The Volunteer Scotland project relaunched in June last year.
A Scottish voluntary organisation has announced that 250 groups have now signed its relaunched Volunteer Charter.
In June 2023, Volunteer Scotland revived the project with the goal of reaching as many organisations and individuals as possible who share the vision of creating a positive volunteer experience for every volunteer.
The Charter sets out key principles to ensure volunteers are valued, supported, and recognised for their contributions.
As of the end of October 2024, there are now 250 Charter Champions, ranging from Volunteer Centres/TSIs, MSPs, Volunteer Involving Organisations, volunteer-run groups, councils, NHS Boards, and more.
This milestone reflects a growing commitment across Scotland to uphold and promote the best practices in volunteer management and engagement.
The 250th organisation to formally pledge support was Muirfield Riding Therapy.
Muirfield Riding Therapy offers equine-assisted therapy to individuals with a range of needs, free of charge.
The charity’s therapy sessions are entirely run by volunteers who receive specialist training and play a crucial role in the organisation, from supporting therapy, to horse care and fundraising.
Volunteers of all ages help make a meaningful difference, contributing to a welcoming and supportive community.
Deborah McLaughlin, fundraising manager at Muirfield Riding Therapy, said: “As a major disability charity in East Lothian, with a large voluntary workforce of almost 200, we have pledged our support to the Volunteer Charter as we feel it’s our responsibility to ensure we are contributing our voice to important volunteering rights conversations in Scotland.
“We’re proud to be championing volunteering and the impact it makes on both our community and communities across the country.”
Local Councils have also begun showing strong support for the Volunteer Charter, with Aberdeen City Council being the most recent to pledge support.
However, the first council in Scotland to pledge earlier this year was Fife Council.
Working closely with Fife Voluntary Action the Council pledged their support to become Charter Champions to ensure that volunteers receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Linda Watson, head of volunteering development at Fife Voluntary Action, said: "Fife Voluntary Action supports organisations to ensure that volunteering is safe, rewarding, meaningful and inclusive.
“Pledging to the Charter shows our stakeholders the value we place on both volunteering and good practice in volunteer involvement. We actively encourage other partners and organisations to become Charter Champions at strategic and partnership meetings, training and Forums and through our bulletins, website and socials.
“We are delighted that sixteen partner organisations in Fife have now pledged, including Fife Council and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust."
Volunteer Scotland has seen strong support from Volunteer Centres and TSIs across Scotland, with almost every local authority area pledging their support.
As the Charter continues to gain traction, they remain committed to supporting organisations in implementing its principles.
Alan Stevenson, Volunteer Scotland CEO, said: "Reaching 250 Charter Champions is a significant achievement and a testament to the collective effort of our sector to protect and nurture volunteering.
“The Volunteer Charter sets out the ten key principles which help to underpin good relations within a volunteering environment and ensure that volunteers feel valued and appreciated. We look forward to welcoming even more Charter Champions and continuing to build this network of support for volunteering across Scotland."
