“This came as a real surprise,” said Paula Williams, Unit Leader of the Guide group.

“We completed the survey because the only way any services can be improved is if you know how the people receiving the service feel about it.

“Given the chance to feedback you should always take it, ...

Over 600 responses have been received from churches, youth groups, sports clubs and other charities in Scotland who were invited to voice their opinion on the challenges of attracting and enthusing volunteer helpers.

The results are expected in Spring 2012, with the volume of the response l...

David Metcalfe, who replaces Bill Howat as chairman, accepted the position in December. He is joined by a new vice-chair, Jane-Claire Judson, who replaces Bob Ellis.

After today’s meeting he said he was looking forward to playing his part in shaping the future of volunteering in Scotland. Read More...

This compelling free workshop will present analysis of new and pre-existing data that will be essential learning for researchers, policy makers and practitioners across Scotland.  

Funded by the Applied Qua...

The pioneering survey work is targeting both the volunteer and the organisations that rely on volunteers for their day-to-day operations.

The results, due early in the New Year, are expected to influence policy makers and provide a mandate for change in both the policy and culture that surr...

George Thomson, Chief Executive of VDS, said: “The bonhomie of the Christmas season, followed swiftly by resolutions for a new year, creates a seasonal peak in people showing an interest in volunteering – primarily out of a desire to help others.

“This surge provides a welcome boost for man...

The report warns that volunteerism should not fill any gaps or replace activities that are the responsibility of the state, but argues that volunteers should be considered as a major resource in developmental strategies.

John Lee, policy & pratice advisor for VDS welcomed the report say...

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of VDS in Stirling on Monday, Thomson said public service providers and many volunteer-involving organisations are badly out of touch and need to change their attitudes to “unpaid help”.
Thomson said: “Volunteers should play a central role in a new model f...

Scotland’s Centre for Excellence in Volunteering and the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) have today signed a groundbreaking new Volunteering Charter for strengthening relations between paid staff and volunteers. The first of its kind in Scotland, the Charter is an extremely significant develop...