Enabling Employer Supported Volunteering in Sheffield

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 who aren't going to charge them fees that they can't afford). 

To that end, I am compiling a list of volunteer-involving organisations who could use the help of employer supported volunteers.  Employers offer a wide variety of volunteering potential, with employees who have a range of skills, motivations, and availability to offer. Some will be looking for one-off opportunities that a group of their staff could undertake together, whereas others are open to the idea of individual employees helping charities and voluntary groups on a longer term basis (perhaps utilising their professional skills such as IT or marketing to help, or maybe wanting a complete change from their day job!). Some companies will be looking for specific outcomes for their staff (e.g. skills development, motivation), whereas for others the primary goal is to help their local community.

So if you're a group or organisation in Sheffield that could use the help of some volunteers from local public and private sector organisations, please complete the questionnaire at the following link by 25th June 2010! www.surveymonkey.com/s/esv

And remember: please don't restrict yourself to the stereotypical ideas of painting rooms or building gardens (although those would certainly be welcomed too!) - consider whether employees could help with other things such as getting involved with service users (maybe they could help create scenery for youth theatre productions or help at social events) or whether they could help to shape your work in some way (perhaps people with marketing skills could help plan your communications strategy).

So fill in the questionnaire now and get on the list! (Sheffield-based organisations only): www.surveymonkey.com/s/esv!