Recruitment: a fresh approach

Volunteer Centres

Overview:

The main function of a volunteer centre is to match up local volunteering opportunities with the interests of individuals or groups who would like to volunteer. They also promote the concept of volunteering to the local community. Volunteer centres can give you advice about your local community, such as events or festivals that might be happening, and can let you know what other organisations have done to actively recruit volunteers.

 

By making use of volunteer centres, you will be targeting people who are already willing to give up some of their time to help an organisation – all you have to do is sell Scouting as the right organisation for them.

Top tips:

• Find your local volunteer centre by following the link below. This will provide you with the address and contact details of volunteer centres in your area, as well as the website and opening times for some.
• When you have found your local volunteer centre, arrange to visit them so they know who you are and what kind of opportunities you have. Register with them and, if possible, make sure they have some ongoing opportunities on their books, such as section helper or administrative helper.
• Have a chat with the staff about what you are trying to achieve. They may suggest putting up displays or posters, or leaving leaflets behind.
• It is also a good idea to promote the Explorers’ Young Leader Scheme, as there is sometimes a shortage of opportunities for young people who are interested in volunteering.
• Make sure that you have a plan for following up any enquiries or expressions of interest.

Case studies:

Lancashire Scouts

‘We have had some success with the CVS (Community and Voluntary Service) office in Clitheroe. I gave them ‘job descriptions’ for the Leaders of the various Sections. Over the years they have referred about half a dozen people to us. Some stayed for a few years, while some did not stay with us for very long. We have also left various leaflets and flyers at the CVS office. The CVS also includes us when they advertise volunteering opportunities in the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times and the local free paper.’

Support material:

Further Information (Links):

Volunteering England www.volunteering.org.uk
Volunteer Development, Scotland www.volunteerscotland.org.uk
Volunteer Development Agency, Northern Ireland www.volunteering-ni.org
Volunteering Wales www.volunteering-wales.net