Welcome to the August volunteering round-up. Whilst most places across the UK have been adjusting to lockdown easing, restrictions were introduced in the east midlands and the north west of England. We all need to plan ahead for the likelihood of more localised lockdowns in different regions. We’ve been reflecting on what we can do better with the local voluntary and community sector and national partners and government so that come autumn, we’re well prepared for a return of covid-19, coupled with anticipated winter pressures.
The feeling’s mutual. Or is it?
What’s your take on mutual aid? In this blog post we explore diversity and inclusion in mutual aid.
#LifeBeyondCovid
One day covid-19 will be behind us! Thank you to all of you who have shared your thoughts with us for this submission to Parliamentary Inquiry chaired by Martha Lane Fox, Life Beyond Covid. In our submission, we press the point that local social infrastructure, including Councils for Voluntary Services (CVSs) and volunteer centres, are crucial in coordinating responses and connecting local government, communities and individuals in need of support.
Helpforce Wall of Fame
Helpforce has launched a new initiative for everyone to join in and say a Big Thank You to the thousands of volunteers who have played such an important role in health and care in 2020. Why not nominate volunteers for their Wall of Fame, which will feature as stories on their website during November? Helpforce welcomes submissions until 15 Sept 2020. Make your submissions here.
Investing in Volunteers helps you develop safe, impactful and meaningful volunteering
In July 18 organisations successfully achieved the Investing in Volunteers award. Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough was one of these organisations and they’re a great example of how IiV has helped to develop a positive volunteering culture. Here’s what Heather Lord volunteer manager had to say about their journey:
One area we want to continue to actively explore, are ways of being more inclusive. IiV has proven to be a ‘driver’ for this work and further on-going change. We are looking to create new opportunities and ways of promoting roles to appeal to a diverse community including younger volunteers and people from BAME groups.
Your volunteers are key to supporting your cause. Read more about the benefits of IiV or contact the team to find out more about starting your own IiV journey.
Conference season is coming
This year these two staples of the conference season are going online.
Times Like These, Voluntary Sector Studies Network online conference, 7-8 September, 10:00-17:00 both days
Have you ever known Times Like These? We haven’t either. Co-hosted by NCVO and VSSN, join us on Zoom. Across two days there’ll be two plenary sessions and eight panel sessions, a mix of volunteering and mutual aid. Check out the full agenda here and book a register for a free place here.
Association of Volunteer Managers Online Conference, 20-21 October, 09:30-15:00 both days
If you want to be in the room, get on Zoom. AVM take their annual gathering of volunteer leaders online. Agenda and how to book are here.
NCVO training
We’ve spent the summer moving our face to face training to Zoom. From September, you can access volunteering training online. Online training starts at 10:00 and ends at 15:00.
Good Practice in Volunteer Management: 9 September and 24 September.
Safeguarding Essentials in Charities: 7 October.
Jarina is our volunteering development consultancy officer. Jarina develops consultancy and training services with the aim of improving volunteering practice across the public, private and voluntary sectors. 
