Volunteer Scotland

Day

Wednesday 15 June

Time slot

09:30-12:15

This event took place almost 2 years ago

Room

Lomond suite
Wheelchair accessible

Contact

Margaret Starkie
07493 215 815

Topics

Policy & influencing Volunteering

Who was the event aimed at?

Managers

Who spoke at this event?

Shona Robison MSP Cabinet Secretary - Social Justice, Housing & Local Government
Alan Stevenson - CEO Volunteer Scotland
Innovative sector case studies - VIOs/ Volunteers

*More speakers to be announced

Event summary and materials

What was covered in your sessions?

Shona Robison, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, officially launched the Volunteering Action Plan with a short speech exploring the vital role of volunteering in society. We then heard representatives from 3 volunteer involving organisations – Scran Academy, Scottish Refugee Council and Historic Environment Scotland – who shared how and why they support inclusive volunteering. Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland, then provided a summary of the new Volunteering Action Plan including its architecture and key themes. Each table was invited to participate in a facilitated discussion about ensuring the success of the plan, followed by a panel session with key stakeholders in the development of the plan. 

Was there any useful feedback or reflection from the participants?

We received a lot of very useful feedback, particularly looking at what volunteering could look like in 10 years and how we ensure the success of the action plan as a ‘living plan’. Highlights include the ‘power of a network’ and the need for greater collaboration, plus the need to centre the experience of volunteers. There were also numerous calls to be innovative and bold, and to ensure experimentation has a key role in our learning culture. There is clearly a need for us to look forward and be adaptable to emerging issues, with rising cost of living getting significant mention. Finally, the need for more sustainable funding was highlighted by many groups, with an emphasis placed on the need for funders to trust organisations and provide space for innovation. 

How people can find out more or get involved in your work?

You can visit the Volunteering Action Plan website where you can access the full plan, find out more about its development and sign up for updates. You can also email info@volunteeringactionplan.co.uk for more information.