Update

Volunteer Engagement Model Consultation Feedback

Issue date:
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National news
Project

The Volunteer Engagement Model (VEM) consultation has now closed, and the You Told Us report summarising what was heard throughout the consultation is available to read.

From 30 March to 30 June 2026, Fire and Emergency volunteers, employees and other stakeholders across the motu were invited to provide feedback on the proposed Volunteer Engagement Model and its three key agreements:

  • Individual Volunteer and Fire and Emergency Agreement
  • Brigade and Fire and Emergency Agreement
  • Schedule 1: Brigade Rules

As part of the co-design approach, the UFBA has been closely involved throughout the development and consultation process, working alongside Fire and Emergency to help ensure the voices and experiences of volunteers and brigades are reflected in this work.

We would like to thank all UFBA members who took the time to read the proposals, attend engagement opportunities and provide feedback. The consultation captured a wide range of perspectives about volunteering, brigade life, the relationship with Fire and Emergency, and the communities our members serve.

VEM Consultation Theme numbers hold screen.png

What did you tell us?

The You Told Us report brings together the key themes raised through consultation, alongside representative comments from volunteers, employees and Local Advisory Committees.

The key themes include:

  • Relationship, trust and accountability
  • Expectations, support and protections
  • Belonging, community and inclusion
  • Governance, operations and disputes
  • Assets, financial and legal status
  • Probation, retention and leave
  • Implementation and next steps
  • Project feedback
  • Other feedback not in scope for this project

Watch this short video and share it at your next brigade meeting: https://vimeo.com/1221925081?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci 

View the full You Told Us report here: Volunteer Engagement Model | UFBA

What happens next?

Over the coming months, the VEM team will use the consultation feedback to revise the proposed agreements.

Further testing will take place as required with the UFBA working group and other stakeholders, providing another opportunity to make sure the agreements are clear, practical and workable before they are finalised.

The revised agreements will then progress through both Fire and Emergency and UFBA approval processes. Implementation is currently expected to begin from April 2027.

The UFBA will remain actively involved through the next stages of this work, advocating for agreements that recognise the realities of volunteering with Fire and Emergency and support strong, sustainable brigades.

We know this project has been a long time in the making. Thank you again to everyone who contributed along the way. Your feedback is helping shape what comes next, and our priority remains ensuring the final model works for volunteers, brigades and the communities they serve.