By Lauren Bailey-Barber, Volunteer Development Officer
A lot of third sector work is rooted in collaboration, and the same can be said for volunteering. For many people, finding the right volunteering opportunity can feel overwhelming. That’s where employability partnerships can come into their own.
As Volunteer Development Officer for CTSI, I work closely with several organisations, including Alloa Jobcentre. Once a month, I spend a morning based in the Jobcentre. Supporting clients to explore suitable volunteering opportunities and take their first steps into volunteering.
Collaborating with DWP
On the third Wednesday of each month, I hold a morning of half-hour appointments with Alloa Jobcentre clients who are looking to find their ideal volunteering role. Individuals are booked in by their Work Coaches, and they come for a wide range of reasons. From searching for their first job, to exploring a career change, or simply wanting to rebuild confidence after a long career break. Everyone I meet is genuinely interested in volunteering and recognises the many benefits it can offer.
Over the past year, I’ve met with well over 60 clients through these sessions. Many of whom have begun their volunteering journeys following our meetings. The partnership between CTSI and Alloa Jobcentre Plus brings benefits in countless ways, making it one of the most valuable collaborations I’m involved in.
On the surface, this work could be mistaken for a simple tick-box exercise, but the reality couldn’t be further from that. The people I meet are enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to get involved. The personal touch of an in-person conversation makes a real difference. Instead of signing up to the first opportunity they find online, individuals can talk through their interests, goals, skills, and experiences. Allowing me to guide them towards a role that genuinely suits them.
This approach also supports our Member organisations, helping them connect with volunteers who are motivated, capable, and often bring valuable skills and experience. This is particularly important for smaller or lesser-known organisations, who may otherwise struggle to reach potential volunteers in an increasingly crowded digital space.
There is definitely a stigma around working with Jobcentres. The idea that people you’ll be asked to speak to aren’t actually interested in volunteering and are only doing it because they’ve been told they have to. However, this definitely isn’t my experience. I love going to the Jobcentre every month. Meeting interesting different people, all of whom really have wanted to be there and have been grateful for the support that I am able to provide.
We’re not the only ones seeing the benefits
This partnership has helped our Member organisations welcome new volunteers, enabled me to promote volunteering directly within the community, and, most importantly, supported individuals to begin meaningful volunteering journeys. It’s a collaboration I truly value, and one that highlights the power of partnership in strengthening communities.
“CTSI are booked into the job centre monthly and provide vital volunteering matching for a wide variety of customers. Lauren spends time listening to customers aspirations and offering what is available to them to give a supported approach and helping the customers realise their potential.” – Allan Daniels, Employment Advisor at the Department of Work and Pensions
