Clear roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers are essential to the effective running of a toy library. When everyone understands what is expected of them, tasks are completed properly, teamwork improves, and confusion is reduced, creating a positive experience for volunteers, staff, and families.
Staff roles must be clearly defined and linked to the industrial award under which they are employed. Toy Libraries Australia has historically been advised by the Fair Work Ombudsman to use the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100), supporting fair and lawful employment practices.
Volunteer roles can be designed to suit the needs of the toy library but should be clearly documented. When developing these roles, toy libraries should consider the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement to ensure volunteers are supported, valued, and appropriately engaged.
Having clear roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers in a toy library is important because it helps everyone know what they’re supposed to do. This keeps things organised, ensures tasks are done properly, and helps volunteers work well together. When each person understands their job, the toy library runs smoothly, and everyone can have a positive experience. It also helps prevent confusion or misunderstandings, making the volunteer work more enjoyable and efficient.
Staff roles and responsibilities need to be directly linked to the award you are paying them under. Toy Libraries Australia have historically been provided the advice to use the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100) from the Fair Work Ombudsman
Although an organisation can establish volunteer roles and tasks to suit them there are National Standards for Volunteer Involvement that should be considered.
Committee
Key committee roles may be in part defined by your constitution. The templates below are designed to be adapted to the needs of your toy library - big or small. Roles can be split, shared, or multiple roles may be taken on by one person - but be careful to avoid committee burnout!
Volunteers
Although an organisation can establish volunteer roles and tasks to suit them there are National Standards for Volunteer Involvement that should be considered.
Paid Staff
Staff roles and responsibilities need to be directly linked to the award you are paying them under. Toy Libraries Australia have historically been provided the advice to use the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100) from the Fair Work Ombudsman. Staff roles and entitlements are discussed in Quality Standard 3.5
Further Learning
ICDA, overview of board roles and responsibilities
(www.communitydirectors.com.au/icda/tools/?articleId=1310)
Updated:
6 Mar 2026