VOLUNTEERING IMPACTS
A report highlighting recent work undertaken by Chester Zoo to better understand the impact of volunteering in zoological collections across the UK.
August 2017 Volunteering Impacts
CONTENTS
Summary...... 4
Measuring the impact of volunteering...... 5
Who volunteers in zoos?...... 6
Volunteering in zoos, aquariums and wildlife collections across the UK...... 8
Health and wellbeing...... 9
Knowledge and skills development...... 13
Personal development...... 17
Connection with people...... 21
Support and training...... 24
Conclusion...... 25
Recommendations...... 26
Thanks...... 27
3 Volunteering Impacts - Summary Volunteering Impacts - Measuring the Impacts of Volunteering 1 2
SUMMARY MEASURING THE IMPACTS OF VOLUNTEERING
In the last Community Life Survey commissioned Key Findings: Evaluation of the impact of volunteering was carried The survey was delivered to participants via an by the Cabinet Office, forty one per cent of people out between November 2016 and March 2017 using online approach (using Survey Monkey software) interviewed said they had volunteered formally at • Volunteering in zoos supports mental and physical a version of the NCVO Volunteer Impact Toolkit. and a survey invitation was sent to each individual least once in the last year and twenty seven percent health by providing stimulation, something to do The aim of the research was to understand how volunteer’s email address. Paper versions were at least once in the past month. With roughly one in and exercise, as well as routine and structure. volunteering experiences in animal collections benefit also available upon request. Volunteers across 25 three of the adult population of England volunteering the individual, in order to inform future development collections in the UK were invited to complete the on a regular basis, volunteers represent an invaluable • The social aspect of volunteering is highly valued and increase understanding of the benefits of zoo- survey and 524 responses were received from a total resource that creates a huge economic and social among volunteers across all collections. It provides based volunteering programmes. of 19 collections. value for our society. Volunteering is an integral part the opportunity to be socially connected therefore of UK society but it is clear that the true impact and buffering the effect of loneliness and social This research has been undertaken to provide a Table 1: NCVO Volunteer Toolkit Capital Breakdown (Taken from the NVCO impact toolkit) benefits are still to be fully understood. Such personal isolation. snap shot of volunteering across the UK to better engagement needs to be better qualified and understand and articulate the value of volunteering in Human Capital • Increased personal development, such as growth in confidence quantified to realise the full impact and release the full • Volunteering within such dynamic surroundings zoos, aquariums and wildlife collections across the People’s and self-esteem potential of volunteering. takes people out of their own environment, helps UK. This included collaboration with zoos, aquariums knowledge, skills • Increased transferable skills, them to gain perspective and broaden their and wildlife collections across the UK examining and health such as IT, public speaking and This research and report focuses on the self-reported outlook. the role of volunteering and the social, personal and teamwork • Improved health and wellbeing impact of volunteering in zoos, aquariums and health benefits it has. wildlife collections that often goes underestimated. • The additional benefits in terms of positive Economic Capital • Increased access to training for The report looks at the impacts of volunteering outcomes for volunteers are the feel good factor of To assess the impacts, a survey was designed that which they would otherwise have Benefits or costs to pay on individual health, wellbeing and personal making a contribution towards conservation and was based on the impact evaluation toolkit produced with financial value • Increased employment development. wildlife, and being appreciated and valued for what by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations prospects and future earning they do. (NCVO). The final design used both qualitative and power The outcome of the analysis of the data quantitative questions to measure the following Social Capital • New friendships, contacts and demonstrated that overall, volunteering with these variables: networks collections has a positive impact on wellbeing and More cooperative • Greater involvement in local relationships activities personal development and that volunteering played • Satisfaction with support, management and between people • Enhanced sense of trust in a significant role in the lives of the participants. With training others and greater frequency many zoos, aquariums and wildlife collections hosting • Human capital (personal development, skills of working with others to solve a wide variety of volunteers, collectively we play a development and health and wellbeing) problems. key role in realising and sharing these impacts of • Economic capital (access to training and Cultural Capital • Better understanding of one’s volunteering. employability) own identity • Social capital (friendships and contacts, sense A sense of one’s • Increased expression of one’s own identity and own values through cultural and of trust in others and participation in other local understanding of leisure activities activities) other’s identity • Greater appreciation of others • Cultural capital (sense of identity, religious faith and culture, leisure and the environment) • Demographics
4 5 Volunteering Impacts - Who volunteers in zoos? 3 Volunteer from Chester Zoo
WHO VOLUNTEERS IN ZOOS?
From the participants who were surveyed there is no Table 2: Summary of respondents significant average age of volunteers across zoos in Count Column the UK, however our results show substantial input N% from those age 20-24 and those age 64-68. The What is your Female 316 73.3% youngest of the respondents was 15 years old and gender? Male 115 26.7% the oldest 84 years. Do you consider No 357 83.8% yourself to have a Yes 41 9.6% Data from the Community Life Survey (2016) shows disability? Prefer not to 28 6.6% that rates of volunteering by people in the 16-25 age say group have been increasing substantially in recent How long have you Less than 6 105 20.5% years, a trend which may be reflected in the large been volunteering months input from that age range in our survey. with this Between 6 84 16.2% organisation? months and Typically there is strong belief that retired people a year make up a large majority of those who volunteer, A year or 327 63.2% but our data suggests that this is closely followed by more those who are employed. How often do you Very 6 1.2% volunteer with this occasionally organisation? A couple of 13 2.5% times a year One or 116 22.4% two days a month One day 382 73.9% a week or more Are you currently Currently not 50 11.6% working Employed 141 32.8% Retired 152 35.3% Self- 25 5.8% employed Student 50 11.6% Prefer not to 12 2.8% say
Mean Median Minimum Maximum Volunteer age 46 48 15 84
6 7 Volunteering Impacts - Volunteering across the UK Volunteering Impacts - Health and wellbeing 4 5
VOLUNTEERING IN ZOOS, HEALTH AND WELLBEING AQUARIUMS AND WILDLIFE COLLECTIONS ACROSS THE UK
The term ‘wellbeing’ is considered to be multi- Figure 1: 5 ways to wellbeing taken from www.fivewaystowellbeing.org dimensional. Described by Defra (2007)1 as “a positive physical, social and mental state; it is not just the As in many organisations that work to promote absence of pain, discomfort and incapacity. It requires environmental conservation and species awareness, that basic needs are met, that individuals have a volunteers in zoos play a vital role in aiding the sense of purpose, and that they feel able to achieve Talk and listen, diffusion of conservation values and supporting important personal goals and participate in society”. be there, staff with animal husbandry. Volunteers also support CONNECT fundraising efforts and general administration as well The New Economics Foundation have identified feel connected as other specialised roles. five evidenced-based actions to improve wellbeing: Connect; Be Active; Take Notice; Keep Learning; and Understanding how and to what extent the volunteers Give (Nef, 2008)2. Nef suggested that if each of these Do what you value their experiences, including their interactions ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ were built into daily routines, can, enjoy what with other volunteers and what they perceive as a health and wellbeing would be enhanced. BE ACTIVE benefit to themselves, will help establish a role for you do, move zoos in promoting social, well-being and personal This research looked into a variety of wellbeing your mood benefits among these dedicated individuals. indicators and how volunteers have scored their increase in wellbeing over their time volunteering. Remember While volunteers are trained to provide services for There is strong evidence to suggest that the the simple collections that encourage wildlife conservation, volunteers value the impact on their general wellbeing, TAKE NOTICE this research project approaches the volunteers’ highlighting the role the zoo can play in offering things that experiences as they themselves grow, develop, learn opportunities to embed all Five Ways to Wellbeing into give you joy and become advocates for wildlife. This growth their daily lives. occurs through the dedication of the volunteers, many Embrace new hours of training, thousands of conversations with Volunteering provides opportunities to follow the Five visitors to the zoo, hands on experience and being Ways to Wellbeing. In particular, the social contact KEEP LEARNING experiences, see immersed in a social world in and outside of the zoo, aspect of helping and working with others can opportunities, all focused on wildlife conservation. have an effect on volunteers’ overall psychological wellbeing. People are most likely to volunteer because surprise yourself From information gathered from the collections they want to make a difference, and this in itself themselves, there are around 1500 individual can have a positive outcome on their health and Your time, your volunteers but the numbers are likely to be wellbeing3. Personal satisfaction, self-esteem and considerably more. With over 100 BIAZA (British and sense of fulfilment have the capacity to grow, and GIVE words, your Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) collections studies have shown that volunteering can improve presence this report looks into a small number of these. health especially if coping with an illness4. 1 DEFRA, 2007. Measuring societal wellbeing in the UK. London: Office for National Statistics.2 NEF, 2008. Five ways to wellbeing: A report presented to the Foresight Project on communicating the evidence base for improving people’s well-being. London: New Economics Foundation (NEF). 3 Bixler, R.D., Joseph, S.L. and Searles, V.M., 2014. Volunteers as products of a zoo conservation education program. The Journal of Environmental Education, 45(1), pp.57-73. 4 Bragg, R., Wood, C., Barton, J. and Pretty, J., 2015. Wellbeing benefits from natural environments rich in wildlife: A literature review for The Wildlife Trusts. University of Essex.
8 9 Volunteering Impacts Volunteer from Living Coasts
‘It has increased my ‘Volunteering has confidence, reminding helped me build my me of all the things I’m self-esteem back up capable of after a period of after a difficult time’ ill health and leaving a bad Volunteer from Isle work environment’ of Wight Zoo Volunteer from RZSS
‘It has helped me to ‘Volunteering has had a increase in confidence huge beneficial effect on my and improved my physical mental health and self-esteem. and mental wellbeing, helping I feel it is a major part of my me to determine with complete identity and it has been most useful confidence the career path I to me in finding paid work in a wish to take in the future’ field I am passionate about’ Volunteer from RZSS Volunteer from New Forest Wildlife Park
‘I’m signed off sick with my mental health and volunteering is giving me some confidence back. The animals are therapeutic, and the staff are so understanding and supportive if I can’t come in on a day because of my illness’ Volunteer from Dartmoor
10 11 Volunteering Impacts Volunteering Impacts - Knowledge and skills development 6
There is strong evidence across all collections that 48% of volunteers surveyed volunteers have experienced increases in general health and wellbeing. There are many different factors marked increases in their fitnesss KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS which form part of someone’s overall wellbeing, levels and 48% also reported and there are strong indications that confidence, DEVELOPMENT self-esteem and motivation impact significantly on increases in their general wellbeing. physical health and wellbeing. 71% of those surveyed reported This area embraces a range of skills, attitudes and knowledge relating to working with other people. It that their confidence had either includes teamwork - working together to achieve ‘increased’ or ‘greatly increased’ ‘It has honestly been common goals; leading and organising projects and a fantastic opportunity activities; working with different kinds of people, since they started volunteering for me and one I love to for instance across age differences; negotiation and dealing with conflict; and active listening - and 67% and 70% reported the do. It is so different from understanding other people’s views and ideas. same increases for self-esteem my normal 9-5 role’ Volunteer from RZSS Working side by side with others from very diverse and motivation respectively. backgrounds, helps to develop interpersonal skills. Through volunteering, participants learn how to These encouraging findings indicate that zoo-based handle not only different types of people but also volunteer programmes around the UK are playing a ‘For young people different situations5. Volunteers have the opportunity part in increasing wellbeing. starting out, this to learn the value of diversity, strong communication, mutual respect, shared planning, cooperation and Volunteering in zoos provides a unique environment organisation helps them to working towards common goals6. Communication and often involves volunteering outside and doing become more confident and to forms a vital part of many if not all of the volunteer hands-on work. work in a team whilst doing and roles across the collections. Many of the activities learning about something require volunteers to communicate and this is a skill which can improve over time. that is very worthwhile’ Volunteer from Shaldon Communication skills and zoo-based work were identified as key areas of skills development through volunteering. Many volunteers stressed the benefits of working together and their comments My confidence in my own abilities 3.91 highlighted various aspects of teamwork, including My mental health and welI being 3.71 getting things done, developing trust and making friends, supporting and helping each other through My physical health and welI being 3.52 challenges and working through disagreements. My sense of belonging to the community 3.46
My sense of motivation 3.91
My sense of self-esteem 3.82
Mean level of self-reported increase 5 Wu, H., 2011. Social Impacts of Volunteerism Report. Points of Light Institute. 6 Baillie Smith, M. and Laurie, N., 2011. International volunteering and development: Global citizenship and neoliberal professionalisation today. (1 = Decreased greatly - 5 = Increased greatly) Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 36(4), pp.545-559.
12 13 Volunteering Impacts - Knowledge and skills development Volunteers from Africa Alive!
My social and communication skills 3.76
My ability to work as part of a team 3.62
My ability to make decisions 3.46
My ability to lead or encourage others 3.48
My ability to organise my time 3.43
Vocational or job-related skills 3.70
Literacy and numeracy skills 3.06
Technical skills, such as IT skills 3.08
Mean level of self-reported increase (1 = Decreased greatly - 5 = Increased greatly)
These results show a positive impact on skills in general, specifically communication, teamwork and ‘The more detailed vocational or job related skills. park itself is an 60% of volunteers reported amazing place to be and increases in their communication the people are brilliant to work with. I have been able to take part skills, 49% in team work related in many different jobs and tasks as skills and 56% in vocational or well as increase my confidence job related skills. and boost my independence During the research we have not been able to identify and team working skills’ which skills directly fall under vocational or job related Volunteer from Lake District skills. However, volunteers often report skills which Wildlife Park can be used in pursuing zoo related careers.
‘They give volunteers ‘My a chance to learn and volunteering enables have hands on training me to use the skills I experience on a level that required during my career, very few other organisations and I hope I make a would at an early stage’ difference to the zoo’ Volunteer from Shaldon Volunteer from Dartmoor Zoo
14 15 Volunteering Impacts - Knowledge and skills development Volunteering Impacts - Personal Development 7
The volunteers surveyed repeatedly stressed that volunteering had increased their self-confidence, self- esteem and self-belief, which is referred to earlier in ‘For young the report. Their comments, however, reveal how far people starting this is intertwined with developing skills. In particular, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT increased self-confidence seems to be strongly out, this organisation linked to improved communication skills, particularly helps them to become more among those who indicate that they were previously confident and to work in a shy, nervous about meeting new people or socially isolated. team whilst doing and learning about something that is Human capital, and specifically personal Many of the volunteers surveyed also stress the Volunteers commented on gaining an increase in development, embraces a range of skills, attitudes experiential learning provided through volunteering, knowledge and the frequent opportunities to learn very worthwhile’ and knowledge related to an individual’s sense of the ‘learning by doing’, which reinforces their sense of about species and conversation. Although the survey Volunteer from Shaldon identity and their ability to manage themselves. It their own abilities. Some of their comments explicitly wasn’t designed to look in depth into the levels of covers qualities and skills such as self-awareness, contrast this with previous expectations of failure. knowledge gained, it does identify that volunteers are self-confidence and self-esteem (covered in earlier Another theme which emerges strongly is their sense learners themselves alongside as the more traditional sections); setting goals and identifying how to achieve of other people believing in them. As a result of their learning stakeholders with which we engage, such as them; communicating effectively in different mediums; volunteering, they feel good about helping others, and school groups, families and zoo visitors. and solving problems and making decisions. The therefore better about themselves, and believe they ‘I now have broad term of ‘self-management’ includes a range are valued by other people. the opportunity to of skills and attributes, such as self-discipline, anger learn more about the and stress management, managing time effectively, patience and adaptability. animals, and play some ‘[I’m] learning so aspect in giving them a Volunteering creates the sense of self worthiness much about the animals high quality of life’ and instils self-esteem which is an important part of personal development7. It gives the very important at the zoo, especially Volunteer from Isle of Wight Zoo learning from other volunteers feeling of being needed. with a wealth of knowledge’ Volunteering provides a great counter balance for Volunteer from ZSL London those who have a busy lifestyle, especially those with a demanding job8. In some cases it can help put things in perspective and result in appreciating and understanding other environments and people9. For volunteers across all collections it’s a real ‘I was really shy and opportunity to share their passion and enthusiasm nervous about volunteering for conservation, and make a contribution towards something worthwhile. ‘Volunteering has but my confidence has gone up so given me a new insight much it’s allowed me to be better Volunteers from across the collections felt their role has helped them develop more purpose and direction into the local zoo and a at talking to visitors and better in their lives. It’s also given volunteers a sense of 7 Casiday, R., Kinsman, E., Fisher, C. and Bambra, C., 2008. Volunteering wealth of information’ pride and identity. The research highlights a range of and health: what impact does it really have. London: Volunteering at presentations at university’ England. Volunteer from Africa Alive benefits to personal development including the feeling 8 Volunteer from Chester Zoo Rochester, C., Paine, A.E., Howlett, S., Zimmeck, M. and Paine, A.E., they are making a useful contribution and having 2016. Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century. Springer. 9 Van der Werff, E., Steg, L. and Keizer, K., 2013. The value of something to look forward to. environmental self-identity: The relationship between biospheric values, environmental self-identity and environmental preferences, intentions and behaviour. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 34, pp.55-63.
16 17 Volunteering Impacts - Personal Development Volunteering Impacts
For a small number of volunteers, volunteering has My awareness of the effects of my actions on others 3.82 provided a means of turning their lives around and My confidence in my own abilities 3.91 surpassing people’s usual expectations. These individual testimonies highlight the potential for zoos My sense of motivation 3.91 to further engage with people who face barriers to ‘I have loved My sense of self-esteem 3.82 participation elsewhere. it so much. It My sense that I am making a useful contribution 4.16 changed my life My willingness to try new things 4.07 for the better’ The sense that I have things to look forward to in my life 4.02 Volunteer from National ‘As someone coping with Marine Aquarium Mean level of self-reported increase a bereavement, volunteering (1 = Decreased greatly - 5 = Increased greatly) has helped me a lot with the In addition to the positive wellbeing outcomes which healing process, it’s a two way encompass confidence, self-esteem and motivation there are other aspects of personal development gain, I help the organisation and ‘I have had so which have increased for the volunteers. they help me to feel better about ‘The main benefits for many doors shut in my me are the sense of self-worth myself and life – overall’ A huge 88% of volunteers Volunteer from Banham Zoo face because I have autism. I reported that their sense of that I get and the satisfaction of passing on my knowledge to wasn’t allowed to get into university making a useful contribution others, especially if that knowledge and people don’t want to give me a job. had increased during their time leads on to other people helping The zoo has given me the time to volunteering. This was also to conserve nature’ get good at talking to people and echoed with increases in their Volunteer from Chester Zoo willingness to try new things ‘It has become a learn new things. No one has part of who I am’ (76%) and having something to ever done that before’ Volunteer from look forward to in life (73%). Welsh Mountain Zoo Volunteer from Chester Zoo
‘I really enjoy the ‘It has given me feeling that I have done a new focus in life something useful with my time and helped me through and made a real contribution personal issues. It’s a massive to society and had a positive part of my life now’ impact on somebody’s life’ Volunteer from Whipsnade Volunteer from Chester Zoo
18 19 Volunteering Impacts - Connection with People Volunteer from Chester Zoo 8
CONNECTION WITH PEOPLE
We think of social capital as the links, shared values The social aspect of volunteering plays a huge role and understandings in society that enable individuals in the volunteer programmes we researched across and groups to trust each other and so work together. the UK. Volunteers describe feeling proud to be a Human and social capital don’t exist in isolation. The part of the zoo and feel appreciated and valued as two are linked in complex ways and, to some extent, a member of the team. It shows that volunteering in feed into each other.10 these collections provides a routine and structure to people’s day and week. While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. According to the data there were numerous social Volunteering gives the opportunity to practice and benefits to volunteering, particularly in relation to develop social skills, particularly as it involves regularly friendship networks and the support this provides. meeting with a group of people with shared interests. It is evident that dedicating their time as a volunteer helps individuals make new friends, expand networks, People who feel connected are those that experience and boost their social skills. a sense of belonging, a sense of being part of a relationship with others. In a highly mobile society, where friends and loved ones may live hundreds of miles away, this need often goes unmet. People are left with feelings of isolation, dissatisfaction, and loneliness.11 A sense of identification with a volunteer group can meet this need and can result in healthier, happier individuals. Volunteers who feel a positive sense of connection with the staff and volunteers of their organisation will tend to feel good about the experience.
10 Keeley, B. 2007. Human Capital: How what you know shapes your life, OECD Publishing, Paris. 11 Nazroo, J & Matthews, K. 2012. The impact of volunteering on wellbeing in later-life. WRVS, Cardiff.
20 21 Volunteering Impacts - Connection with People Volunteering Impacts
Friendship is an important Volunteering within the surveyed collections promotes Volunteer from Calderglen Zoo social integration, enhances the social networks part of society and 82% of of volunteers and increases their access to social support. Finally, engaging in volunteering might the volunteers surveyed said directly provide a social role that gives meaning and their range of friendships had purpose in life. Indeed, given their altruistic nature, volunteering roles may be more valued than other increased or greatly increased roles, both by the individual undertaking the role and since they started volunteering. by those they interact with. Engagement in socially valued roles is likely to enhance identity and self- 60% of volunteers surveyed said their feeling of being esteem positively, providing a sense of worth and included and not alone had also increased or greatly status. increased. 61% of volunteers reported that their support and information networks have increased or greatly increased.
My range of friendships 3.99
The number of contacts that I can call on 3.77 Volunteer from Dartmoor Zoo My participation in social gatherings and activities 3.66
My support and information networks 3.74 Mean level of self-reported increase (1 = Decreased greatly - 5 = Increased greatly) ‘I love how everyone has made ‘The feeling of knowing that My trust in other people 3.38 me feel so welcome and I’m part of a team I can trust My trust in voluntary organisations 3.63 it’s like a family’ and rely on and that I finally A feeling of being included and not being alone 3.75 Volunteer from the International have a place that I belong’ Bird of Prey Centre My willingness to look out for other people 3.62 Volunteer from ZSL Whipsnade Mean level of self-reported increase (1 = Decreased greatly - 5 = Increased greatly)
‘I now have many close friends who ‘Having a are zoo keepers from sense of belonging around the world’ and pride in the Volunteer from Paignton/ organisation’ Newquay Volunteer from RZSS
22 23 Volunteering Impacts - Support and Training Volunteering Impacts - Conclusion 9 10
SUPPORT AND TRAINING CONCLUSION
The importance of staff with the skills to nurture, This response is a credit to the organisations and This study set out to examine the impact of These findings are critical in informing how we support and challenge volunteers to develop through staff involved in creating a supportive atmosphere volunteering on volunteers within zoos and other support our volunteers across all collections and volunteering was evident from the feedback. While where volunteers feel part of the team and valued for animal collections around the UK, with the specific how we nurture these essential attributes when this role was frequently undertaken by a member their efforts. aim of assessing the extent to which volunteering establishing and supporting new volunteer roles and of staff with multiple responsibilities, it is the ability impacts on well-being, personal development and programmes. to provide personal support to volunteers and the Training provides volunteers with the best start to their social skills. commitment to helping them develop, rather than any volunteer journey. 65% of volunteers surveyed either Understanding and articulating the many impacts particular job title, which helps volunteers to flourish. agreed or strongly agreed that their initial training On its own, the one off nature of this analysis provides that emerge from the process of volunteering is of A large proportion of the feedback paid tribute to the was good. Although this shows an overall positive a strong foundation of evidence that volunteering considerable importance if these are to continue to support they had been offered from members of staff, picture of the initial training offered by collections it within these animal collections is having a range of flourish. This research has been able to add some particularly those who coordinate the volunteers. also highlights possible improvements that could be positive impacts on volunteers. important perspectives on this subject, most notably; made to the training offered. The amount of initial training offered varied across the board from a few Volunteering in zoos has wider benefits than simply • The research has identified a range of personal 86% of respondents either hours to twenty five hours. In addition to this, 72% of increasing the operational capacity of zoos to deliver and social skills that volunteers acquire through agreed or strongly agreed that volunteers agreed or strongly agreed that they would their conservation, education and research activities. volunteering. In particular, these focus upon like more opportunities for training. There are significant positive self-reported impacts on increased self-confidence and self-esteem, they feel they are valued and the volunteers themselves, specifically in relation to improved communication skills, and the ability 87% agreed or strongly agreed increases in human and social capital and for young to work with other people more effectively. Many volunteers. volunteers also developed a range of practical that they get support when they skills related to their specific areas of volunteering. Further research into the specific benefits to need it. volunteers, and the factors within the design of • The research found that volunteering can volunteer programmes that lead to them, could affect people’s lives at a range of levels. Some enable zoos to develop their volunteer recruitment volunteers provided powerful evidence about how I have access to courses that are of direct relevance 3.89 and programmes to enhance these benefits. volunteering has provided an opportunity to turn I have received enough training to carry out my tasks 4.77 their lives around. Tracking volunteer participants over time would allow I would like to have more opportunities for training 4.34 collections to better quantify the impact over a longer • This research has shown that there is a wider It is important to me that I can obtain accreditation or qualifications 3.15 period. wellbeing and social benefit too. The training courses are of good quality 4.32
Mean level of self-reported increase (1 = Decreased greatly - 5 = Increased greatly)
24 25 Volunteering Impacts - Recommendations’ Volunteering Impacts - Thanks 9 12
RECOMMENDATIONS THANKS
The research has highlighted a number of best Many thanks to the following collections and their practices which volunteers value and often praise. volunteers for their support during the research Organisational commitment and understanding • ensure high-level, strategic buy-in • ensure suitable levels of funding and resources are invested • ensure volunteering is recognised as a cost- effective, but not cost-free, activity • ensure the unique attributes of volunteering and the value it adds is promoted by all staff
Volunteer support • ensure sufficient training is provided to prepare volunteers in their role • in public interpretation roles, adequately communicate the learning process and how volunteers should engage and interact with visitors • introduce new volunteers to staff and other volunteers • ensure line managers and volunteer supervisors are available to volunteers when needed • make sure any personal issues are dealt with professionally, sensitively and confidentially, and that there are procedures in place for resolving problems • provide non-obligatory opportunities for volunteers to get together socially
Calderglen Relations between staff and volunteers Zoo • develop volunteer roles that add value and ensure there is sufficient delineation between staff and volunteer roles • create informal opportunities for interactions between staff and volunteers
Thank you to BIAZA for its support with the research and communication to collections.
26 27 Volunteer from RZSS