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Volunteering in Perth and Kinross est. 2026 in light blue writing on a navy background in the shape of a shield.

Volunteering in Perth and Kinross Awards - The ViPKs

Shine a Light on Local Volunteers To celebrate the International Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development , Third Sector Interface Perth & Kinross is proud to launch our first ever Volunteering in Perth & Kinross Awards – the VIPKs We know just how vital volunteers are to our communities, and these awards are all about recognising the incredible people who give their time, energy and passion to make a difference locally. Know a VIPK? Nominate them today Do you know someone who goes above and beyond through volunteering? This is a great opportunity to recognise their contribution. How to nominate Step 1: Complete the nomination form . Step 2: Record a short video (up to 2 minutes) explaining why you are nominating them Step 3: Email your video to info@thirdsectorpk.org.uk Closing date for nominations: 30 April 2026 If you are having technical issues whilst submitting your video, send us an email! Award Categories Nominations will be shortlisted across eight categories, with winners selected by an independent panel for each: Youth Volunteer Environmental Volunteer Group Volunteers (Non ESV) ESV Volunteer(s) Long Standing Volunteer Innovative Volunteer Volunteer Manager Board Member / Trustee Awards Ceremony Winners will be invited to attend our awards ceremony, where their achievements will be celebrated. Date: [To be confirmed] Location: [To be confirmed] Time: [To be confirmed] Each winner will receive 2 free tickets , with additional tickets available to purchase. Questions? Head over to our handy FAQs .

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BBC Make a Difference Awards

The Make a Difference Awards are your chance to say thank you and recognise those who improve lives where we live. Nominations are now open and will close on Tuesday 31 March at 5pm. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each national and local BBC radio station. Make a Difference Award ceremonies will take place across the UK in September 2026. Make A Difference Awards

SCVO Charity Awards 2026

It's that time of year again, SCVO's Scottish Charity Awards are back for 2026! The awards are free to enter and there are multiple award categories to showcase your achievements, including Volunteer of the Year. Get your nominations in now! Who can enter? All types of Scottish voluntary organisations and groups, including registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people involved in those spaces can apply. Award categories: We have a range of nine award categories celebrating projects and campaigns, individuals, climate action, and more. Please note that applications are limited to one per organisation across all categories. We'd encourage you to contact your colleagues to ensure that only one application is submitted on behalf of your organisation. Closing date: Applications will close at 12 noon on Tuesday 17 March. Every finalist will also be gifted two complimentary tickets to attend our celebratory awards ceremony on Thursday 11 June at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow. Last year, Perth and Kinross boasted shortlisted charities such as Letham4all, Perthshire Women's Aid and YMCA Tayside. Who knows what could be achieved this year!

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For Volunteers

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Micro-Volunteering

What is Micro-Volunteering? Micro-volunteering means undertaking small, quick, low commitment actions that benefit a good cause. It might be a task that one person completes from start to finish, or it might be broken down into small parts, where an individual is just one of many people performing the same task to achieve the end result. These tasks can be anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 min to an hour! Micro volunteering doesn't necessarily require any ongoing commitment. Sometimes called home or virtual volunteering, if it's online, it can be done from anywhere, at any time! What does micro-volunteering look like? Micro-volunteering can be digital, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be ad-hoc, for the same charity or for a different cause each time. It can be skilled such as reviewing a draft proposal or practical such as transporting donations. The list is endless! Examples include: Copy editing leaflets. Creating useful connections/networking. Set up a social media account. Create media content. Office-based micro-volunteering opportunities including archiving or data input. Share a post on social media to raise awareness or ask for donations. Sign a petition. Join a bag pack or shake a bucket. Donate supplies or collect donations. Fill out a survey. Translate a document. Donate your skills, such as graphic design. Take part in some citizen science. Litter pick. You can find some great micro-volunteering opportunities from national and international organisations such as Age Scotland , Macmillan, SSPCA and the United Nations Volunteer programme . Watch this video by Walking Scotland: https://youtu.be/EuH6tsQi_qQ?si=QyBa05dTCq4c_kWn For Organisations In order to set up and be successful in recruiting volunteers for micro-volunteering opportunities, organisations still need to consider the full volunteer journey. These steps should help you be successful: Plan – what are the tasks, who will manage process. Advertise – Be the Change, social media, noticeboards. Recruit / Manage – be on top of volunteer enquiries, avoid onerous admin. Task – give clear, simple instructions and be available for questions. Feedback – encourage open and regular feedback from the volunteers. Recognition – letter of thanks, references, opportunities to socialise. What are the Benefits of Micro-volunteering? According to Charity Excellence, Micro-volunteering has numerous benefits. · It enables charities to create volunteering opportunities that engage people in your cause, who may otherwise not have the time. · It can get lots done quickly and efficiently, and can save charities time and money. · With jobs and family commitments, lack of time can be a real barrier to volunteering and this is a simple way to encourage more to volunteer. · Micro-volunteering can be used by any charity and it: · Enables you to increase volunteering capacity and access skills and experience that you might otherwise have been unable to. · Allows you to recruit volunteers from anywhere in the country, not just locally. · Can be used to reach groups who may otherwise be excluded, such as older people or the disabled, if housebound. · Often doesn’t require an application process or training. · Can be a good way to bring people initially on board and then grow their engagement and commitment to play a greater role in your work. https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/what-is-micro-volunteering/ ; accessed 11/12/2025.

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What is a Trustee?

Charity trustees play a very important role in making sure that the charity is run well. They are volunteers who strategically oversee the management, governance and administration of the organisation. Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision and mission. A trustee's role in a charity is to make sure that all decisions put the needs of the service users/beneficiaries first and that they don't move away from the organisation's constitutional goals. Trustees safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure that the charity is run sustainably and in line with legal requirements. Trustees are not typically involved in the day-to-day operations of a charity. Instead, they delegate these responsibilities to staff, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Trustees act as a ‘critical friend’ to the CEO—offering support while also providing constructive challenge to ensure effective leadership. However, in smaller charities with limited staff, trustees may also take on more direct, operational responsibilities. Check out these open Trustee roles: CILPK Trustee Vacancy for Centre for Inclusive Living Perth & Kinross | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross) Duke of Edinburgh P&K We are looking for a New Trustee with Financial Background | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross) Swansacre Playgroup Charity Trustee - Committee Secretary | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross) Strathmore Community Hub Trustee | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross) CATH Volunteer Trustee | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross) For further information on being a trustee, visit: Become a trustee | Reach Volunteering Roles & responsibilities - SCVO GovernanceWiki OSCR | Guidance and good practice for charity trustees

What is Employer Supported Volunteering?

Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) is a term used to describe when businesses and organisations support the people that work for them to volunteer in various ways. Where you work, this might be called corporate volunteering, employee volunteering, workplace volunteering or something else! Not only are there different names for it, there are many ways to do it. You might do it as a team building experience or as part of your learning journey, you might get time off work to take part and you might even get paid for some of that time. This could be in the form of a day litter picking, a regular trustee position or a few weeks pro bono support - there are endless ways to volunteer. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of employers offering support for employees to volunteer in Scotland has increased to over half of all employers. It provides many benefits to the employer and to you, the employee, such as mental wellbeing and skill development. For the organisation who hosts these volunteers they gain the opportunity to meet and engage with new volunteers who may continue to support them in different ways. This is particularly valuable when the ESV is based on a longer-term relationship and when there is a skills based volunteering aspect. Does your work have an employee volunteering policy? To find out more, check out these websites: Employer-supported volunteering | NCVO and Employer Supported Volunteering | Go Volunteer Glos or email us at info@thirdsectorpk.org.uk.

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For Organisations

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#PowerOfYouth Charter

The #IWill movement in Scotland aims to encourage and empower more young people to take action, make a difference and influence change within their communities, the environment and broader society through activities such as volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, campaigning and activism. #IWill partners are working together across Scotland to deliver a cross-sector approach that will transform the role and perception of young people in society. We are calling on organisations to come forward and support the young people of today make a difference for the world of tomorrow! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the #IWill Movement in Scotland beyond and support more young people to take action, make a difference & influence change! Since 2013 over 1000 organisations across the UK pledged to think about what they can do to involve young people in social action. On top of that there are over 350 young #IWill Ambassadors across the UK, promoting and celebrating the voices of young people! But there is still more that needs to be done to grow the Movement and we need you to join us to help continue to grow the #PowerOfYouth! Find out more on how to get involved and start spreading the word about the #PowerOfYouth and Join the Movement! Youth Action: UK Youth Charity Empowering 10-25 Year Olds What is the Charter? The #PowerOfYouth Charter provides a framework for your organisation to empower more young people to take action, make a difference and influence change. Organisations are encouraged to commit to five key principles: 1. Prioritise empowering young people to volunteer and take social action 2. Open up your decision-making structures 3. Work in partnership 4. Evidence the benefits of youth social action 5. Recognise and celebrate young people Find out more about the charter here ! Sign up for the #PowerOfYouth Charter here ! How can you get involved? 1. Sign up to the Charter Sign up through a senior leader from your organisation such as the Chief Executive or Chair. Ideally you will have endorsement for the Charter from your Board. Your organisation will outline specific actions it will take to deliver on the Charter commitments. 2. Shout about it. Publicise your adoption of the Charter through your communication channels. 3. Follow through. Your organisation will hold itself accountable to young people and track its development by sharing your progress towards the Charter commitments annually with #IWill Scotland partners, ambassadors and your networks.

PVG Changes

As of 1 April 2025, significant changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme came into effect across Scotland. Here are some key resources to help keep you informed about what’s needed from your organisation and ensure you’re meeting the current legal requirements. What is Changing? The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is becoming a legal requirement as part of the implementation of the Disclosure Act 2020. This legislation is here to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and prevent unsuitable individuals from holding regulated roles. This means that from today, all individuals in regulated roles are required to be members of the PVG scheme. There is a three-month grace period, but after 1 July it will be a criminal offense for: Individuals to carry out a regulated role if they are not a member of the PVG scheme Organisations to offer a regulated role to an individual who is not a member of the PVG scheme For further information about these changes, here is a summary from Disclosure Scotland . What is a Regulated Role? Regulated roles can be both paid and volunteering positions. This category includes people working directly with both children and vulnerable adults and others who hold a position of responsibility, such as charity trustees and Board Members. This helpful guidance from Volunteer Scotland can help you determine whether your Board members, Committee members and trustees need to be members of the PVG scheme. Volunteer Scotland are also offering information sessions to help you get accustomed to these changes. How Will This Affect the Third Sector? These changes are complex, and third sector organisations may feel some confusion about what is required of them. We’re here to help make sense of these changes and ensure you are compliant by 1 July. We’ll be keeping abreast of the latest guidance and sharing resources to help you navigate the new PVG scheme. We’re also here to support if you have any individual questions or concerns. Please let us know what you think of these changes. As the Third Sector Interface for Perth & Kinross, we are here to help organisations boost their resilience and navigate the fast-moving landscape of our sector. Additional Resources PVG scheme – Regulated roles guidance – mygov.scot

The Volunteer Charter

To ensure volunteering is a great experience for all, Volunteer Scotland has set out a Volunteer Charter identifying ten key principles for organisations to follow. These principles relate to: Ensuring volunteering is voluntary, not compulsory. Keeping volunteering accessible for all. Offering training and development opportunities to volunteers. Maintaining a clear distinction between paid staff and volunteers. At Be the Change, our aim is for all of our organisations and opportunities listed to understand and follow these principles to the best of their ability. We invite individuals and organisations across sectors to become Charter Champions , signalling a commitment to these values. The Third Sector Interface, Perth and Kinross is already a Charter Champion! Are you next? Have any questions, concerns or compliments? Email us at info@bethechangepk.org.uk.

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Volunteer Stories

Why Volunteer?

The TSI is delighted to have hosted a student from the University of Dundee, Jay Stuart, who has helped us interview volunteers and their managers asking the question: Why Volunteer? "I recently was given the opportunity to meet some of our volunteers and volunteer managers and interviewed them on why they chose to volunteer. My interviews took place in two PKAVS facilities. The Walled Garden and the Carers Centre. Many people choose to give their time to help volunteer for many reasons. Margaret, a volunteer at the Carers Centre, spent her time being a carer for her husband for many years without much knowledge on how to help him. A local nurse introduced her to the free carers programme to get the help they both needed. She gained a lot of knowledge from this time and after her husband passed, she wanted to give back to those who helped her. She has been at the Carers Centre for two years now and absolutely loves spending her time there. She does not feel pressured to come in everyday and is a part of the local choir who have done concerts for different charities. Volunteering has made an incredibly positive difference to her life and advises anyone to volunteer. She urges only a few hours a week still helps the community and mentions the flexibility of the role - "The hours are very flexible so its fine if you have any appointments and cannot make it one week." The Carers Centre is full of lovely and welcoming staff and volunteers showing how only a small amount of your time can help make a difference. If you have any experience in caring, or want to gain some, it would be a wonderful way to get out of the house and help others. At the Walled Garden, which focuses on mental health, David one of the peer support workers started as a client and become a volunteer for a few years before moving into a paid role. There are many opportunities available, including arts and crafts, health walks, trips, and gardening. There is lots of free training for staff and volunteers. Volunteers are vital in supporting roles for the running of the activities offered to the clients. Janice is the recovery and development officer at the Walled Garden she oversees volunteer recruitment, management of volunteers and all-around support. There are currently 30 volunteers over two locations who have warmth and empathy and are willing to support the clients and have fun. The staff and Janice are open to feedback given by volunteers and want to make sure everyone is comfortable. People with lived experiences of mental health issues are very understanding of what they are doing at the Walled Garden. There are many reasons why you should volunteer, if you have experience with what a certain charity is doing, if you want to help the community or any certain group, you should start volunteering! There is a lot going on in the world right now and if you can give a few hours of your time to support a cause then you should give it a go. You can volunteer through many organisations, community groups or your local charity shop. There are many volunteering opportunities available to join now through Be the change." Jay Stuart.

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Meet Mark

Mark has been a volunteer in the CATH Shop for 10 years, and has also been a Trustee member for the charity since 2016. He provides assistance and a welcoming smile to customers in the shop, and has a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector. When Mark joined CATH he had just moved back to Perth, having previously volunteered for St Theresa's Hospice in Darlington, on a large-scale refurbishment project. He is a firm believer in being part of the community, taking pride in making positive contributions and a real difference in people's lives. Mark highly recommends volunteering as a great way to start in the workforce and gain experience whilst being supported through learning. Thank you Mark for everything you do ,we are extremely grateful for your hard work and fantastic contribution you make to CATH. To find out more about volunteering with CATH you can look on their Be the Change profile: Churches Action for the Homeless | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross)

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Eva's Story - From Volunteer to Volunteer Coordinator

"Being a volunteer coordinator is a very rewarding job. I didn’t know such a role existed until I joined OATS volunteering programme." - Eva Kupska, Volunteer Coordinator, OATS. Hi! My name is Eva and I am the Outdoor Access Volunteer Coordinator for the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, also known as OATS. This is the story of how I went from volunteering to finding my dream job as a volunteer coordinator for OATS. I have always enjoyed being outdoors, and there have been times I’ve considered a career that would allow me to spend time in the hills, but other things got in the way. It was a very long and twisty path to get here! When I moved to the UK in 2005, I worked in a horse yard and thought that was going to be my job forever. I loved horses. However, I ended up working in restaurants and coffee shops, moving from place to place. After settling down in Perthshire, I decided to join Outdoor Instructor Trainee programme. Unfortunately, a car accident cancelled my plans. It took 6 months to recover, and I was told that I should refrain from strenuous physical activity and find a sedentary job. That terrified me, and I did the exact opposite; I started exercising and got fit, aiming to walk up the hills again. At the same time, I started studying a Visual Communication Bachelor's Degree. My thoughts were: “Being a graphic designer or illustrator is probably the only sedentary job I could stand”. All my free time was spent outside, on a bike, running, walking, camping … I then got a chance to get Mountain Bike Leader qualifications. Suddenly, I was leading guided rides and again considering a career as an Outdoor Instructor. But after finishing my degree, I got comfortable working at a local coffee roastery. It was an enjoyable job, I was quite good at it, the team was great, so why leave? Some years later, I was out running in the Angus Glens and when descending from one of the hills I came across a group repairing the path. They turned out to be volunteers from Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS). Even though I had previously done some mountain bike trail building, I had never given many thoughts to the mountain footpaths. That day, when I got home, I went straight onto the OATS website and signed up for a volunteering day. They used to run on Sundays and Mondays. I only had free weekends, so I went along on Sundays whenever I could. Shona, the Activity Projects Manager at the time, chatted to me about the way she started her career in environmental sector and thanks to the way the internet works, everything ‘environmental’ was popping out as soon as I was online. Taking up volunteering was hugely beneficial to build up experience and I was helping a good cause at the same time. I found a part-time long distance learning course at SRUC - Wildlife and Conservation Management. It was manageable while having a full-time job. First, I approached it as something I wanted to learn for myself, but soon I felt like there were more meaningful jobs I could do than roasting coffee (Apologies to all coffee addicts!). Suddenly, the OATS volunteering programme changed and it no longer ran on Sundays. I started to take time off work to be able to continue; I realised I would probably have to do a lot of different volunteering activities to gain practical skills and experiences before I could even think of applying for a conservation-type job. This led me to get a job as a postie in rural Perthshire, to have more time for studying and to be closer to the outdoors. Maybe a risky move, but the current work was far too comfortable, and I think I needed a “shock to the system” to really take a career change seriously. Soon after, I found out that Shona was leaving her post. I jumped at the possibility to fill in the position, but the job role that came up required much more experience than I had. I applied anyway but, understandably, was not successful. A few months later, OATS got in touch to say the Volunteer Coordinator position had opened up. Again, I wasn’t successful the first time around, but then a phone call came to say the role was mine if I was still interested! Career change is not an easy process but if there is something you are passionate about, it is worth it. Being a volunteer coordinator is a very rewarding job. I didn’t know such a role existed until I joined OATS volunteering programme. The combination of organizing volunteering days, being outdoors with like-minded people, conservation work and promoting responsible outdoor access is the perfect fit for me!

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