Today in Aberdeen city centre, the Chair of NHS Grampian and a Councillor for Aberdeen City Council met representatives from ACVO and Volunteer Scotland to celebrate their commitment to the Volunteer Charter, marking a significant milestone in promoting the spirit of volunteering.
The Volunteer Charter, which was relaunched in June 2023, outlines ten key principles designed to underpin positive relations within a volunteering environment. These principles aim to ensure a supportive and rewarding experience for volunteers while encouraging organisations to uphold the highest standards of sustainable and legitimate volunteer engagement.
Since its relaunch, the Charter has as widespread support from a diverse range of individuals, organisations, and groups across the voluntary sector and beyond. This drive has culminated in a notable achievement with NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council both pledging their support to the Charter.
Aberdeen City Council has become one of the first councils in Scotland to formally sign up as Charter Champions, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing the resourcing, representation, and delivery of volunteering across the local authority. This commitment highlights the council’s leadership in promoting volunteering and ensuring that volunteers receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“This is a bold display of civic leadership from the Council and the NHS and a very welcome one at a time when many voluntary organisations are struggling.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said “Volunteering is a great way for people of all ages to get involved in a wide range of different activities and give something back to their local community. By signing up as Charter Champions the Council can continue to work towards encouraging and supporting volunteering.”
NHS Grampian has made a ground-breaking commitment by being the first NHS board to pledge support for the Volunteer Charter. This significant endorsement highlights the essential role that volunteers play in the healthcare sector. It is our hope that NHS Grampian’s leadership will inspire other NHS boards across Scotland to follow suit, publicly committing to the highest standards of volunteer involvement.
NHS Grampian Chair, Councillor Alison Evison said “Volunteers make the difference, right across NHS Grampian, every single day. Whether it is making sure people get to where they need to be in our hospitals, or simply having a cup of tea and a chat, their support is invaluable. On behalf of the NHS Grampian board, I want to underline our thanks to all volunteers for their contribution. I am delighted we are the first health board in Scotland to sign up to this charter. It is a sign of our commitment to offering a consistent and supportive environment for volunteers.”
Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland who facilitate the Volunteer Charter said “We are delighted that both Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian have made such a positive commitment to sustainable and meaningful volunteering. This commitment will help to ensure that volunteers across Aberdeen have the best possible volunteering experience.”
Maggie Hepburn, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO), said “This is a bold display of civic leadership from the Council and the NHS and a very welcome one at a time when many voluntary organisations are struggling. It’s also long overdue formal recognition of the vital role that volunteers play in the daily life of Aberdeen. Communities are being asked to do more for themselves, so it has become even more important that volunteers are properly supported and valued.
“The news comes as a new online portal for volunteering in Aberdeen is launched by ACVO, the city’s third sector support hub. The revamped Volunteer Aberdeen website lists hundreds of volunteering opportunities available at charities across the granite city and provides help and information for those seeking to give their time and talents for a good cause.”
The Volunteer Charter continues to inspire and guide the voluntary sector, reinforcing the importance of maintaining high standards and positive experiences for all volunteers.
