March 2025 Update with Mike Melvin

Be A Volunteer Charter Champion

The Volunteer Charter has been agreed by Volunteer Scotland and the STUC – Scottish Trades Union Congress, with support from local third sector interfaces (ACVO in Aberdeen) and volunteer involving organisations across the country. It sets out 10 key principles which help to underpin good relations within a volunteering environment. It is open to any individual, group or organisation from any sector who either involve volunteers, or influence decisions on how volunteering is resourced or reflected in policy.

The Charter supports the foundations for an excellent volunteer experience and gives individuals, groups and organisations the opportunity to express their support for the spirit of volunteering while upholding the principles of best volunteer practice.

The 10 key principles are:

1. Any volunteer activity is a freely made choice of the individual.
2. Volunteers should receive no financial reward for their time however out of pocket expenses should be covered.
3. Effective structures should be put in place to support, train and develop volunteers.
4. Volunteers and paid workers should be able to carry out their duties in safe, secure and healthy environments free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, violence and discrimination.
5. Volunteers should not carry out duties formerly carried out by paid workers.
6. Volunteers should not be used instead of paid workers or undercut their pay and conditions of service.
7. Volunteers should not be used to reduce contract costs.
8. Volunteers should not be used to bypass minimum wage legislation.
9. Volunteers and paid workers should be given the opportunity to contribute to the development and monitoring of volunteering policies and procedures.
10. Volunteer roles should be designed and negotiated around the needs and interests of volunteers, involving organisations and wider stakeholders.

ACVO encourages everyone to join us in pledging support for the Volunteer Charter and becoming a Volunteer Charter Champion at Volunteer Charter and Become a Charter Champion.

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1st April 2025: Are you ready for Disclosure Changes?

On the 1st April 2025 major changes to Disclosures and the PVG - Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme will come into force. These include:

• membership of the PVG - Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme will be a legal requirement from 1st April 2025 for those carrying out a regulated role.
• the introduction of simplified Disclosure products and people having more control over their information.
• an individualised approach to the disclosure of childhood offending and rights of review for convictions disclosed, to enhance fairness and proportionality.
• replacing the concept of ‘regulated work’ with ‘regulated roles’, making it more easily understood.
• the ability for Disclosure Scotland to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing.

For more details and to ensure that you are fully prepared for the changes, including links to helpful information and excellent online drop-in sessions and training that Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services are hosting please visit: www.volunteerscotland.net/disclosure-services/the-disclosure-scotland-act-2020

The team at Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services are also available to assist you with any questions or additional support you may need regarding the implementation of the Disclosure Act.

Please visit www.volunteerscotland.net/disclosure-services or email: complianceandtraining@volunteerscotland.org.uk

Get involved: Volunteer in Aberdeen!

There are hundreds of different ways you can give your time as a volunteer in Aberdeen! The great thing about volunteering is that it is so inclusive, no matter your experience, time you have to give or age, there is a volunteer opportunity to suit you and an organisation in Aberdeen that would really value your contribution.

Have a look below at some of our recently added opportunities and discover how you can make a big difference in your local community!