VIOs and ESV: Setting up an ESV function

Some key things to consider if you plan to involve employer supported volunteers in your work.

Have you involved employee volunteers before?

Find out what experience the organisation and colleagues have and what works. Have any misconceptions been discussed and addressed? If your organisation has no experience of this market, use your networks to find others who can share their experiences.

What kind of volunteers do you need?

Successful ESV is only possible if it benefits both the employer and the VIO.

If you already involve volunteers in your work do you need more, and/or different volunteers? Are there a range of opportunities to appeal to skilled volunteers? Time poor volunteers? In work hours? Roles for community volunteers may need to be adapted.

What kind of volunteering roles do employers want?

Those using volunteering leave will need specific roles, possibly one off tasters, that can be carried out in a short time. Team events and activities are popular as they allow groups to work together. Employers value opportunities for employee skills development and want to make an impact.

What to charge?

Consider what charges you need to cover for staff time, materials etc. Is this comparable with others? Think about whether you are providing a service such as skills development for employees or whether the employer is providing skills that you couldn't otherwise afford. If a charge does apply, can employees carry out fundraising? Can the activities be paid for out of the training budget?

How do employer supported volunteers differ from community volunteers?

In many ways they are exactly the same but because you'll be making the arrangements with the employer first, you'll need to think about their expectations too. Deal with them professionally and be clear about all of the arrangements.

How to attract employee volunteers?

You may need to think in terms of 2 different audiences; employers and employees.

As well as developing your pitch to local employers, don't overlook your existing volunteers and supporters who may have volunteering leave available at their workplace. Once you have commitment from an employer, work with them to engage their employees and let them know about your work through events and articles in their newsletters.

Who can help?

Brokers already have contacts with employers looking for volunteering opportunities. Most charge the employer for the service, but not the charity or VIO.

What additional workload will it involve?

There will need to be a point of contact for the employer to co-ordinate the activities and manage the relationship. Is there someone in place who can carry out this role? A one off event can take a great deal of time to arrange and have limited impact. You may want to explore a partnership arrangement with a series of events/activities and other forms of involvement such as payroll giving, charity of the year fundraising etc.