1 VSkills Adrian Murtagh Head of Development

Our role within the, ‘Volunteering - Way to Employment’ project To share our knowledge, skills and expertise regarding the development of an online training support for unemployed individuals who volunteer. Transfer our working model of VSkills for adaptation within Slovakia. Assist with the learning and understanding of the potential and limitations of VSkills within the employment agenda.

Volunteering and the employability market Since the 1980s in the UK, volunteering has been part of programmes and initiatives to help unemployed people to return to the labour market. Evidence has emerged (although much of it remains anecdotal) to suggest that volunteering can improve employability through building ‘soft/hard’ skills and demonstrating job readiness to potential employers. Some research (and our observations) suggests that volunteering is not, however, the solution for every unemployed person or always a direct route into employment.

Aim of VSkills within Scotland Our main target group is unemployed individuals who are or considering volunteering. To provide the individual with pre- and vocational learning, which could meet the needs of employers and assist with the journey to employment and/or other forms of progression. Maximise the opportunity for individuals to have a positive experience through volunteering, which will enhance their learning and understanding of the workplace. Using volunteering opportunities - throughout Scotland - to increase the employability skills or work readiness of individuals.

Introduction of an online tool

We created a pilot project in 2009 funded by the Scottish Government. The main aim of the pilot – “to create a way of validating the knowledge and skills gained through the experience of volunteer”. Our Initial desk research, engaged with four volunteer centres and two college partners. A focus group of volunteers and an advisory group were set up. We Identified a suitable award within the Scottish Quality framework.

Scottish Quality Framework

How it works Achievement of the award (employability award ) Volunteer begins volunteering Support from volunteer manager at placement Support from peers (other volunteers, staff) Use of online learning resource VSkills Assessment by SQA approved centre

Main impact and learning during the pilot During the pilot phase the impact was: 30 volunteers achieved the award. Volunteer centres found it useful, however noted that the process was time consuming. Employers perspective did not change although there is currently a higher interest in volunteering.

Where are we now with VSkills in Scotland Employers in Scotland have identified a skills gap - soft skills, self-management, team working, problem-solving, communication and numeracy. Unemployment, job security and full employment is still an issue. Many volunteers are attracted to volunteering to develop skills particularly youth, unemployed and or individuals returning to work. We have an opportunity to recognise informal learning through volunteering.

Where are we now with VSkills in Scotland We have refreshed the product (2013 – 2014). VSkills is a key part of our youth employability project ‘Scotland’s Best’. We are looking to link VSkills to different learning outcomes within the Scottish Quality Framework. Starting to increase the awareness of employers about VSkills. We have created a new licence agreement and business model for use within Scotland and out-with. VSkills is being adapted for use within different volunteering areas.

Advice to others There is still a drive from funders to use volunteering across Scotland and in other areas of the UK People see volunteering as a tool to increase an individuals employability skills or work readiness and linked to local/regional or national labour market opportunities. Volunteer Scotland’s learning is to see volunteering as a part of the journey towards employment and at times can assist an individual with the development of soft skills. Any system needs to focus on a good volunteer experience.

The future of Volunteering within Scotland Embracing the spirit of the Volunteers within the 2012 Commonwealth Games.