Volunteer Centre Derby (Community Action Derby)

• • Kate Richardson
  • Volunteer Organiser

Volunteer Centres provide support at a local level for individual volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations. They have six core functions:

Brokerage
Our primary function is to match both individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities in the local community. We hold information on a comprehensive range of opportunities. We offer potential volunteers support and advice, matching their motivation to volunteer with appropriate volunteering opportunities. We run a drop-in service here at the Volunteer Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 10am and 4 pm. Come in and chat with one of our Volunteer Centre Advisers, or call them on 01332 342272 to discuss volunteering opportunities or to make an appointment.

Marketing volunteering
We stimulate and encourage local interest in volunteering and community activity. This may include promoting and marketing volunteering through local, regional and national events and campaigns. We manage and promote a national brand for volunteering.

Good practice development
We promote good practice in working with volunteers to all volunteer-involving organisations. We deliver training and accreditation for potential volunteers, existing volunteers, volunteer managers and the volunteering infrastructure.

Develop volunteering opportunities
We work in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities. We understand the potential offered by the local communities and work with them to realise this potential. We will target specific groups that face barriers to volunteering. We will work creatively to develop imaginative, non-formal opportunities for potential volunteers.

Policy response and campaigning
We identify proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering. We will lead and/or participate in campaigns on issues that affect volunteers or volunteering. We campaign proactively for a more volunteer-literate and volunteer-friendly climate.

Strategic development of volunteering
As the local experts on volunteering we, along with other volunteer centres in Derbyshire, inform strategic thinking and planning at a regional and national level.

• Libraries
• Voluntary sector support
• Volunteering