Volunteering round-up: August 2016

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Emily Graham
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Volunteering benefits all ages

But we need to talk about volunteering by older people

In response to the Daily Telegraph headline ‘Volunteering is not beneficial until you hit 40‘, our head of research, Nick Ockenden, took a closer look at the data.

telegraph-volunteering-not-beneficial-until-40

Whilst the research showed that volunteering can have a positive relationship to levels of wellbeing among older people, we believe that younger volunteers can benefit too. Involvement in volunteering – and the benefits experienced – can change throughout people’s lives, depending on their background and personal circumstances.

I do welcome the focus on older people volunteering in the research and Nick’s blog post. Following the findings of the commission on the voluntary sector and ageing last year, we cannot afford to ignore volunteering amongst the older age groups.

Celebrating youth social action

In celebration of International Youth Day on 12 August, here is our good practice guidance on involving young people in social action, produced in collaboration with the #iwill campaign.

The key to good practice

We’ve launched a new online training course on good practice in volunteer management. Free for NCVO members, this four-part Studyzone course will introduce you to the key knowledge and skills that every volunteer manager needs.

Coming up in face-to-face training, book now for:

Volunteering and social cohesion in a post-Brexit world

We’re holding the next National Volunteering Forum in Manchester next month to discuss the role that volunteering can play in supporting social cohesion after Brexit. Whilst the EU referendum highlighted some of the divisions within our society and communities, we want to explore how volunteering can help bring people together and bridge divisions.

The event is now fully booked but please join the waiting list if you are interested in attending.

Governance in the spotlight

On the blog, Rosalind Oakley from Association of Chairs asks whether good trustee chairs are born or made. Whilst many chairs bring extensive experience, she argues that nevertheless chairs need induction, training and support.

NCVO/BWB Trustee Conference

Join us on Monday 7 November for essential updates on governance regulation and to get practical tools and guidance in our range of expert-led workshops on topics including campaigning and impact. Book by Friday 9 September for your early bird discount.

Peer mentoring: Why in schools?

Whilst the government thinks it’s a good idea, why would you set up a peer mentoring scheme? In this video interview, teacher Claire Raynes explains why she is setting one up in her school.

For more about mentoring and befriending:

In case you missed it

I’ve rounded up some of the latest opinion pieces and research about volunteering.

Assuring quality in volunteering

Is volunteering in the NHS rhetoric or ambition? This is the question posed by Chris Bridle following the NCVO and NHS England event on volunteering in the NHS in July. Read more about Chris’ reflections from the event – from Investing in Volunteers to commissioning and safeguarding.

We’d also like to say a big congratulations to the latest organisations to achieve the Investing in Volunteer quality mark!

Celebrating success

Congratulations to those who achieved VCQA in July and August 2016:

 

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Emily was NCVO’s trainee volunteering development policy officer. She is interested in policy around volunteering, particularly diversity in volunteering, employability, volunteering in public services, and employer supported volunteering.
All blog posts by Emily Graham

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