Better Impact and consultant Rob Jackson have released a free, online video on “The Lie That is Holding Volunteer Managers Back”, which discusses what “the lie” is, why it matters, and what can be done about it.
Volunteering News
“25 Quotes That Have the Power to Inspire Volunteers” List
VolunteerHub has compiled a list of its top 25 favourite volunteering quotes which speak about the importance of volunteering and how each of us can make a difference in the world.
Top Tips for Supporting Neurodiversity in Your Volunteer Team
Befriending Networks has released an introductory guide with suggestions for creating a neuro-inclusive environment at every stage of the volunteering journey.
Make Your Mark Inclusive Volunteering Conference 2026
Bookings are now live for the free Make Your Mark Inclusive Volunteering Conference 2026: Power in Partnership, taking place on Wednesday 4 February 2026, 10am – 4pm, online and in-person at Edinburgh Zoo. The event aims to bring together organisations from across the heritage and wider third sectors to explore how collaboration and co-creation can strengthen inclusive, sustainable volunteering.
“Creating a Nation of Volunteers” Year One Update
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.
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.
