Sunderland Volunteering

18/09/2025

08/09/2025

👀 Pssst… we’ve moved all the good stuff to one place.

Volunteering is now alongside all our other news, support, guidance, opportunities (and the odd dodgy pun) at https://www.facebook.com/SunderlandVoluntarySectorAlliance.

If you’re not following us yet, you’re basically ghosting us… and we will miss you. 💔
Come join the fun – because volunteering is serious business, but staying connected doesn’t have to be! 💙

Voluntary Sector Alliance #

07/08/2025

FREE WEBINAR - From Volunteer Coordinator to Head of Engagement: Lessons Learned Along the Way
Wednesday 10 September, 3-4pm
Free, online

Simon Tootell, an experienced volunteer management professional will share his personal journey - from a volunteer, to grassroots volunteer coordination, to shaping museum-wide engagement strategies.

Session moderated by Rob Jackson, a leading voice in volunteer engagement.

You'll discover:
📌Career Progression & Key Insights: how Simon’s career evolved as he navigated volunteer management challenges and honed his leadership skills.
📌Challenges & Solutions: how he tackled common challenges in volunteer engagement, including recruitment, accessibility, inclusivity, retention, and motivation.
📌Maximising Volunteer Impact: how volunteer involvement has streamlined operations, improved visitor experiences, and supported the museum’s mission.
📌Practical Takeaways: actionable tips a for your own volunteer programmes.

Register: https://www.betterimpact.com/simon-tootell-webinar

Rob Jackson Consulting Ltd

Join Simon Tootell as he shares his journey in volunteer engagement, career growth, and best practices. Register now for this insightful webinar!

05/08/2025

WEBINAR: SUCCESSION PLANNING
Wednesday 17 September 2025, 12noon – 1pm
Free, online

Michelle Clarke and Emma Bingham from the Community Transport Association outline why they started thinking about succession planning and what they learnt, before sharing some straightforward steps you can take in your own organisation.

Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1461055688311267673

Delivered through the Cranfield Trust which has provided free pro bono management support to charities and CICs for 35 years.

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance

17/07/2025

THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING

The total economic impact of formal volunteering activity in England in 2021/22, based on the replacement cost and wellbeing benefits of volunteering, was estimated at £24.69 billion. This represents an average economic impact of £2,012 per volunteer!

Research from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) commissioned London Economics, working with Basis Social and New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) to provide monetary estimates on the economic and social value of volunteering in England.

The report covers 5 key areas: the replacement cost of volunteering, wellbeing benefits, and the effect of volunteering on employment outcomes, healthcare costs and social outcomes.

Read the full report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/estimating-the-economic-and-social-value-of-volunteering/estimating-the-economic-and-social-value-of-volunteering

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance

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11/07/2025

FRIDAY FUN - 5Things Volunteer Managers Can Learn from Hip Hop

Rob Jackson Consulting Ltd once again encourages us to look at volunteering practice in innovative and creative ways as the field evolves to fit a new world order.

This time he takes inspiration from hip hop’s foundational principles which offer surprising insights for anyone looking to build and lead effective volunteer teams.

https://robjacksonconsulting.wordpress.com/2025/07/04/five-things-volunteer-managers-can-learn-from-hip-hop/

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance

This improvisational mindset offers valuable lessons for Volunteer Engagement Professionals.

09/07/2025

THE MAGIC OF MICRO-VOLUNTEERING
The idea of micro-volunteering is gaining traction, and for good reason.
Fewer people are willing or able to commit to a regular shift.
They want the ability to pick and choose what, when, and how they contribute.
By offering flexibility, you open the door to more volunteers, including those who might not have the time or ability to commit to traditional roles.
Read more in this blog from the Better Impact Team: https://blog.betterimpact.com/en/the-magic-of-micro-volunteering

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance

Discover strategies to build a compelling case for funding volunteer engagement and inspire donors to invest in your organization's volunteer infrastructure.

30/06/2025

UK VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SURVEY

If you are a Volunteer Coordinator/leader, your insights are crucial for understanding the challenges, opportunities and technology needs facing the volunteering sector.

This survey is part of a broader effort by Rosterfy to gather in-depth insights into the current landscape of volunteer management in the UK. Your feedback will help shape future technology solutions and inform sector-wide best practices.

Complete the survey: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90838500/soukvm2025

By participating, you'll contribute to a comprehensive industry report, providing valuable data for decision-making and sector growth. Findings will be published in the Autumn.

The survey will take no more than 10 minutes and you will be invited to enter a prize draw to win a £200 Amazon voucher or a £100 Amazon voucher for three runners-up.

28/06/2025

BE PART OF THE 'THIRD SECTOR TRENDS IN NE ENGLAND' STUDY

Whether you’re big or small - thriving or struggling, an amateur sports, dance or gardening club, a village hall, a carers’ group, an arts organisation, or if you deliver social or health services, care for the environment or run a hostel or food bank – help to build a picture about how the voluntary sector responds to, and initiates change in society.

Complete the survey: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/durham/third-sector-trends-in-england-and-wales-2025-4th-draft

The study is big (6,000+ responses in 2022) and runs right across England and Wales. However, its focus is still very local – looking at how the voluntary sector develops and works in areas like ours – whether the interests you serve are focused on a neighbourhood/village or span national/international boundaries.

It’s quick and easy to do on your PC, laptop, tablet or phone. It’s completely confidential, incredibly relevant to the voluntary sector and those who support it, and only happens every three years.

For any enquiries, please email Professor Tony Chapman, Durham University: [email protected]

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance