A social enterprise is a business that exists primarily to achieve social, economic or environmental goals. It earns income by selling goods or services and reinvests most of its profits into its mission rather than sharing them with shareholders. Social enterprises work in various sectors—including health, education, retail, and technology—and are intended to benefit the public.
Read more on Social Enterprises:
What is a Theory of Change?
A Theory of Change (ToC) for Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations is a strategic framework that explains and shows why the organisation aims to create positive change. It maps out the pathway from the organisation’s activities to its long-term goals, showing the logical connections between inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group's new website brings together resources designed to support the VCSE sector to carry out its work. Why not take a look! 👇
Recognising the contribution volunteers make to your organisation should be an integral part of your volunteer programme.
Acknowledging your volunteers’ involvement and the difference they make to your organisation demonstrates that you value their time and commitment. It directly links to volunteer retention as volunteers who feel valued are far more likely to stay.
It doesn’t have to be costly and it is worth bearing in mind that different people will prefer different forms of recognition, not everyone will be comfortable with public thanks.
The recruitment process for volunteers will depend on your organisation and the volunteering role. Some organisations will need tighter procedures due to the nature of the volunteer role and the client group the organisation works with. For example, if your organisation supports under 18 year olds or vulnerable adults, volunteers will need to undergo additional checks and safeguarding policies need to be in place. The procedures you have in place need to suit your organisation, whilst being fair and welcoming.
When promoting your volunteer opportunities volunteers like to know the following:
We believe organisations should pay their volunteers' expenses. Here is a template volunteer expenses policy and also a form.
Organisations that involve volunteers need to ensure they have procedures in place to protect their beneficiaries (e.g. clients, service users, and participants), volunteers and staff. When working with children and/or vulnerable adults, an organisation should promote a culture of safeguarding. This means volunteers should have the support and guidance to carry out their activities safely and effectively.
It is sensible to have procedures in place to deal with complaints by or about volunteers. These should be separate and distinct from those which apply to paid staff.
A problem solving procedure should be included in your volunteer policy.
Problem Solving Procedure
This procedure will be included in the volunteers’ handbook which is given to volunteers as part of the induction process.
All problems and complaints will be resolved openly, fairly and quickly to: