🎧 Episode Summary

In this crucial episode, we sit down with Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland, to unpack the brand new 2024 volunteering figures for Scotland.

The data reveals a sector in recovery, with formal volunteering rates bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels. However, this positive headline masks a stark reality: significant inclusion gaps remain for people from deprived backgrounds and disabled people.

Alan discusses Volunteer Scotland's new manifesto, designed to tackle these issues and more head-on in the run-up to next year's elections.

We explore the volunteer action plan for Scotland.

We also explore the vital lessons the formal sector must learn from the mutual aid boom, and why employer-supported volunteering is in urgent need of creative, long-term reform.

1. The Good News: Scotland's Volunteering Rebound

• The 2024 Figures: We dig into the latest Scottish Household Survey data. Formal volunteering is up to 25% (from 18% in 2023), bringing it in line with the pre-COVID level of 26% in 2019.

• A Sector in Recovery: After a challenging few years, the data signals a welcome return of volunteers to formal roles.

2. The Challenge: A Stubborn Inclusion Gap

• Who is being left behind?

• Disability: There is a 15-percentage-point gap between the volunteering rates of non-disabled adults (28%) and disabled adults (18%).

• Deprivation: A 10-percentage-point gap exists between those with a household income over £30,000 (29% volunteer) and those with low incomes (19% volunteer).

• Why it matters: True "impact" means volunteering must be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability.

3. A Manifesto for Change

• Election Ready: With Scottish elections on the horizon, Volunteer Scotland is launching a new policy manifesto.

• Core Aims: Alan outlines the key "asks" designed to secure the future of volunteering and directly address these systemic inclusion barriers.

• A Call to Action: The manifesto is a tool for the entire sector to lobby for meaningful investment and policy change.

  
  

• Volunteer Scotland: volunteerscotland.net

• Latest Research: Find the 2024 volunteering figures and analysis on our website https://www.timeforimpact.co.uk/blogs/our-blogs/volunteering-figures-scotland-2024

• Volunteering Action Plan (VAP): Learn more about the strategic plan for volunteering in Scotland. https://www.volunteerscotland.net/news/launch-of-scotlands-volunteering-action-plan

We are pleased to offer these insights without charge. However, as a consultant working within the charity sector, my ability to continue sharing expertise and intellectual property through consultancy and training is how I earn my living. If you find this content valuable and wish to support future ideas and inspiration, a small contribution of £4 via my Buy Me a Coffee account would be hugely appreciated. There's no pressure, but any generosity is gratefully received. You can contribute here https://buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi Thank You 🙏