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National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) defines employer-supported volunteering (ESV) as where organisations provide opportunities for employees to volunteer in work time, for example by allowing volunteering leave. Organisations may set up more regular arrangements or partnerships with businesses to work on a particular project together on a time limited basis, or develop opportunities for employees to volunteer on an ongoing basis.

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The Opportunities

These opportunities may be:

• Micro volunteering, for example, one-off events such as giving a career talk in a school or short-term (fixed period) projects such as a community project to renovate a village hall.

• Long-term volunteering, for example, coaching, mentoring, taking on roles of responsibility such as school governor or charity trustee.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility

All organisations have an impact on the communities in which they operate and as such a well-managed ESV programme often fits in within an organisation's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. Therefore, such programmes can help form a bridge between companies, their employees and the wider community.

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Whatever form it takes, ESV is becoming more popular as it allows organisations to make a big difference through volunteering.

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Benefits to the employee:

• Develop soft skills in coaching, leadership, planning and organisational abilities.

• Improve communication skills

• Increased confidence and self-worth

• Opportunities to demonstrate creativity

• Build resilience and develop problem solving skills

• Provide a sense of fulfilment and achievement

 

Benefits to the employer:

• Develop communication and engage with employees

• Gain and understanding of their local community and the impact they have on it

• Improved staff morale

• Improved brand reputation

 

The benefit to the community is clear, access enthusiastic volunteers, often with specialist skills, expertise or knowledge!

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How can we help?

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We at South Derbyshire CVS Volunteer Force are very keen to encourage and engage with local businesses within South Derbyshire to support them to get their employees actively involved in the community around them by seeking opportunities for them to contribute their time and apply their skills and knowledge.  So please contact us at volunteer@sdcvs.org.uk or complete this short ESV Volunteering Enquiry Form to start our journey together.