Hi Rob. The emphasis here was on the management of volunteers becoming increasingly professional. While this was welcomed on a number of levels, there was also concern that in the current economic climate and the cuts in public spending, that government would see volunteers as the ‘solution’ (rather than paying staff). This raised issues within itself, but one of the biggest problems being the ‘solution’ was actually very labour intensive!
The diversity of volunteers was essentially related to the recession and the employment backgrounds of people volunteering. Perhaps diversity was misleading? What we talked about was the increase in volunteers from the finance sector, due to being made redundant. People felt that once the economy picked up people would probably return to the finance sector, rather than stay with organisations as volunteers or seek alternative careers within the voluntary sector. However others felt that an ‘80’s repeat’ would occur, the recession triggering life/career changing decisions in people. What do people think will happen? Have you got volunteers from the finance sector? Will they stay or go?!
Sarah
Third Sector ForesightHi Rob. The emphasis here was on the management of volunteers becoming increasingly professional. While this was welcomed on a number of levels, there was also concern that in the current economic climate and the cuts in public spending, that government would see volunteers as the ‘solution’ (rather than paying staff). This raised issues within itself, but one of the biggest problems being the ‘solution’ was actually very labour intensive!
The diversity of volunteers was essentially related to the recession and the employment backgrounds of people volunteering. Perhaps diversity was misleading? What we talked about was the increase in volunteers from the finance sector, due to being made redundant. People felt that once the economy picked up people would probably return to the finance sector, rather than stay with organisations as volunteers or seek alternative careers within the voluntary sector. However others felt that an ‘80’s repeat’ would occur, the recession triggering life/career changing decisions in people. What do people think will happen? Have you got volunteers from the finance sector? Will they stay or go?!
Sarah
Third Sector ForesightIf you’re interested in reading some more about this topic before our seminar some key publications to have a look at are:
Civil society and climate change by NEF
Environmental responsibility: what role should charities play?
Partnering for the environment – lessons for a collaborative future also has some interesting thoughts in this tighter economic climate relating to funding.