Recruiting has emerged as a top challenge for a significant portion of third sector organizations in Scotland, according to a report from the Scottish Third Sector Tracker. The report highlights the growing concerns surrounding staffing and volunteer shortages in the voluntary sector.
The data from the tracker charts the sector’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and the subsequent development of the cost-of-living crisis and associated organizational concerns in 2022 and 2023. In August 2021, 35% of organizations were significantly concerned about staffing and volunteer numbers. Just two years later, that figure has risen to 65%, making it the second biggest challenge after finances for the sector.
Despite these challenges, third sector groups are experiencing an increase in demand for their core services and activities, with 63% reporting an increased demand by April 2023, up from 56% in August 2021. These factors, combined with financial pressures due to the rising cost-of-living crisis and public sector funding cuts, are creating a challenging environment for charities and voluntary groups.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organizations, emphasized the need for sustainable investment to ensure the survival of the invaluable services and supports provided by Scotland’s voluntary sector. The recent release of the 2022 Scottish Household survey results reinforces the volunteer crisis, with formal volunteer participation rates falling by 4 percentage points since 2019 to 22% – this equates to less than one million Scottish adults volunteering.
In response to the crisis, Volunteer Scotland is urging volunteer involving organizations to clarify volunteer expense policies and consider making roles more flexible to fit with the decreased time volunteers have available. The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organizations based across Scotland, who share their experiences, views, and concerns as the sector faces new and ongoing challenges.
As the sector grapples with recruiting and retaining staff and volunteers, the importance of good volunteering practice and appropriate support has been underlined. Overall, the report underscores the urgency of addressing the staffing and volunteer crisis facing third sector organizations in Scotland.
The commitment of third sector organisations, combined with the support and investment needed to overcome the current challenges, will be crucial in ensuring the continued delivery of crucial services to communities across Scotland.
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