A Griffith University and University of Tasmania survey has found a high level of morale among State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers in Queensland.
About 592 volunteers from 93 SES groups across the state were randomly selected for a questionnaire about their levels of positivity, self-efficacy, hope and resiliency in their voluntary work.
The majority of respondents showed a high level of satisfaction for their volunteer work with the intention to continue with the Queensland SES for the next three years.
Lead researcher at Griffith’s School of Employment Relations and Human Resources Dr Wayne O’Donohue said respondents were mostly motivated by their desire to help the community with a valuable emergency service.
“Volunteers were mostly motivated by helping others in the community, learning and using new skills and experience,” Dr O’Donohue said.
Dr O’Donohue said the data indicated the majority of SES volunteers were men over the age of 40.
Other survey findings included priorities volunteers identified including more training, funding, equipment, better management structures, rules and better communication.
A Queensland SES spokesman welcomed the report which confirmed the high level of morale and commitment amongst SES volunteers.
The research will help with the development of targeted recruitment and training programs to enhance volunteer skills to increase volunteer satisfaction, commitment and retention.