Shared coordinator role feasability: what did you think?
Feedback on the Feasibility Study.
Over the last two months, a study has been conducted to explore the feasibility of offering volunteer coordination support to organisations in Kensington & Chelsea to supplement existing services. Seventeen busy volunteer coordinators offered a fascinating insight into their work, achievements, challenges and views on the extent to which they would welcome a volunteer coordinator supporting their day-to-day practice.
The aim of the study was to investigate individual needs that might not be adequately addressed by the current system and to explore the practicalities of a shared volunteer coordinator working for a number of organisations in the borough. The questions were designed to gauge organisations' current situation any extension plansthey may be considering and to assess the viability of offering a package of volunteer coordination support to the post holder working on site.
The study showed that there is considerable potential for increasing the number and kind of volunteer roles offered by local organisations to benefit local communities. The limit to unlock this potential is largely posed by a lack of volunteer coordinators’ time to support further volunteers and to develop new roles while managing the current programme and often fulfilling additional roles.
However “buying” into such a scheme was not considered feasible for most organisations. Most respondents would appreciate additional help but when addressing concrete situations it emerged that the majority would not want to give away responsibilities by sharing their role and would equally only take on as many volunteers as they felt able to support adequately.
The results led to the conclusion that a volunteer coordination package provided by a shared volunteer coordinator would not sufficiently meet the demands for flexibility and commitment while being offered free of charge. Therefore, existing services will be adapted to address the issues that emerged from the study.
Interviewees feel generally well supported by Volunteer Centre staff and stated that they were happy with the advice received in person, by phone and email. Nevertheless, as many organisations are located some miles from the Volunteer Centre it has been suggested that having closer links to the Volunteer Centre would be welcomed.
Overcoming isolation by having meetings on site is seen as ajust as important as occasional networking with peers for sharing examples of best practice as often the volunteer coordinator takes on a stand-alone role in the organisation. The existing volunteer management training offered by the Volunteer Centre was favourably commented upon but some respondents mentioned that it would be very beneficial to have one-to-one sessions on how policies and best practice examples would apply to their situation.
Another key point for improvement is the matching of volunteers to suitable roles, especially for administrative roles and the timely recruitment for large one-off events.
Plenty of interesting suggestions were made by participants which will be taken onboard in the continuing consultations process regarding the development of additional roles and the strategic direction of the Volunteer Centre’s services.
We will keep you posted on future developments.
If you would like a copy of the feasibility study please let us know. Email Andrew.Croxford@voluntarywork.org.uk