Published on 20 Aug 2025

Building stronger volunteer leaders: How peer support transformed confidence and capabilities

Projects
5 BO 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Dr Bo Ning Senior Consultant Contact me
21 NED 1x1 PORTRAIT 1
Ned Hardie-Boys Senior Consultant Contact me

The peer support and mentoring programmes of Tūao Aotearoa - Volunteering New Zealand have increased the confidence of volunteer managers and coordinators, expanded their capabilities and connected professionals across the sector. Allen + Clarke delivered a robust evaluation that enabled measurable outcomes and clear pathways to enhance these important initiatives. 

Key insights that drove success:

 

  • The flexibility and relationship matchmaking emerged as critical success factors, allowing participants to address their most pressing challenges.
  • Increased confidence was the most significant immediate outcome, enabling more effective leadership across organisations.
  • Our actionable recommendations included strengthening group-based learning and creating pathways for ongoing professional connections.
This evaluation demonstrated our ability to design fit-for-purpose evaluations that balance methodological rigour with practical constraints. Our understanding of capability building approaches helped to identify what worked well and to provide actionable recommendations, ultimately strengthening support for volunteer managers and co-ordinators across New Zealand.

Breaking isolation and building sector connections that matter

Tūao Aotearoa - Volunteering New Zealand plays an important role in supporting volunteer managers and coordinators across New Zealand. These professionals enable volunteering but often work in isolation. Volunteering New Zealand needed evidence of programme effectiveness to guide future investments and secure additional funding. They sought an evaluation that demonstrated outcomes and identified improvement opportunities. 

Allen + Clarke brought extensive expertise in evaluating professional development and capability building initiatives. Our team understood the voluntary sector context and the unique challenges faced by those in leadership positions. 

We developed a comprehensive evaluation framework with clear criteria and indicators, focusing on effectiveness, relevance and outcomes. This guided data collection without overburdening programme participants. 

Tangled line drawing forming brain shape above hanging lightbulb
Single yellow lightbulb glowing on black cord
Resources Block
Researchers conducting field monitoring at wetland site, using specialized equipment to collect environmental data against backdrop of rolling hills.
Projects

Restoring Nature and Community: Mixed-method evaluation of Jobs for Nature

Read More
Person in wheelchair participating in business meeting with colleagues reviewing documents in office setting
Projects

Strengthening Sector Voices: Secretariat support for the NGO Council

Read More
Close-up of unfurling fern frond with warm golden lighting and soft green bokeh background
Projects

Balancing Investment and Security: Review of Overseas Investment Office Standing Committee

Read More

Maximising existing data while gathering new insights

We analysed application and exit surveys to establish baselines and track reported changes. We conducted in-depth interviews with participants capturing rich qualitative data about experiences and outcomes and then created a targeted survey that gathered broader feedback about development needs. We triangulated findings across multiple data sources to identify patterns and draw robust conclusions. 

Colourful speech bubbles overlapping silhouettes in conversation
Colourful speech bubbles overlapping silhouettes in conversation

Find out how we can help.
Book a Discovery Session

Get clarity on your challenge with our free one-hour discovery session - no obligation, just practical insights on how we can help.

Creating safe spaces for growth

The programmes created valuable safe spaces for volunteer managers and coordinators to share challenges and test approaches before implementing them. Participants reported significant growth in confidence, which translated into improved communication, leadership and strategic abilities. 

The programme effectively addressed isolation by connecting managers with mentors and peers who understood their unique challenges. Participants built valuable professional networks that extended beyond the formal programme period. 

We also identified opportunities for improvement, including strengthening group-based aspects and providing more structure for peer support interactions. 

Hand holding red book with abstract yellow geometric shapes
Hands writing with pen overlaid with yellow geometric shape and black squiggles
We also identified opportunities for improvement, including strengthening group-based aspects and providing more structure for peer support interactions.

Evidence-based direction for future growth

Volunteering New Zealand quickly began implementing programme enhancements based on our findings, trialling a new approach with more group-based peer support. Our recommendations highlighted the value of creating an integrated package of learning opportunities, with peer support and mentoring as core components. 

The evaluation delivered three significant outcomes for Volunteering New Zealand:

  • Evidence-based validation of programme value

  • Strategic direction for programme

  • Stronger foundation for funding applications. 

Interconnected coloured pathways forming abstract network diagram
Interconnected coloured pathways forming abstract network diagram