BBC Make a Difference Awards

One benefit of volunteering is that it offers an opportunity to make an impact without the stress or commitment that comes with employment. To ensure volunteering lives up to these standards, 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 Covering out-of-pocket expenses to keep volunteering accessible for all Offering training and development opportunities to volunteers Maintaining a clear distinction between paid staff and volunteers Individuals and organisations across sectors with an interest in volunteering are invited to become Charter Champions , signalling their commitment to these values. You can find other advice about volunteering best practices at Third Sector PK .

Millions of people are getting ready to take part in the return of the UK’s biggest ever mass volunteering campaign. Mark your calendars for 7-9 June and see if you can lend a hand for a few hours during the The Big Help Out 2024. The goal of the The Big Help Out is to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK and give people the chance to try volunteering in their own communities. This campaign is a great opportunity for people and voluntary organisations to form meaningful connections while taking part in a wider social movement! Volunteer managers can learn how to make the most of this opportunity with resources from Third Sector PK .

What barriers do people face when volunteering, and what are the possible solutions? These are the questions a Volunteer Strategy seeks to answer! TSI (Perth & Kinross) is currently working on the Volunteer Strategy for Perth & Kinross, 2024-2027. A Volunteer Strategy is a plan that benefits volunteer-involving organisations and volunteers in the present and future. It creates a shared understanding of the issues volunteering faces and the priorities and actions needed to effect positive change. We've been working to developing the aims and objectives of a local Volunteer Strategy with input from cross-sector partners and organisations themselves. We are grateful to the employees and volunteers in the voluntary sector who shared their thoughts with us in the consultation stage of this project. We look forward to sharing this Strategy with the wider public in summer 2024. For more information, please visit Third Sector PK or keep up with us on your preferred social media channel.