In 2024, at their 40th anniversary Annual General Meeting (AGM), Volunteer Scotland launched its 5 year strategy – “creating a nation of volunteers strengthening Scotland’s communities”. Since then, the team has been working to put this strategy into action, and has provided a Year One update on the latest progress and planning from their strategic activities.
Volunteering News
PVG Scheme Membership Updates
Regulations laid in Scottish Parliament confirm that the 5 year Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership will come into force on Wednesday 1 April 2026. From this point, people who join the PVG scheme will automatically be part of the 5 year scheme membership. Every 5 years, renewal will be required.
Canine Partners 2026 Virtual Open Days
Canine Partners is holding a number of virtual Open Days in 2026 for people in Scotland, taking place on Monday 23 February 2026, 12:30pm – 2pm, Saturday 27 June 2026, 10am – 11:30am, and Thursday 19 November 2026, 6:30pm – 8pm.
YouthVIP Paper: “Scotland’s Poverty-Related Youth Volunteering Gap”
YouthVIP has published a new briefing paper, “Scotland’s Poverty-Related Youth Volunteering Gap”, based on its recent research project to create a current picture of youth volunteering in Scotland.
“Volunteering: A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach” Online Training
Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities (THRE) is holding an online training session on Monday 16 February 2026, 1pm – 4pm, via Zoom. “Volunteering – A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach” is a free course for anyone working in Scotland’s third sector, who is responsible for (or involved with) a volunteering programme and is interested in learning why and how to take a human rights and equalities to your work.
Volunteer Opportunity: Re-engage Telephone Befrienders
Telephone Befrienders are matched to an older person for a weekly or fortnightly chat. Conversations can be about anything and everything and take place from the comfort of the volunteer’s own home, scheduled at a time that suits them. There will be an online induction session with video, and full onboarding training. Each volunteer will have a named contact at Re-engage for support.
Volunteer Opportunity: Active Schools Sports Coaches
Active Schools is looking for volunteers aged 14 years old and over to support its ASN and Disability Sport Sessions as sports coaches.
VolunteerHub Guide for Reviewing Your Volunteer Programme and Volunteers
The VolunteerHub has created a free guide providing actionable insights to help groups and organisations assess both their volunteers and their volunteer program effectively. The guide covers how to constructively review volunteers, streamline existing processes, and align resources toward achieving the group’s mission.
Volunteer Scotland 41st Annual General Meeting
Volunteer Scotland will hold its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 24 November 2025, 10am – 11:45am, online via Zoom. During the AGM, Volunteer Scotland will explore key ways society is changing, and how its team can address the associated effects on volunteerism. Spaces are limited, and booking is essential.
Call for Festive Opportunities Across Falkirk District
Winter is approaching and with Christmas just around the corner, our team at CVS Falkirk & District is looking to collate information on volunteer opportunities and community events that people can get involved in. This information will be used to create a “Festive Hotlist” for potential volunteers and for those interested in helping out over the festive period.
