š§ Episode Summary
In this crucial episode, we sit down with Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland, to unpack the brand new 2024 volunteering figures for Scotland.
The data reveals a sector in recovery, with formal volunteering rates bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels. However, this positive headline masks a stark reality: significant inclusion gaps remain for people from deprived backgrounds and disabled people.
Alan discusses Volunteer Scotland's new manifesto, designed to tackle these issues and more head-on in the run-up to next year's elections.
We explore the volunteer action plan for Scotland.
We also explore the vital lessons the formal sector must learn from the mutual aid boom, and why employer-supported volunteering is in urgent need of creative, long-term reform.
1. The Good News: Scotland's Volunteering Rebound
The 2024 Figures: We dig into the latest Scottish Household Survey data. Formal volunteering is up to 25% (from 18% in 2023), bringing it in line with the pre-COVID level of 26% in 2019.
A Sector in Recovery: After a challenging few years, the data signals a welcome return of volunteers to formal roles.
2. The Challenge: A Stubborn Inclusion Gap
Who is being left behind?
Disability: There is a 15-percentage-point gap between the volunteering rates of non-disabled adults (28%) and disabled adults (18%).
Deprivation: A 10-percentage-point gap exists between those with a household income over Ā£30,000 (29% volunteer) and those with low incomes (19% volunteer).
Why it matters: True "impact" means volunteering must be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability.
3. A Manifesto for Change
Election Ready: With Scottish elections on the horizon, Volunteer Scotland is launching a new policy manifesto.
Core Aims: Alan outlines the key "asks" designed to secure the future of volunteering and directly address these systemic inclusion barriers.
A Call to Action: The manifesto is a tool for the entire sector to lobby for meaningful investment and policy change.
Volunteer Scotland: volunteerscotland.net
Latest Research: Find the 2024 volunteering figures and analysis on our website https://www.timeforimpact.co.uk/blogs/our-blogs/volunteering-figures-scotland-2024
Volunteering Action Plan (VAP): Learn more about the strategic plan for volunteering in Scotland. https://www.volunteerscotland.net/news/launch-of-scotlands-volunteering-action-plan
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