This Volunteering Strategy is intended to demonstrate a South Lanarkshire-wide commitment to the importance of volunteering, the benefits to individuals and the impact on our communities, now and in the future. The strategy provides a support framework for individual volunteers, community-based organisations and groups, and Community Planning Partners.

Volunteering within South Lanarkshire is more crucial than ever, with partners recognising volunteers' contribution to providing much-needed support to communities, service provision and the local economy. This recognition has created a genuine desire to build on the excellent work developed and delivered by the energised wider community through their unique local knowledge, local connections, and relationships within our local communities.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE VOLUNTEERING STRATEGY

CLICK HERE TO READ THE PLEDGE

However, we also recognise there are challenges, this strategy will seek to identify and remove barriers to volunteering, ensuring that those who traditionally would not engage in voluntary activity or face barriers to volunteering are supported into successful volunteering roles. We will collectively seek to streamline recruitment, onboarding, induction, and training of volunteers, sharing resources where appropriate.

Recognising the contribution to reducing inequalities and building the wealth and, health & well-being of communities, our strategy will contribute to achieving volunteering quality standards through Volunteer Friendly and Investing in Volunteers (IiV) awards across South Lanarkshire.

Our partnership strategy will facilitate traditional celebrations to ‘thank’ volunteers and recognise and reward volunteering across South Lanarkshire.