Glasgow launches charter to improve number and quality of volunteering opportunities for all

Published: 7 June 2016

Public bodies, third sector organisations and the private sector are being called upon to sign up to Glasgow's first Volunteering Charter.

Glasgow's Volunteering Charter offers a new, strategic programme involving Glasgow Community Planning Partners that will support organisations to create and increase the number of quality volunteering opportunities in the city.

Led by Volunteer Glasgow, partners are committed to increasing inclusive volunteering opportunities as part of our Glasgow 2014 Legacy ambitions. Over the next three years Volunteer Glasgow will be challenging every organisation in the city to sign up to this new charter and to take advantage of the support on offer.

Bernadette Monaghan, Chief Executive of Volunteer Glasgow, said: "We have some fantastic examples of innovative and inclusive volunteering opportunities developed by organisations in both the third and public sectors, but the available data also shows that people in Glasgow seem to volunteer less than the rest of Scotland."

Councillor Archie Graham OBE, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said: "Glasgow faces a range of challenges, but we've shown that the city can take advantage of opportunities and achieve outstanding success, often developing innovative ways to do so. Two years ago, we delivered the best ever Commonwealth Games, with thousands of people volunteering to help in appropriate ways at the Games Ceremonies, as Clydesiders, at Pride House and as our magnificent Host City Volunteers.

"We've harnessed people's enthusiasm and continue to build on that legacy. Last week we announced that thanks to our partners at the Big Lottery Fund, we are recruiting around 400 volunteers to be the heart and soul of the Homeless World Cup. Up to half of the volunteers will have been affected by homelessness at some point in their lives and we will continue that support with life-changing opportunities in sport, culture and learning. There will also be a range of volunteering opportunities when the city hosts another multi-sport event, the European Championships, in 2018.

"Within the Council and Glasgow Life we want to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with volunteers, where they can bring new skills and perspective to us while fulfilling their volunteering ambitions."

Volunteering is important to virtually every aspect of life in Glasgow.  People contribute their time, energy and skills to support organisations in the arts, sport, environmental work and health and social care. Many of them also run clubs and events, govern charities, raise funds, provide youth and play work, education and lifelong learning, and much more.

We also know that, in general,  people who volunteer are happier, healthier and more employable.

Organisations will benefit from signing the Charter in a number of ways - not least by being supported to involve more people willing to donate their time, energy, skills and expertise. Harnessing this support means organisations can do more for their beneficiaries, members and communities.

Organisations can take advantage of support services from Volunteer Glasgow to achieve their Charter pledges including expert coaching, facilitated action-learning Charter workshops, online resources and networking.  Once they have achieved the Charter Mark organisations can boost their profile using the Charter brand, receiving recognition from key partners for their contribution to the city's shared objectives.  To win the Charter Mark organisations simply need to commit to one or more pledges, confirm their governing body has signed-up and submit an action plan.

Charter signatory organisations will be supported to develop appropriate volunteering opportunities by using a clear set of values, principles and processes to ensure they are not replacing paid staff posts with volunteering roles.  Glasgow's Poverty Leadership Panel has made a commitment since 2013 to make volunteering more accessible for people living in poverty, with relevant action plans under the Panel's "Work and Worth" priority.  Guidance is available from Volunteer Scotland and the STUC on strengthening relations between paid staff and volunteers.

Any organisation can register an interest in the Charter and access the online resources to work towards Charter pledges via these web pages.

Volunteer Glasgow
Abbey House (1st Floor),
10 Bothwell Street,
Glasgow, G2 6LU

Switchboard: 0141 226 3431
www.volunteerglasgow.org  |  facebook.com/volunteerglasgow  |  twitter.com/volunteerglasgo

Opening Hours: 
Mon-Thurs 9.30-4.30  |  Fri 9.30-3.00

Volunteer Glasgow is the operating name of The Volunteer Centre - the Centre for Volunteering, Community Action and Employment Initiatives. Scottish Charity number SC005462. Company limited by guarantee (number 166042). Registered office: 10 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 6LU