Volunteering Focus - August 2026

Welcome to the August edition of our Volunteer Focus Newsletter. 

If I were to comment on the summer weather, I'd probably fill the entire newsletter! So, I'll simply say... hasn't it been interesting? 

This month, we're sharing good news, Volunteer Managers Forum agenda, exciting volunteer opportunities, valuable training resources, and information about our upcoming Blind Date Volunteer Matching Event. 

The contestants (volunteer managers) places are now fully booked, but we have spaces available for audience members (potential volunteers) Please help us spread the word by sharing the poster below. 

Community Transport Mileage Increase

Good News for Volunteer Drivers!

You may already be aware of the recent increase in the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) rate and may have updated your volunteer expenses policy accordingly.

Volunteer Scotland has published a policy blog celebrating the increase from 45p per mile to 55p per mile, following campaigning by the Community Transport Association.  Community Transport Association.  

This is a welcome development for volunteer drivers. However, it also highlights the importance of ensuring that all levels of government and third sector funders provide sufficient support so that organisations can meet the increased rate and prevent volunteers from being left out of pocket.

Read more: Read our blog here.

Congratulations to Renfrewshire Carers Centre on achieving the Investing in Volunteers Award, the UK quality standard for excellence in volunteer management.

This is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the organisation's commitment to volunteering. Special congratulations go to Marie Granger, Volunteer Co-ordinator, for her hard work, dedication, and leadership throughout the process.


Image shows Provost and members of Renfrewshire Carers Centre with certificate

Interested in learning more about the accreditation?

Find out more: Investing in Volunteers 

 

Tickets for Good

Tickets for Good connects NHS workers, charity sector staff, and volunteers with free and discounted tickets to live events across the UK.

The platform aims to make cultural and entertainment experiences more accessible for those who may otherwise face barriers to attending.

Learn more: About Tickets for Good | Making Events Accessible 

Our next Volunteer Managers Forum will take place tomorrow, Thursday 13 August at 10.30am, at the Engage Renfrewshire Office.

This is an opportunity to explore new opportunities, share experiences, and help shape the future of volunteer management support across Renfrewshire.

What's on the Agenda?

• Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV): What Is It and Why Does It Matter? We'll provide an update on responses from local businesses and share details of an exciting Volunteer Fair opportunity.
• Shaping a Volunteer Managers and Co-ordinators Network Your views are important. Together we'll discuss how we can create a stronger network focused on peer support, sharing good practice, and addressing common challenges. We'll also explore moving away from the current Forum model and consider how a new network could operate in the future.
• Celebrating Success and Sharing Good Practice What has worked well in your organisation recently? This session provides an opportunity to share positive outcomes, successful initiatives, and examples of good practice from across the sector. It's a chance to learn from one another and identify approaches that could be adapted elsewhere.

Why Attend?

• Gain practical ideas for developing Employer Supported Volunteering opportunities.
• Share challenges, experiences, and solutions with fellow volunteer managers.
• Help shape future support and networking opportunities across the sector.
• Learn from colleagues and celebrate achievements across Renfrewshire's volunteering community.

Book Your Place
Register via Eventbrite

Or simply drop me an email to confirm your attendance.

Is Everyone Welcome? Toolkit

Looking for fresh ideas to strengthen volunteer engagement and inclusion?
US-based nonprofit Idealist has developed an excellent toolkit packed with practical guidance, case studies, and real-world examples designed to help organisations create welcoming and inclusive environments.
There is plenty of useful information to explore and adapt to your own organisation.
Explore the toolkit: Is Everyone Welcome? Toolkit - Idealist

Community of Practice
The Community of Practice (CoP) is a collaborative space where volunteer leaders and digital practitioners come together to learn, share knowledge, and develop their skills.

Built around a shared passion for volunteering and digital innovation, the CoP supports organisations in adopting digital approaches that work for them and their volunteers.

Whether you're just starting your digital journey or looking to enhance existing practice, the Community of Practice offers an opportunity to connect with peers and learn from others across the sector. Find out more: Community of Practice - Shaped by Volunteer Leaders, for Volunteer Leaders. 

 

Free Digital Skills Training for Third Sector

The Curve is a series of free, 90-minute online workshops designed specifically for third sector organisations.
Led by digital experts, these sessions explore best practice, introduce useful digital tools, and provide practical guidance to help organisations increase their impact.

Workshops are open to anyone working or volunteering within a third sector organisation in the UK.

Upcoming Sessions
Beyond the case study: finding and sharing stories that show your real impact
The person comes first: developing a practical approach to ethical storytelling

Volunteering Opens New Doors for Tony Allan

Tony Allan, a volunteer with CIRCLE Recovery Hub, demonstrates how volunteering can be a powerful pathway to new opportunities.
Through his dedication and commitment, Tony progressed from volunteering into education and is now following a supported route towards employment.
Stories like Tony's remind us of the life-changing impact volunteering can have, not only on communities but also on the volunteers themselves.



Have a volunteer success story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you.

PDF version of above

Friends of Barshaw Park 

Friends of Barshaw Park are looking for new trustees to support and guide the charity as we move into an important new stage.

We would lve to hear from people with experience in fundraising, property, volunteer management, digital communications, health & Safety, inclusion, governance or organsational development.

Find out more - www.friendsofbarshawpark.org/getinvolved
Or send a CV and email to barshaw.communitygarden@gmail.com

Could You Spare a Couple of Hours a Week?
Join the Home-Start volunteer family and help give babies and young children the best possible start in life.
Volunteers provide practical and emotional support by:

• Listening and offering reassurance
• Helping parents build confidence and routines
• Supporting families with additional support needs
• Encouraging play and positive experiences for children

No formal qualifications are required. If you have parenting or caring experience, some spare time, and a desire to help others, Home-Start would love to hear from you.

Volunteer Training
Renfrewshire Starts 18 August (Evening Course)
Inverclyde Starts September (Date TBC)
volunteer@hsri.org.uk
0141 889 5272
01475 603441
Make a difference that lasts a lifetime.


 

Help Change a Life, One Puppy at a Time

Guide Dogs is offering flexible puppy raising opportunities that allow volunteers to enjoy canine companionship without a long-term commitment.
Volunteers can now support different stages of a puppy's development, including:

• First six months
• Second six months
• Short-term holiday cover for existing volunteers

Help a puppy begin its journey towards becoming a life-changing guide dog for someone with sight loss.

Apply online at: www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraiser

You can also hear directly from Guide Dogs at our Blind Date Volunteer Matching Event on 20th August.



Image description: A young golden puppy stands on the pavement wearing a Guide Dogs puppy jacket and looks directly at the camera.