Inspiring Edinburgh’s Volunteers – Building On Success

Edinburgh’s Volunteering Strategy 2012-17

STAFF from EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council) came together to consider the current consultation on Edinburgh’s Volunteering Strategy, and the consultation document.

We agreed to submit a general response outlining key themes we wish to support, rather than responding to the particular questions in the formal consultation. This is a staff response. EVOC did not consult with our members or constituents, as considerable discussion has taken place through the iterative process to build this draft Volunteering Strategy.

1. As a party to Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface, as a member of the iGIVE Volunteering Strategy implementation group, as a member of the Edinburgh Compact Partnership, and through a range of face-to-face meetings, EVOC has had significant engagement with the process to develop the draft Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan to date. This being the case, we felt our views had already been expressed, which is why we are not responding to the particular questions in the consultation document.

2. EVOC’s mission is to support the Third Sector to enable resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities. The role of individual volunteers in supporting this ambition is well understood, and EVOC is entirely supportive of the work that the Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan will do to enable resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities. Volunteering – at its best – enhances individual well-being, builds social capital, and supports individual and community resilience. The Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan must enable these individual and community capacities to flourish and grow.

3. With its focus on supporting and developing Third Sector organisations, EVOC is committed to working with the Volunteer Centre Edinburgh (and other partners) to

support Third Sector volunteer involving organisations as they work to increase the range and diversity of volunteering opportunities.

4. More broadly, EVOC continues to remain committed to working closely with the Volunteer Centre Edinburgh (and other partners) primarily (but not exclusively) within the interlaced contexts of the Edinburgh Compact Partnership, the Third Sector Strategy Group, and iGIVE to further the vision of Edinburgh’s Volunteering Strategy: Our vision is of a city where Edinburgh’s population is inspired and supported to volunteer.

If a further discussion would be helpful, please don’t hesitate to contact Milind Kolhatkar as below in the first instance.

Email: Milind.Kolhatkar@evoc.org.uk

Telephone: (0131) 555 9100

Twitter: @EVOC_Milind