1. Sharon Kirkpatrick Senior Manager Reading and Learning
Volunteering
Sharon Kirkpatrick
Senior Manager Reading and Learning

2. Volunteering - Definition
Compact on relations between the Government and the Third Sector in England
The Compact Code of Good Practice on Volunteering, published in 2005, contains a short definition of volunteering within a longer context-setting description of volunteering. It states that volunteering is
“…an activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or individuals or groups other than (or in addition to) close relatives”.
"Volunteering is the giving of time and energy through a third party, which can bring measurable benefits to the volunteer, individual beneficiaries, groups and organisations, communities, environment and society at large. It is a choice undertaken of one's own free will, and is not motivated primarily for financial gain or for a wage or salary."

3. Volunteering – Big Society
David Cameron has launched his “Big Society” drive to empower communities. Describing it as his “Great Passion”
In a speech in Liverpool, the Prime Minister said groups should be able to run post offices, libraries, transport services and shape housing projects.

4. Volunteering - Opportunities
Additional activities and events in support of library aims and objectives e.g. summer reading challenge
ICT support work
Reader’s groups
Support to promote the library service such as leaflet distribution
Support for people who are housebound including choosing, packing and delivering items
Supporting the provision of a community library in smaller communities

5. Volunteering roles - Kent, Gloucestershire
Helping Staff with:
Story time and Rhyme Time Sessions
Homework Help
Computer Buddies
Gardeners
Music and Drama support at library activities
Scrabble Clubs
Facilitators for Chatterbooks
Consultation volunteers
Reading Group hosts

6. Teenage Volunteering

7. Examples of Teenage Volunteering
Recruitment and Selection
Young Inspectors ( mystery shopping)
Summer Reading Challenge
Head Space roles such as marketing, event planning
Supporting the provision of a community library in smaller communities.

8. Volunteering – Volunteer Perspective
Benefits of Volunteering:
Acquiring new skills and gaining work experience
Gaining Accreditation
Expanding your social horizons
Helping others to improve their quality of life
Having fun while doing something constructive
Keeping in touch with technology

9. Volunteering - Accreditation
Duke of Edinburgh (service and skills)
Young People’s Award
Open College Network
Arts Award
ASDAN Activities Award
Dorset Award

10. Volunteering - Management
Volunteer Policy
Job descriptions
Induction Checklist to cover:
Library Aims and Objectives
Volunteer Information and Agreement
Health and Safety
Customer Care
Practical Details
Training for the volunteering role

11. Volunteering - Management
WRVS
Community Service Volunteers
Dorset V
Volunteer Centre
Examples:
Housebound Library Service managed by WRVS
Time2Give ( managed by CSV- Community Service Volunteers)
Online summer reading challenge volunteers managed by Dorset V and hosted by Do-it volunteering

12. Volunteering - Service Benefits
Enhanced opening hours in community libraries
Summer Reading Challenge teenage volunteers are appreciated by staff and the public
Skilled volunteers such as Dorset Reading Partners can provide value added support to staff and the public
Volunteering organised through Service Level Agreements e.g. with WRVS are less time intensive although there are cost implications
Participation of Young people in the service by taking part in staff recruitment, mystery shopping and service development means that they can help shape the service to meet the needs of their peer group.

13. Volunteering - Weblinks