Volunteering Advice and Support
Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance offer support to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations.
Support is available for our members. It's quick, easy and FREE to become a Member - Become a member - Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance (sunderlandvsa.co.uk).
We can:
· Support you to build a robust and safe volunteering programme to enable you to recruit and retain volunteers.
· Add your organisation to our volunteer register, for members of the public to see your organisation and main volunteering opportunities.
· Add your one-off volunteering vacancies to our vacancies page.
· Link you up with mutually beneficial corporate volunteering opportunities.
· Give you access to training and events for your staff and volunteers.
· be involved with our Passport scheme to encourage volunteers for your organisation.
Looking for different and innovative ways to reward volunteers that have no/low cost to your organisation?
On average there are four volunteers for every paid member of staff in a small charity! (https://smallcharitiesdata.org/). Volunteers cannot be underestimated and are the backbone of the voluntary sector. In addition to the usual ways such as social events, certificates etc., how can you thank volunteers for their dedication and commitment? There are a number of bigger initiatives on offer that help you to thank your volunteers at no/low-cost. These schemes are also a great way to strengthen your volunteer offering and attract new volunteers.
- Room to Reward
Partners donate their unsold rooms and charities and community groups can nominate their 'Hidden Heroes' for a break. Register your organisation to receive a limited number of nominations annually to reward your most inspirational volunteers. https://www.roomtoreward.org/volunteer-recognition-awards-charities-communities/
- Charity Volunteer and Worker Discounts
If you work or volunteer in any role within a charity organisation you are entitled to exclusive discounts, cash back & vouchers to help save money on everything from food, holidays and car breakdown cover. https://www.charityworkerdiscounts.com/.
- Time Tempo
Organisations can sign up with this registered charity providing a volunteer reward scheme in which volunteers can earn digital Time Tempo Credits. These can be exchanged for a service or activity provided by local corporate Recognition Partners. https://wearetempo.org/about-us/.
- The Company Shop, Washington
Pattinson South Industrial Estate, NE38 8QA
NHS and chartiy volunteers are eligible for membership at this discount shop which redistributes surplus food and goods cheaply to minimise landfill. https://www.companyshopgroup.co.uk/about-us.
- Blue Light Card
NHS Trust or Health Board Volunteers (with an NHS ID card) can also apply for this card which costs £4.99 for 2-years of access to a range of online and high street discounts. https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/about_blue_light_card.php.
- Training and Development Opportunities
There is a range of free (often online) training available from VODA's Elements Portal for voluntary organisations https://voda.org.uk/news-events/elements-training-portal/ and The Open University https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue.
- Nominate volunteers for a national award
§ The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK that are truly outstanding and making a big difference to their local community. Nominations open September for the award being given in November. https://www.gov.uk/kings-award-for-voluntary-service.
§ Individual nominations include the British Empire Medal (BEM) awarded for a 'hands-on' service to the local community. This could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (3 to 4 years) that has made a significant difference. https://www.gov.uk/honours/types-of-honours-and-awards.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you are aware of a great way to say thank you to volunteers, we'd love to hear it!
For an informal chat about how we might be able to help your organisation, please contact us at volunteer@sunderlandvsa.co.uk.
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