Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model (CVMM)
Overview
The Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model (CVMM) project is the evolution of past work and discussions with members, brigades, staff and VFBV about their challenges working within the current membership model.
It incorporates extensive CFA member and stakeholder feedback since 2024 on the current volunteer membership model and recognises that the nature of volunteering and CFA’s operating environment continues to change, requiring a more contemporary approach.
We want your feedback - here are all the ways you can Have Your Say
Call the Hotline on 03 9262 8474
Available from 9am - 5pm
(with extended hours coming soon)
Group Survey for Volunteer Groups
Individual Survey for Volunteers
Feedback form for volunteers and staff
Email your feedback
Check out the roadshow calendar of events
Options Paper
This paper presents a range of recommended options to enhance our volunteer membership model at CFA – making it more contemporary and in line with member and brigade needs. Each of the 13 options seeks to build on today’s membership arrangements with greater clarity and flexibility, based on member and staff feedback about the current model. These options do not affect the structure of brigades, only membership of them.
Through discussion generated from this paper, we seek feedback from our volunteers and staff about each of these recommended options. Specifically:
- Whether we should adopt an option, either fully or in part, or whether an option should not be adopted.
- What needs to be considered in implementing these options, including any risks and suitability for different brigade types.
- If supported, what further detail needs to be considered?
Options Paper
Options Paper - Appendices
Overview of the 13 Recommended Options:
While we highly recommend that you read the CVMM Options Paper, these short animations offer a clear and helpful overview of each option.
Option 1:
Tailored Recruitment and Induction for Subcategories and Roles
Option 2:
Greater Support for Transferring Members
Option 3:
Well-Defined Capabilities with Clear Pathways
Option 4:
Enhanced Acknowledgement for Life Members
Option 5:
Enhanced Clarity of Headquarters Brigades
Option 6:
Greater Support for Dual / Multi-Brigade Membership
Option 7:
Enhanced Support for Transitioning Juniors and 16–17 Year Olds into Cadets
Option 8:
Seasonal / Reserve Membership
Option 9:
Exploring Spontaneous Volunteering at CFA
Option 10:
A Well-Defined and Structured Membership Model Framework
Option 11:
Catalogue of Role Statements
Option 12:
Formal Policy for Casual Firefighters
Option 13:
Formal Policy for Volunteer Auxiliary Workers
Volunteer Leaders
- Read the Options Paper as a representative body on how the recommended options will provide better supports for brigades: Will it help brigades to better attract, support and retain volunteers?
- Actively promote discussion at your brigades and meetings about the Options Paper and ways to increase members participation in the surveys
- Complete the survey with your representative body
- Register your interest / nominate yourself for future engagement activities and focus groups (through the survey or by reaching out to cvmm@cfa.vic.gov.au)
What happens next
Ongoing improvements to the volunteer experience
Many other activities are already underway to improve how CFA attracts, retains and supports its volunteers and better supports brigades and brigade management.
Volunteer Recruitment and Induction Review
Enhancements to the Volunteer Recruitment Hub (VRH)
Frequently asked questions
How do the options benefit members?
The options explore dual and multi-brigade memberships, seasonal / reserve status, clearer pathways into specialist roles, cadet opportunities, and improved support for members moving between brigades. They also look at how long-serving members can stay connected through life membership.
The options aim to improve the volunteer experience with more flexibility, and clearer pathways to contribute.
- Remove unnecessary hurdles to joining and staying involved
- Allow members to move brigades more easily when life changes
- Support seasonal, dual, and specialist pathways
- Ensure long-serving members stay connected, even after their role-ready status changes
How do the options benefit brigades?
The proposed enhancements aim to create efficiencies, strengthen recruitment and retention, and help brigades build the capability both at the local and organisational level.
They are designed to strengthen the pipeline of active membership, open new recruitment pathways, capabilities, sustainability and support and reduce the administrative load on BMTs. This is about sustaining our volunteer workforce long term, ensuring brigades have the right people with the right capabilities in the right roles at the right locations.
Are the options already ‘carved in stone’ or is the request for member feedback genuine?
The Options Paper simply presents options based on the body of volunteer and other feedback received to date. The Individual Member and Volunteer Leader surveys specifically seek member feedback on whether they:
- Support the recommendations
- Want to change any part of the recommendations or apply limitations to them
- Can identify significant challenges or risks if CFA implemented them, and why
- Can identify alternative options
Who has been involved in developing this paper?
Operational Performance and Capability (OPC), including Sustainable Volunteerism, and the Chief Officer’s Service Delivery Program Management Office have developed the Options Paper.
The Options Paper draws on significant feedback from members, VFBV representatives, staff and other stakeholders about the pain points and opportunities with CFA’s current volunteer membership model.
A Steering Group and Project Reference Group comprising volunteers, VFBV representative and CFA staff across a range of roles and levels from across the state.
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Page last updated: Wednesday, 1 April 2026 12:58:10 PM