tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91367301452698916832011-07-17T17:49:42.351+01:00Thoughts and updates about the development of the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy, commissioned by the Sheffield First Partnership.Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-3277715213888165902011-03-28T11:04:00.002+01:002011-03-28T11:11:59.743+01:00

Thanks for visiting our page. This website is now an archive of the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy. Click here to access the Sheffield Quality Time archive. OR Click here for up to date information on volunteering and the Sheffield Volunteering Centre

Jack Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836223772080678284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-72789287152617245532010-08-27T10:09:00.005+01:002010-08-27T11:06:15.259+01:00

As the times change, so do the faces. And so it is with the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy, which today I will be handing over to my successor in the post of Strategic Volunteering Manager at VAS: Jack Scott. Many of you will know Jack already as he has been an active public figure in Sheffield for some time now and became Councillor for the Arbourthorne Ward in May 2010.It seems appropriate

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-8232732998003377542010-08-02T13:33:00.000+01:002010-08-02T13:33:22.020+01:00

The Prime Minister recently announced plans for National Citizen Service (NCS) pilots in summer 2011. If you are interested in delivering an NCS pilot, you can attend an information event in Sheffield on 9th August at the Department for Education. This is the only session taking place outside of London so you are advised to sign up quickly if you want a place. Time: Sessions are being held at

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-50204450647327398662010-07-30T11:41:00.000+01:002010-07-30T11:41:28.258+01:00

Following my last post, a couple of developments have taken place which will have an effect on the implementation of the Sheffield Volunteering Srategy. Firstly, the Volunteering Ambassadors have met up and planned their filming schedule for creating a promotional video about volunteering in Sheffield.  They plan to interview volunteers from 11 different organisations across the city and film

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-52432160870583432142010-07-22T10:39:00.000+01:002010-07-22T10:39:24.515+01:00

Three months into the implementation of the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy and the story is somewhat mixed.  Things have been a little in the air, and to an extent they remain that way, but here is the update on what is going on... As for much of the voluntary sector, funding some of the projects contained within the Strategy Action Plan is proving to be a tough challenge.  Two applications to

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-55188887058544170772010-07-02T11:29:00.000+01:002010-07-02T11:29:54.584+01:00

In our efforts to reach out to the general public, many Volunteer Managers forget to tap into a great resource of time and skills: employees of local businesses and organisations.  Despite the economic downturn (and in some cases because of it), employers are looking for ways in which their staff can volunteer (often on company time).  There are a variety of motivations, including using it as an

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-55447653275045755502010-06-22T17:40:00.000+01:002010-06-22T17:40:51.787+01:00

Volunteer Managers the land over know that their work is crucial in underpinning the thousands upon thousands of people who volunteer.  And now it's time for a bit of recognition of that! Volunteering England’s Value Volunteer Management Campaign aims to increase awareness of the value and importance of investing in volunteer management. Many organisations have already shown support, including

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-29925091496419039682010-06-21T09:14:00.003+01:002010-07-01T09:48:16.600+01:00

Volunteer-involving organisations in Yorkshire & Humber are invited to attend a workshop on how to harness the enthusiasm generated by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and use it to inspire people to volunteer with your organisation. This workshop will be delivered by Volunteering England as part of their Inspiration and Legacy from the 2012 Games Project (for which they have teamed up

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-2439584196461017482010-06-11T16:41:00.000+01:002010-06-11T16:41:55.645+01:00

Since the launch of the lovely new Volunteer Centre website a few months ago (www.sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk/employee_volunteering), interest in Employer Supported Volunteering (or Employee Volunteering) seems to be growing.  Over the past few weeks I have personally had several enquiries directed my way, from employers wondering which charities and voluntary groups could use their help (and

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-12519772207941914862010-05-21T11:36:00.000+01:002010-05-21T11:36:32.684+01:00

Volunteers Week is fast approaching, when volunteering organisations the length and breadth of the land will be celebrating and thanking their volunteers for their hard work and kind deeds.  This is our chance to show our volunteers how much we appreciate them, and also to make people who don't volunteer realise what they're missing out on! Here in Sheffield, our Volunteer Centre will be out on

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-64144168457907131672010-04-30T09:20:00.000+01:002010-04-30T09:20:55.284+01:00

Lack of time is one of the reasons many non-volunteers cite for their lack of involvement. What most of them don’t realise is that there are ad-hoc, flexible, short-term volunteering opportunities that don’t require a full-on long-term commitment. Examples of that in Sheffield are those from SAFE@LAST (e.g. helping with their fundraising events or awareness-raising conferences), Sheffield City

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-2820044009117421322010-04-22T14:42:00.000+01:002010-04-22T14:42:51.273+01:00

Good question!  And it is one being asked by student Jonathan Mirfin, from Sheffield Hallam University.  What's more, he wants to work out how the Games might increase sports volunteering across the city.  As part of his research, he is looking for active volunteers and also people who don't volunteer to complete a questionnaire: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-18601454889791484382010-04-15T09:53:00.000+01:002010-04-15T09:53:22.511+01:00

The Compact Code of Practice for Volunteering has now been approved by the Joint Compact Board for Sheffield – read excerpts below or download the whole thing from the list of documents on the right… Introduction The new Volunteering Compact Code of Practice sets out principles and undertakings for public sector organisations and Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations in Sheffield

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-64855581216629842052010-04-09T12:12:00.000+01:002010-04-09T12:12:00.956+01:00

This week there seems to be various little titbits to share with you all, so rather than rambling on about one subject I'm going to quickly let you know about several that you might be interested in looking into further... Electioneering Firstly, with just under 4 little weeks to go until the nation goes to the polls to decide who will lead us through the next turbulent 4-5 years, what are the

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-16072242496733653512010-04-01T13:05:00.000+01:002010-04-01T13:05:10.322+01:00

1st April 2010 marks the start of a year-long publicity campaign aimed at encouraging more Sheffielders to get involved in volunteering. Residents of the Steel City are being urged to ‘Spend Your Quality Time... Volunteering’. A different benefit of volunteering will be highlighted in each month, with April highlighting how people can ‘Spend Your Quality Time... Changing Your Life’.  Future

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-79370636001761588172010-03-31T17:08:00.000+01:002010-03-31T17:08:23.670+01:00

Volunteers in Sheffield quizzed local Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) yesterday in a debating session following the Question Time: Meet the Candidates event at Voluntary Action Sheffield. Conservative candidate Nicola Bates (Sheffield Hallam), Labour candidate Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) and Liberal Democrat candidate Simon Clement-Jones (Sheffield Heeley) spent an hour

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-45167456901296640402010-03-26T11:32:00.001Z2010-03-26T11:34:37.807Z

What does the future hold for volunteering?  With an election just weeks away and the likelihood of 'deep cuts' in public spending looming, I think anyone could be forgiven for feeling uncertain.  Volunteering has never been higher on the political agenda than it has been over recent years, but as local and national government looks for cost-saving opportunities, we need to make sure that the

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-35616021224632300112010-03-19T11:50:00.000Z2010-03-19T11:50:19.099Z

Feeling excited about the 2012 Olympic Games coming to the UK?  Lots of people are!  And we in the world of volunteering can make use of that excitement for the good of our own communities and organisations... Volunteer Centre Sheffield has been elected to work with Volunteering England on their Inspiration and Legacy from the 2012 Games project.  That means that volunteer-involving organisations

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-19643081731302449322010-03-15T11:12:00.000Z2010-03-15T11:12:58.605Z

You may have heard about the new bursary scheme being funded by Capacity Builders and rolled out through 4 organisations across the country, including Voluntary Action Sheffield.  Below is the information from Capacitybuilders on this great opportunity: Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to better support and inspire your volunteers and enhance the impact of your organisation.

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-26639672879964898862010-03-12T16:51:00.000Z2010-03-12T16:51:46.894Z

A quick thought for a Friday afternoon on how we can use the internet to get new volunteers ...Use Google Alerts to find relevant conversations and then join in. We know that most volunteers get into volunteering through word of mouth (about two thirds in fact).  But how do we make the most of that?  Well more and more 'conversations' are taking place online now, through places like Sheffield

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-2173376919624504972010-03-05T14:46:00.000Z2010-03-05T14:46:07.792Z

From theory to reality... the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy is now coming to life!  There's a vast amount to do, but at the moment attention is focusing on funding applications for the main projects and on preparing for a year-long volunteering publicity campaign across the city. An important element of that publicity will be a team of Volunteering Ambassadors.  Those Ambassadors will be

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-49578080775421679202010-02-26T14:36:00.000Z2010-02-26T14:36:10.868Z

When s/he can't find anywhere that needs the help! Rejection is not a word we associate with volunteering, but this is how a lot of 'would-be-volunteers' feel if their application is either deemed unsuitable or not even acknowledged.  The understandable reaction is often that of, "they don't even want me for free??!".  This negative experience can often put those people off volunteering for life

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-79688801862968409102010-02-19T09:24:00.001Z2010-02-19T10:35:54.429Z

The key to successful, meaningful and long-lasting relationships? Communication. And that’s exactly what yesterday’s speed-dating event was designed to build... between the Delivery Partners of Sheffield’s Volunteering Strategy! Many of those involved in delivering the Strategy have not historically worked together, despite the fact that they often have similar or complimentary aims. By taking

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-31661799245133449822010-02-12T16:17:00.000Z2010-02-12T16:17:20.374Z

If your group / organisation is based in Sheffield and needs volunteers, why not get on board with the new Sheffield Volunteering Advertising Campaign launching soon?  Each month of the year will have its own theme, and the hunt is now on for volunteering opportunities that we can showcase as part of those themes. If you are an organisation in need of volunteers in Sheffield, please fill out

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-26021122070563300092010-02-05T14:41:00.001Z2010-02-19T14:00:51.648Z

If you manage volunteers for a community organisation or group in Sheffield, and you need some help with how to go about it all, you're in luck!  Robbie Cowbury is the latest edition to the Volunteer Centre Sheffield team, and will be working one day a week to provide outreach support for managers of volunteers. Robbie's work is part of the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy and a 

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-79025213974772737642010-02-01T09:30:00.000Z2010-02-01T09:30:30.457Z

A key element of the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy's mission to break down barriers to volunteering took a step closer to becoming reality on Wednesday. Representatives from Sheffield City Council's Employment Services, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Strategic Health Authority, and VAS came together to discuss how to take forward the planned Buddy Scheme for volunteers with learning

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-25971055462062701312010-01-15T13:11:00.013Z2010-01-18T14:41:42.410Z

Over one hundred people from Sheffield and further afield attended yesterday's Volunteering Strategy Launch event, held at The Circle, which gave the whole thing a great feeling of enthusiasm and support.  There was a real buzz in the air, even before the speakers appeared, and afterwards the response was fantastic - thank you to everyone who came up to me afterwards wanting to get more involved!

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-30053744258912703442010-01-06T16:36:00.001Z2010-01-06T16:39:32.199Z

There may be snowy-chaos all around, but the number of people who seem to have managed to ride, walk, cycle or sledge to work has been impressive over the last week!  Despite the chill factor and obvious temptation of staying in a lovely warm bed in the mornings, work has largely gone on as usual at VAS this week.  As have preparations for the Volunteering Strategy Launch event and its impending

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-42302097908882986952009-12-14T12:31:00.003Z2009-12-16T15:03:24.838Z

Anyone involved in the voluntary sector in Sheffield is invited to drop-in at a Social Media Workshop to take place after the Volunteering Strategy Launch on 14th January 2010. If you're like to find out how Twitter, Blogs, Facebook and other Social Media tools can help you with your work, from marketing to fundraising to simply sharing information and keeping up-to-date with the latest

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-25330548554860992742009-12-07T16:50:00.000Z2009-12-07T16:50:23.958Z

With 2012 fast approaching, Sheffield's sports clubs are gearing up to make the most of Olympic fever to encourage more and more people to participate in sport.  And who do they need to help with all the coaching, stewarding, admin and myriad other tasks that go along with sporting events and activities?  Yes, volunteers of course! To that end, sports professionals and volunteering groups from

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-53734095955625349982009-12-01T10:56:00.002Z2009-12-01T10:58:03.356Z

It is with great excitement that I can announce that The Sheffield Volunteering Strategy will be officially launched on 14th January 2010. Partners from across Sheffield's voluntary and community sector, public and private sectors will be coming together to see the unveiling of the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy (and associated Action Plan) that they themselves have been involved in developing,

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-20369528775718173022009-11-20T12:45:00.001Z2009-11-20T12:51:08.275Z

As part of the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy, Bridge Employment are set to put together a programme of Pre-Volunteering Training for people in Sheffield who have disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health problems.  Subject to successful funding bids in the New Year, Bridge Employment have confirmed that they will be able to run a series of 8-week training programmes to encourage

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-23591920616606530732009-11-13T17:05:00.000Z2009-11-13T17:05:50.809Z

It's been a busy week this week, with meetings galore about the Sheffield Volunteering Strategy.  Amongst those meetings was one with the Sheffield Health Compact.  Sheffield is rather unusual in that it has two Compacts: one between the voluntary sector and the local authority(http://prospectus.shu.ac.uk/CourseEntry.cfm?CourseId=518 ) and another between the voluntary sector and the NHS (http://

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-74233508574640862462009-11-07T11:13:00.000Z2009-11-07T11:13:51.879Z

Sheffield's Volunteering Strategy Steering Group has been meeting every two months since May 2009 to guide the development of the business plan.  It comprises a range of influential figures from across the city's voluntary and community sector and the public sector: Nick Warren, CEO, Voluntary Action Sheffield Kirstie Haines, Interim Director, Sheffield First Partnership Vince Roberts,

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136730145269891683.post-84537573474924565862009-10-28T22:45:00.002Z2009-11-11T22:13:55.889Z

Sheffield organisations are continuing to sign up to deliver the city's Volunteering Strategy... momentum is growing! Yes, Sheffield Health & Social Care Trust, Sanctuary Housing, Business in the Community and Sheffield City Council are amongst those who have committed to joining Voluntary Action Sheffield, Volunteer Centre Sheffield and the Sheffield First Partnership in leading key actions of

Claire Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16234885942398528334noreply@blogger.com0