 2024 SLSNSW ran a round table exploring the barriers to gender equity in leadership. The round table unpacked findings from the 2023 Volunteer Satisfaction Survey which asked members of all genders whether anything had prevented them from putting their hand up for a leadership position in SLS, and if so, what.
The outcomes of this workshop have been shared with the SLSNSW Board and an Expression of Interest to join a state-based working group will be circulated in mid-2025. This working group will be responsible for driving the identified priorities forward.
Support for Emerging Leaders
In March 2025 we piloted an emerging leader program that focuses on self-leadership and the interpersonal skills required to motivate, engage and retain volunteers. The program is currently being evaluated, with preliminary findings demonstrating statistically significant outcomes. The program design draws directly on findings from the SLS Volunteer Satisfaction Survey.
The program is aimed at members who are early-on in their SLS leadership journey and have had little to no previous leadership training. If you, or someone you know, would like to join the wait list for this program, click here.
Safe and Respectful Environments
In late 2024 and early 2025, SLSNSW has undertaken research to better understand:
- groups who may be disproportionately more likely to experience incivility
- the types of interventions that other organisations are implementing to reduce incivility
- which of these interventions members feel could be most appropriate for SLS
Outcomes from this research will be piloted in the 2025/26 season.
Club Culture
In late 2024, SLSNSW undertook research to better understand the key indicators of members’ satisfaction with club culture.
Outcomes from this research will be piloted in the 2025/26 season.
