The latest Voluntary Services Managers meeting, delivered on the 30th August 2010, was attended by Pat Dawson, Associate Nurse Director, NHS Lothian and Chairperson of the National Group on Volunteering in NHSScotland, to hear firsthand how volunteering was being supported and developed across NHSScotland. Prior to a presentation from Peter McLaughlin, Disclosure Scotland which outlined the latest developments concerning the Protection of Vulnerable Groups, almost 20 staff responsible for volunteering across geographical and special NHS Boards discussed the impact of the Refreshed Strategy for Volunteering in NHSScotland, the future challenges & opportunities that lay ahead and next steps that may be required to develop volunteering in NHSScotland.
Following much debate, a number of interesting topics were raised, some of which include the following:
• Investing in Volunteers has helped iron out inconsistency in both volunteer policy and practices
• The Refreshed Strategy has raised the profile of volunteering across NHSScotland
• There are concerns regarding volunteering & job replacement
• There is an increase in volunteer waiting lists
• There is an opportunity to develop stronger working relationships with local communities through better community engagement
• More efficient links could be formed with educational establishments to better managed volunteer referrals
• There could be a more consistent approach to supporting volunteering through recruitment, induction and training
It is expected that points raised during this meeting will help inform discussion at the next National Group on Volunteering in NHSScotland.
Further details regarding this meeting can also be accessed by viewing the minutes which are located
here.
If you have any comments regarding this meeting or require further information please e-mail your response to
health@vds.org.uk.