Summary
A number of initiatives have been delivered over the past two years with the key aim to continue to increase the number of Volunteering opportunities across the city, both by providing training to organisations which involve volunteers, and by supporting individuals into volunteering directly.
Making A Difference
For a sense of the real difference volunteering can make, watch the videos included below. Between 2018-20 Volunteer Glasgow exceeded their target number of opportunities advertised by 40%, and doubled their target number of individuals supported to volunteer of 2196. Over the first lockdown 4,450 citizens signed-up to volunteer with local charities, and 30 new mutual aid groups were formed.
Endorsed by Glasgow’s Community Planning Partnership Glasgow’s Volunteering Strategy 2019- 24 set out ten objectives to increase the number of Glasgow citizens volunteering both formally and informally by 2024. One strategic objective highlighted was to increase participation rates among individuals who often experience barriers to volunteer. A small group was formed with representatives from Glasgow Life, Volunteer Glasgow, Community Justice Glasgow, Scottish Refugee Council and Glasgow Disability Alliance to help organisations prepare for engagement with individuals with historic low participation rates. Informed by a training needs analysis survey the group delivered an “Inclusive Volunteering” event to over 30 Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) in January 2020. Building on the success of the day VIOs were invited to host a stand and put learning into practise at a joint volunteer recruitment event in early February 2020 attended by over 100 individuals.
“I will be more proactive in approaching harder to reach groups” – Attendee
During the same period The Community Learning and Development Strategic Plan (CLD) 2018 – 2020 also set out strategic objectives to continue to fulfil Glasgow’s Volunteer Charter Pledges and further develop opportunities, maximising the legacy of large scale events e.g. 2018 European Championships, addressing barriers to build skills and confidence leading to increased volunteering in our city and ensuring volunteers reflect our city’s vibrant diversity. During this reporting period Volunteer Glasgow exceeded their target of the number of opportunities advertised by 40%, the number of individuals supported to volunteer was more than double their original target of 2,196.
Glasgow’s volunteering environment shifted considerably during the first lockdown, demonstrating a surge in community spirit 4,450 citizens signed-up to volunteer with local charities in response to the Scotland Cares campaign. Thousands of willing volunteers came forward to form 30 new mutual aid groups across the city offering support with food and prescription delivery amongst other tasks. At the same time a survey (604 VIOs) identified emerging challenges faced by organisations. Volunteer Glasgow, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) and Glasgow Life worked closely to offer solutions to ensure volunteer recruitment and placement across the city was coordinated in an efficient and effective manner. Building capacity within existing frameworks, utilising skills and learned experience to ensure that volunteering activity is safe, meaningful, sustainable and meets citizen’s needs. Volunteer Glasgow provided tailored support for volunteers and organisations via the Glasgow Helps phone lines, GCVS online sessions and networking events.
In June 2020, Glasgow Life, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) and Volunteer Glasgow were asked to lead on a review of the Strategy in order to “ensure that the future of volunteering in the city aims to achieve the vision outlined in Volunteering for All – A National Framework and Glasgow becomes a place ‘where everyone can volunteer, more often, and throughout their lives”. The Summary Report from Advantage Training Consultancy and the partners’ initial responses to their recommendations were presented to Glasgow’s Social Recovery Taskforce, January 2021.
Joint working continues across the city to increase the number of volunteer opportunities advertised. Reviewing citywide plans, adopting national polices, implementing change and improved ways of working to address challenges and break down barriers for those who have most to gain from donating their time.
