VIOs and ESV: Attracting employers

Approaching employers should be one of the last steps of your planning. Before talking to any employers be clear what volunteers and skills you want to attract, the volunteering opportunities you have available and how you will manage and charge for these. Employers report a shortage of suitable volunteering opportunities and will welcome opportunities that provide worthwhile experiences for employees and that meet their objectives as well as yours.

Identifying Employer Partners

Research local employers

There may be a large number of employers in your area, many more than you can hope to contact directly so think about developing a target list of employers that are a good match for your organisation and the kinds of volunteers and skills you want to attract.

Large employers generally include their corporate responsibility/community engagement policy on their website. This can help you to quickly find out what kinds of activity they support, who to speak to and whether employees are entitled to volunteering leave.

Find business groups and networks for networking to understand employers issues locally, e.g. Institute of Directors, FSB, Chambers of Commerce, LEP (local enterprise partnership), Rotary, etc.

Employers new to the area have a particular reason to take part in community projects along with organisations celebrating a milestone anniversary or awarded a big contract locally.

Active employers and champions

Some sectors are more active in volunteering than others. For example the general percentage of employee volunteering is 15%, but this varies considerably by sector from 1% up to 40%. Solicitors, banks and accountants are at the higher end of this percentage. Retail is another sector with high rates.

Public sector employers including government departments, the police and fire service, and local authorities often provide generous volunteering leave for employees, of between 2 and 6 days per year.

Local press and charity/volunteering awards will showcase employers undertaking good ESV programmes and active in the community.

Existing community volunteers and supporters may work with local employers and be able to provide useful information and connections.

Which person to approach

ESV is managed by a number of different functions depending on the employer. In general, if an employer has a dedicated CSR function start there. If not, then make contact with HR or the communications team.

Brokers

Many employers use brokers to find volunteering opportunities so it is worthwhile letting them know about your ESV opportunities. Charges are made to the employer if they find you a match.

The broker will have established contacts with employers and may also be able to provide guidance and advice.