Scotland’s Volunteering Frameworks: UK, Europe, the World Vilnius, Lithuania 11th December 2008 Karl Monsen-Elvik Volunteer Development Scotland & European Volunteer Centre (CEV)

Themes: Local to Global Scotland: Our Volunteering Culture in a Devolved State UK: Legal Frameworks to Support Voluntary Action Europe: the European Volunteer Centre International: United Nations Principles for Volunteering.

Context for Volunteering in Scotland Research evidence-base Baselines: 30% formal, 74% informal volunteering Policy Economic value: 1.52 million volunteers = £1.9 billion Good practice development Investing in Volunteers standard Accredited training programmes Partnerships Scottish Government Strategy.

Scotland’s Volunteering Infrastructure Volunteer Development Scotland National Centre for Excellence 32 Independent Local Volunteer Centres One for each local authority area Funded by Government Volunteering strategies, initiatives A Branded Network Logo, standards, reporting, database.

Scotland in a Time of Change New Scottish Government led by Independents (SNP) Everything linked to sustainable economic development Policy focus on “Localism” Volunteering is seen as part of the solution Building civil society through individual and joint action People taking independent action to make Scotland stronger.

UK Volunteering Development Long/strong volunteering tradition Religious duty, humanitarianism Well developed infrastructures National Development Centres Local Volunteer Centres UK Volunteering Forum England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Responding to growing “professionalisation” of sector Police checking, liability, finance.

Legal Frameworks Taxation Allowances for NGOs involved in voluntary action Employment Volunteers exempt from minimum wage legislation Social security benefits The right to volunteer without affecting benefits Child/Adult Protection Free Disclosures (police checks) for volunteers.

Policy Frameworks England Commission on the Future of Volunteering Northern Ireland Compact between Government & the voluntary/community sector Scotland Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan Wales “Empowering Active Citizens to Contribute to Wales”.

CEV (European Volunteer Centre) 60+ members (and growing) From 24 countries National/Regional – Full members Local/other – Associate members Secretariat in Brussels Information, newsletters, support Board of Directors Active in various policy areas Leading/supporting projects Excellent website (

CEV (European Volunteer Centre) Objectives: Be a representative and effective voice for volunteering with the different institutions of the EU Inform members on developments in EU policies that may have an impact on volunteering Act as a central forum for the exchange of information, policy and practice on volunteering from the different countries Support networking opportunities Organise conferences, seminars and other events Initiate research, joint European projects, etc.

Basic Principles of Volunteering United Nations criteria: Must be a free will choice Without financial gain To the benefit of others UN 4 categories/types: mutual aid or self-help philanthropy or service to others participation or civic engagement advocacy or campaigning.

The Role of Government (1) Highlight the contribution of volunteering for policy-makers and the media; Disseminate the results of studies and surveys on the contribution of volunteerism; Provide, in a way complementary to the support from other sources, an adequate human and physical infrastructure for volunteering; Facilitate and otherwise encourage locally-based volunteering development; Provide or facilitate specialised training; Encourage public sector workers to volunteer; Introduce enabling legislation and facilitate employee volunteering in all sectors;

The Role of Government (2) Facilitate partnership-building around volunteer-based activities; Encourage and undertake research covering the various aspects of volunteerism and its impact on society; Ensure citizen access to information on opportunities for volunteering; Address the possible impact of general social and economic policy measures upon citizens’ opportunities and willingness to volunteer; Integrate volunteerism into national development planning; and Promote volunteering within educational establishments.

Volunteering: Challenges & Opportunities Learning Lessons Together: There is no template Build on what exists including what is already working Know what you want based on what is needed Celebrate diversity Protect NGO independence Expect change anticipate and plan your future.