Volunteering Focus - 12 March 2025

Good Morning folks, we’ve got some exciting updates and helpful resources for you this week, so grab your coffee and let’s dive in.
 
Big news for those working with volunteers: The PVG Scheme becomes a legal requirement starting April 1st, 2025! Don't worry though – you’ve got time to get prepared, and we’re here to help you navigate these changes. Volunteer Scotland are offering FREE online Disclosure Act Info sessions to guide you through the new legislation and answer any questions you might have. It's a great opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your organisation is ready for the changes. And that's just the beginning!

We've got everything from Volunteers Week 2025 updates to Summit Award Nominations opening up. Plus, there’s plenty more on volunteering, from our Renfrewshire Volunteer Managers Forum to opportunities with Police Scotland and a special Team Kinetic Webinar on volunteering strategies.
 
Enjoy, and as always give me a shout if I can support with any enquiries.

Disclosure Act

The PVG Scheme becomes a legal requirement from the 1st April 2025! You still have time to prepare for how these changes will affect your organisation. We’re here to help!
 
FREE online Disclosure Act Info session
 
These sessions will give you the opportunity to learn about the new legislation and how you can prepare for working with the new Disclosure Act, provide you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the implementation of the Disclosure Act in 2025, as well as how to work with the current disclosure legislation. 

Book a session here The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 - Volunteer Scotland

We’re excited to announce some fantastic events during Renfrewshire Volunteers' Week and would love for you to be part of them! Please save the following dates:

• Monday 2nd June 12-2pm for our Mini Volunteer Fair
•  Thursday 5th June (evening) for our Volunteer Appreciation Event 

We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Tannahill Centre this year to celebrate Volunteers' Week together. Stay tuned for more details!
 
Get involved here - Volunteers' Week

2025 Summit Award Nominations now open - Get your nominations submitted in time for Volunteers Week!

Do you know a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering in their local area? Do they stand out from the rest, go above and beyond and exceed all expectations? Then why not nominate them for a Summit Award?
Young volunteers must be:

• Resident in Scotland
• Aged between 12-25
• Nominated by either: the organisation they volunteer for, their school, college or University or local Saltire delivery office (Engage Renfrewshire)
• Not a previous Summit Award winner

Nominations can be made using the link below and will be submitted to Engage Renfrewshire. Nominations will then be considered by RYV (Renfrewshire Youth Voice). Nominations close 31 March.
 
Submit your nomination here Summit Award – Saltire Awards

Join us on Wednesday, 14 May, from 10:00 to 12pm, at Engage Renfrewshire. This forum is your chance to connect with fellow volunteer managers, exchange insights, and learn from inspiring approaches to Inclusive Volunteering Strategies. We’ll spotlight organisations that have successfully embraced inclusivity in their volunteer programs. Whether you’re an experienced manager or just starting out, this event is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical ideas and showcase your own work. Spotlight sessions from Dates N Mates, STAR and Pachedu will feature diverse topics such as:

• Creating Accessible Volunteering Opportunities
• Engaging Diverse Demographics
• Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion
• Partnerships for Inclusion
• Measuring Success

We’ll also be joined by Fraser Clark from #YouthVIP, YouthVIP is part of the Volunteering Matters (charity) organisation who work in the voluntary sector all over the UK. They work in partnership with Young Scot & Youth Link Scotland as well as Scottish Government, the Third Sector (TSI) community and lots and lots of other organisations at a grassroots level, ALL working together with Young People within the voluntary sector.

YouthVIP develop ideas and support opportunities to help create an impact within your local community with young people at the heart of everything we do. HOME | Youth VIP
 
Register now to secure your spot!
 
Renfrewshire Volunteer Managers Forum Tickets, Wed, May 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

 
Do you want to support individuals in Renfrewshire access equal opportunities?

The aim of this project is to recruit a pool of volunteers who will support local adults and young people with additional support needs to access local volunteering opportunities and community groups.

Main role of volunteer

• Volunteer will build relationship with their match to support and encourage them to achieve their goal
• Volunteer will support their match with navigating public transport or travel arrangements to and from a volunteering opportunity or group
• Volunteer will attend initial sessions with their match, acting as a safe space and point of contact
• At a suitable time, you will work with your match to decide when your support is no longer needed
• Keep in regular contact with your host organisation to decide when support is no longer needed

 
Perks and Benefits

• Initial and on-going training (including Autism Awareness)
• Regular support and supervision
• The opportunity to connect with local groups and people across Renfrewshire
• The opportunity to increase your own skills and confidence

 
Would you like to find out more about this exciting new volunteering role? If so, contact Louise our Volunteer Development Officer lwalker@engagerenfrewshire.com
 
Inclusive Volunteers

At Engage we believe that the charter supports the foundations for a great volunteer experience and gives individuals, groups and organisations the opportunity to express their support and appreciation for volunteering, whilst upholding the principles of good volunteer practise. We already have some Volunteer Charter Champions in Renfrewshire – but we need more! It takes a few moments to sign up to the pledge, why not do it now?



 
Become a Charter Champion - Volunteer Scotland

Cost of Living: Guidance and information

The cost of living crisis is having a negative impact on volunteers and volunteering. Many volunteer involving organisations are facing funding cuts and loss of volunteers. In order to support, Volunteer Scotland have provided practical guidance on how to limit the impact of this crisis on your volunteering programme. You'll also find links to latest research and policy publications here.

Cost of Living - Volunteer Scotland

Team Kinetic Webinar, March 13, Partnering with Purpose: Local authorities maximising volunteer potential. This session is ideal for local authorities considering the development of their volunteer offer. This webinar is completely free and will run for one hour.

Team Kinetic are bringing together experts who have successfully built and scaled volunteer programmes within local authorities. This session will explore how effective volunteer management can drive community engagement, enhance reporting, and support strategic decision-making.

Meet the Speakers:

• Claire Troup (MCRVIP) – How Manchester City Council grew their volunteer program to be reported and managed at board level.
• Lorraine Toner (Glasgow Life) – Using reporting to track volunteer impact, promote equality, and guide recruitment.

For more information and to sign up, follow this link - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/partnering-with-purpose-local-authorities-maximising-volunteer-potential-tickets-1225037412879?aff=oddtdtcreator