YouthVIP Report: Young People’s Perspective on Volunteering

The latest #YouthVIP report, developed in partnership with young people across the country, has been published with new insights into what motivates them to volunteer, the barriers they face, and what they need to feel inspired, included and supported.

As a result, 9 recommendations have been formed to act as a guide for organisations looking to recruit and retain young people as volunteers: how they best communicate and recruit, make their opportunities as inclusive and flexible as possible, and ensure young people get the most out of their volunteering. The recommendations are:

1. Clarity: Be clear about what the volunteering opportunity is, what’s involved and what will be expected of the volunteer, as well as what incentives/benefits there will be for the young volunteer.
2. Volunteer Management: Train those in a volunteer management position (paid or voluntary) to be able to effectively support the needs of their young volunteers, including around the capacity and availability of young volunteers.
3. Communication: Take volunteering opportunities directly to where young people are i.e. in schools, youth work settings and on social media.
4. Friends: Create volunteering opportunities that allow young people to come with a friend or a group of young people where possible.
5. Recognition: Ensure young people gain recognition for the volunteering they’re doing, whether that be through praise, feeling valued or awards/accreditation.
6. Variety and Quality: Offer a variety of quality opportunities for young people.
7. Flexibility: Make your volunteering opportunities flexible and time appropriate to the other commitments of young people.
8. Transport: Where possible help young people with transport to access volunteering opportunities, by providing it yourself, or being understanding of the potentially limited transport infrastructure.
9. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Commit to understanding and tackling barriers young people may face to volunteering, invest in making your opportunities accessible, and training staff and volunteers in inclusive practice.
   • Recommendation 9 was identified as required by the youth panel, following the analysis of the research and identifying a gap.

“From flexible social opportunities to clearer communication and engaging roles, young people are calling for a volunteering experience that works for them. Dive into the findings and be part of building a volunteering landscape that benefits not just young people but all of Scotland, now and into the future.”

The report is available to view or download as a pdf (linked for your convenience).

Alternatively, for further information, visit the YouthVIP website.