« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
5. INDUCTION - KNOWING YOUR VALUE
5.1 Many people start volunteering because they care and want to make a difference to young people's lives. It therefore matters greatly that every volunteer can understand their specific role in the 'big picture' of their organisation and realise the value of their own contribution.
5.2 Every volunteer contribution - from cleaning facilities, maintaining resources, answering phones or administrative support, to the face-to-face development with young people - is valued and crucial to providing the best opportunities for young people.
5.3 Organisations particularly value the skills and experience which volunteers bring with them. They have identified that a key point for recognising and valuing volunteers is when they come into the organisation. At the start of their volunteering cycle, an organisation can identify what support and development the volunteer can be offered as they progress.
5.4 A good induction experience is invaluable in both helping volunteers understand their role in achieving the organisation's wider purpose in providing positive outcomes for young people, and in identifying the training and support that they need to help them best fulfil their new role. The Action Plan therefore includes the development of an induction model, again based on good practice and adaptable for any youth work provider.
The Outcome we want:
For volunteers to understand their role in providing positive outcomes for young people from the early days of their volunteering experience.
The Action we propose:
- We will ask Youth Scotland to develop a model of induction into organisations. It will offer guidance on how to induct volunteers into the organisation, and where to look for support in doing this.
« Previous | Contents | Next »