Volunteers to benefit from new free online course

Volunteer Scotland has joined forces with The Open University to create Involving Volunteers, a digital learning module aimed at improving the volunteering journey.

While Volunteers’ Week 2019 (1-7 June) may be drawing to a close, the benefits for charities and voluntary organisations will be felt all year round, thanks to the launch today of the new and free online course.

It is a first-time collaboration between Scotland’s National Centre for Volunteering and the OU’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL).

Dr James Rees (pictured above), Director of the CVSL, said:

“The course covers all of the essential things organisations should consider to ensure volunteers have a positive volunteering experience.

"Volunteers contribute a massive amount to our society, so it’s vital that organisations understand the importance of supporting volunteers and communicating the real difference their contribution makes.”

Involving Volunteers is specifically designed to meet the needs of smaller organisations as Adrian Murtagh, Head of Business Development at Volunteer Scotland, explains:

“Cost and location can be barriers to continuing professional development in the third sector.

"This course is free and delivered digitally, making it accessible to those who may not normally be able to access training due to budget and geographical constraints.”

On completion of the 14-hour course, all participants will receive a certificate and digital badge to recognise their achievement.

The course can be accessed via the ‘Involving volunteers’ course link on OpenLearn or by searching for ‘Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership’ and then ‘Involving Volunteers’.

• Volunteers' Week 2019 is 1-7 June.