Improving the Collection of Volunteering Data in Scotland

LOUISE VIRDEE, Scottish Executive Social Research

Background

Scottish Executive Volunteering Strategy Launched in May 2004 Aim to embed a robust culture of

volunteering in Scotland

Defining Volunteering “Volunteering is the giving of time and energy

through a third party, which can bring measurable benefits to the volunteer, individual beneficiaries, groups and organisations, communities, the environment and society at large. It is the choice undertaken of one’s own free will, and is not motivated primarily for financial gain or for a wage or salary”

SE Volunteering Strategy

Measuring Volunteering Not straightforward Numerous definitions of what constitutes

volunteering Conceptual issues, differences in terminology and

differences in research methods have led to different estimates of volunteering from past surveys

SHS Data

SHS Data

Regular collection of data on volunteering Large sample size permits geographical

breakdown of results and disaggregation by population sub-groups

But, earlier results may not reflect the full level of volunteering in Scotland

Improving the Collection of Volunteering Data in Scotland

One of the aims of Volunteering Strategy to deliver better evidence

RDS Consulting commissioned to:- Consult key stakeholders Review methodologies adopted by other surveys Develop and pilot a module of questions for subsequent

inclusion in the SHS

New SHS questions New preamble Undertaken any work or activities on a voluntary basis with any

groups or organisations in past 12 months? (with showcard) How frequently? Number of hours per month? Fields of activity? What do people do? Ever volunteered? Why stopped? Motivation to volunteer (again)?

Conclusions New module of questions on volunteering included in SHS

from January 2005 No “right” figure for the number of volunteers Generally agreed approach within the time and space

constraints of a cross-cutting quantitative survey Baseline against which to measure progress over time High expectations => not possible to meet all through SHS

alone

The Future……? Improving the Collection of Volunteering Data in

Scotland, RDS Consulting, 7 March 2005, SE Website Possible SHS Topic Report on Volunteering in 2006 Feed into SHS Review – volunteering considered as part of

a wider module of questions on citizenship/social capital? Further exploration of different methodologies (e.g. use of

shuffle cards)? Informal volunteering? Qualitative research (e.g. to explore motivations)?

Contacts

Louise Virdee, Voluntary Issues Research Team louise.virdee@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Ellen Searle, Voluntary Issues Unit ellen.searle@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Scottish Executive Volunteering Strategy www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/social/vost-00.asp