By Lauren Bailey-Barber, Volunteer Development Officer
Fostering inclusion in volunteering opportunities doesn’t need to make your work as a volunteer manager more complicated and often, processes you put in place to make a role more accessible & inclusive not only make it easier for everyone to get involved, but can also help reduce your workload by removing unnecessary bureaucracy.
Do you really need references?
Requiring references can create barriers for many people. This might include someone who has never worked or volunteered before, a New Scot whose references are based in another country, or someone with experience of the justice system. It’s worth considering whether references are genuinely necessary for the role. Often, they’re included out of habit rather than need. Removing this requirement where possible can open up opportunities to a wider range of people.
Simple language helps everyone
Using plain language doesn’t only make your messaging accessible to everyone, but it helps make your messages more likely to be read and properly understood. Using long, complicated language, industry jargon or abbreviations can create barriers for individuals trying to access your organisation. If someone can’t understand your volunteer advert or role description, they may be less likely to apply to be a volunteer with you because they’re not entirely sure who you are, what you do or what they would be doing with you.
Keeping your language clear and simple helps people feel confident, informed, and welcome from the start.
Be clear about what the role involves
Many people want to know exactly what’s expected before committing to a volunteering role. A clear, detailed role description is key.
While flexibility can be helpful, roles that are too vague (like “get involved in anything”) can feel overwhelming. Clearly defined expectations often make roles more accessible, not less.
Other ways of giving people an opportunity to learn more before they commit include offering open days, information or taster sessions, informal chats and ‘Meet The Team’ opportunities.
Work with local experts
We’re lucky in Clackmannanshire to have a wealth of organisations that support all different areas of inclusivity. If you’re struggling to make a role more inclusive, translate a volunteering agreement into other languages or improve your volunteering environment for sensory needs, why not reach out to fellow organisations for guidance?
We’ve popped some suggestions below of who might be able to help:
- Looking to welcome New Scots into your organisation? Forth Valley Welcome can help.
- For supporting individuals experiencing sensory loss, contact Forth Valley Sensory Centre.
- If you want to make yourselves more accessible for neurodivergent individuals, check out Enable, Forth Valley AU and Dyslexia Scotland.
- Alzheimer Scotland can provide training and advice when working with someone living with dementia.
- Wanting to offer opportunities for carers? Get in touch with Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carer’s Centre.
- Many health conditions also have dedicated charities and support networks across Scotland. If a volunteer has a specific need, it’s always worth seeking out specialist advice.
- Alternatively, you can get in touch with CTSI! We’re happy to connect you with local organisations who can help.
