“Volunteering is defined as an activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or individuals or groups other than (or in addition to) close relatives. It should be seen as distinct from mandated / required or contractual activity.” (Greater Manchester Vision for volunteering)
Salford Volunteering Strategy 2017 – 2022
The Social Value of Volunteering
The role of volunteering is more crucial than ever which is why partners in the City of Salford recognise the contribution volunteers currently make in the city, with approximately 46,800 volunteers contributing in the region of 115,400 volunteering hours per week – all worth a cool £104.4 million contribution to the city’s economy (Salford State of the VCSE Sector 2017 report – CRESR, Sheffield Hallam University, commissioned by Salford CVS).
Volunteering as part of Corporate Social Responsibility
Volunteering is a key part of Corporate Social Responsibility and can bring numerous benefits to employees. companies and voluntary, community, and Social Enterprise organisations. Not only is it an excellent way to demonstrate that a company is engaged in providing social return to local communities beyond traditional charitable or philanthropic investments, it also adds value to the recruitment, retention, training, development, loyalty and overall fulfilment of a company’s employee.
Employer Supported Volunteering Programmes can:
- contribute to employee development, enabling employees to acquire relevant work-related skills, gaining experience and understandings that make them more effective in their roles with the company
- Improve the health and wellbeing of employees – research has shown that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer
- Enhance the company image and reputation with customers and employees
All the benefits stated above can definitely help a company’s bottom line while also serving local communities. Volunteering can undeniably strengthen and improve corporate culture in numerous ways. It presents what the company stands for, improves employee attraction and retention, encourages employees to work together, develops stronger customer relationships and enhances corporate brand image.
Of course, any volunteering scheme in order to be successful, needs to part of a structured approach, with clear priorities, goals and processes, linked directly to company objectives and the ability to measure its impact.
For more information visit about Employer Supported Volunteering Welcome to Skill Givers | SkillGivers
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