9. Volunteering

There’s lots of information online about ways to volunteer and support your local community. 

Scotland Cares volunteer campaign

The ‘Scotland Cares’ campaign encourages people to volunteer during COVID-19. The recruitment of new volunteers for the campaign is currently paused, but organisations that require volunteers can continue to make requests to the British Red Cross and to the Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs).

See the Scottish Government website for more information. 

While the most important ask for the public remains to stay at home and follow the essential public health guidance, people who are healthy and not at risk can volunteer to provide practical or emotional help to those most in need, via the Ready Scotland website:

• returning NHS workers will be directed to existing voluntary arrangements in NHS Scotland
  
  
• people wishing to offer their support to our public services, including the NHS and local authorities, will be directed to a site co-ordinated by the British Red Cross
  
  
• those looking for opportunities with other charities or community groups in their area will be directed to Volunteer Scotland for information.

 

The Scottish Community Development Centre has produced advice for community groups, organisations and volunteer networks on supporting communities safely.

Disclosure Checks

Some types of volunteering roles need PVG checks. Disclosure Scotland is making a temporary change to how applications are processed. Currently they are prioritising roles in the following sectors:

• Healthcare
• Pharmaceutical
• Childcare
• Social work
• Social care
• Prisons and justice

Please check their website for updates. 

Volunteer Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to support the voluntary sector with processing disclosure checks. See their latest information on PVG checks for the charity and voluntary sector.