National Employer Supported Volunteering Framework

It has been another tremendously positive month for volunteering, with the launch of the new National Employer Supported Volunteering Framework marking an important step forward for our sector here in Aberdeen and across Scotland.

ACVO is delighted to be part of and support this significant development. The Framework, led by Volunteer Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and a wide range of sector partners, provides clear and practical guidance to help employers, employees and volunteer involving organisations navigate their Employer Supported Volunteering journey.

What stands out most to me is the strength of collaboration behind this work. Bringing together national partners, Third Sector Interfaces and employers creates a shared approach that will help ensure Employer Supported Volunteering is not only more accessible, but also more meaningful and impactful.

“Whether organisations are just starting out or looking to build on existing activity, the Framework offers a tremendous range of tools, principles and support to guide that journey.”

There is also a very real opportunity here. Research from Volunteer Scotland highlights that increasing Employer Supported Volunteering could enable between 161,000 and 287,000 more people to volunteer across Scotland. That is a remarkable figure and one that underlines the potential of strengthening links between employers and the voluntary sector.

The Framework also sits within the wider Volunteering Knowledge Gateway, a new central hub supporting volunteering practice, development and impact. As Rosie Wylie, Deputy CEO and Head of Innovation & Operations at Volunteer Scotland, notes: “The Knowledge Gateway marks a strategic step forward for volunteering in Scotland. By bringing together high-quality guidance, training, and shared learning from Volunteer Scotland and a range of Trusted Partners and Public Information Providers we are strengthening the foundation that supports volunteers and the organisations they power.”

Here in Aberdeen, we already see excellent examples of Employer Supported Volunteering making a difference.

This Framework provides a strong foundation to build on that success, helping to connect more people with opportunities that benefit both communities and workplaces.

It also reinforces something we know to be true – that volunteering works best when it is supported, structured and valued at every level.

“ACVO is delighted to be part of and support this significant development. The Framework, led by Volunteer Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and a wide range of sector partners, provides clear and practical guidance to help employers, employees and volunteer involving organisations navigate their Employer Supported Volunteering journey.”

Volunteers’ Week 2026

Alongside this, it is also an exciting time as we look ahead to Volunteers’ Week 2026, taking place from 1st to 7th June.

This is always a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the tremendous contribution of volunteers across the country, and especially here in Aberdeen.

There is already a great deal of momentum building. Volunteers’ Week gives us a chance to say thank you, to highlight the incredible work taking place across our communities and to encourage even more people to get involved. With over 6.4 million hours of volunteering contributed annually in Aberdeen alone, the scale and impact of this contribution is truly magnificent.

As the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Cllr. Dr David J Cameron, so rightly recognises: “As Lord Provost of Aberdeen I would like to record my enormous thanks to all volunteers in the city. Currently in Aberdeen there are in excess of 1000 voluntary organisations logging more than 6.4 million hours of voluntary help annually. These statistics are based on known information and the reality is that the actual figures are even higher. Everyone involved is a hero making life so much better for thousands of our fellow citizens. Thank You, it is truly a privilege to be the civic leader of a city where such altruism exists.”

“For me, there is a strong connection between the launch of the Employer Supported Volunteering Framework and Volunteers’ Week. Both reflect the same underlying message – that volunteering is a powerful force for good, and that by working together we can continue to grow and strengthen it for the future.”

As we move into the summer, there is a tremendous opportunity to build on this momentum. By embracing new approaches like Employer Supported Volunteering, while continuing to celebrate and support those already giving their time, we can ensure that volunteering remains inclusive, accessible and rewarding for everyone.

It is an exciting time for the sector, and I look forward to seeing how this new Framework helps shape the next chapter of volunteering across Aberdeen and beyond.

Want to get involved with the National Employer Supported Volunteering Framework or Volunteers’ Week 2026?

If you are looking to get started or build on your Employer Supported Volunteering, you can explore the new national Framework and find further guidance through the Volunteering Knowledge Gateway at volunteerscotland.net/knowledge-gateway

With Volunteers’ Week 2026 (1–7 June) fast approaching, you can access free resources and ways to get involved at volunteersweek.org/resources and share your thanks at volunteersweek.org/our-padlet.

Keep a watch on our Volunteer Aberdeen and ACVO websites as well where we will be sharing latest news and special Volunteers’ Week videos from volunteers in Aberdeen – volunteeraberdeen.org.uk and acvo.org.uk

If you’re interested in volunteering, visit Volunteer Aberdeen to explore the latest local opportunities.

Questions around volunteering? Email me at mike.melvin@acvo.org.uk

This article originally appeared in the May 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from Aberdeen’s third sector. Read and subscribe for free at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news