iwill.org.uk

help young people to

understand the value

of volunteering

quick guide for employee volunteers

Help young people to understand the value of volunteering

As an adult volunteer you are already doing something fantastic by inspiring young people. You could also help them to access the world of work by telling them about the power of volunteering.

Young people probably haven’t given any thought to why you are there and why your employer gives you time off to volunteer.

Take a few minutes to share your experience and explain how it works.

Key points

1. Employers value volunteering as a way of developing their employees. Tell them what skills and qualities you have used/developed today e.g. communication, planning and time management.

2. Employers know that young people who take part in ‘social action’* such as volunteering are better prepared for the world of work; they are generally more confident, more reliable and have better communication skills.

3. Tell them why you chose to volunteer, e.g. to develop your skills, to encourage young people into your industry or because you wanted to make a difference – just like many young people do today.

4. Volunteering can help you get a job and get into college or university, especially when you’re just starting out. It’s a great way to develop employability skills such as empathy, resilience, communication and teamwork.

5. When you are applying for a job/apprenticeship or college/university always talk about any volunteering experience that you have had.

6. Volunteering has a double benefit; it develops the skills and experience of the volunteer and it has a positive impact on the community.

7. And don’t forget to tell them that volunteering is very rewarding and often great fun!

*Social action is defined as practical action in the service of others that creates positive change

Encourage young people to get involved!

• Start making a difference on issues and causes you care about today – visit vinspired.com and do-It.org to find out about opportunities near you.

• Aged 15-17? Get involved in NCS. Whether you’re a seasoned social action pro or starting it for the first time, this is a great opportunity to meet new friends and make a difference.

Did you know?

• 85% of employers said they prioritise character & attitude over academic results. (CBI & Pearson, 2015)

• 67% of employers reported that entry-level candidates that have voluntary experience demonstrate more employability skills including teamwork, communication & community understanding. (CIPD, 2015)

• The earlier young people start, the better: of the young people who are getting involved in social action, most of them get in the habit before they reach 10. (#iwill Youth Social Action Survey 2015) • Social action is associated with improved levels of well-being and reduced anxiety. (#iwill Youth Social Action Survey 2015)

• There is a persistent socio-economic gap in participation. 49% of young people from the most affluent backgrounds participate versus 38% from the least affluent. (#iwill Youth Social Action Survey 2015)

• 81% of secondary school pupils in England want their schools to do more to help them get involved. (#iwill Youth Social Action Survey 2015)

• Young people are more socially minded than ever with over ¾ of them saying it’s important for young people to help deal with local, national & international issues. (ComRes, 2015)

#iwill is a UK-wide campaign that aims to make involvement in social action -

volunteering, fundraising and campaigning - part of life for more 10-20 year

olds by the year 2020.

The #iwill campaign is coordinated by the charity Step Up To Serve and was

launched in November 2013 by HRH The Prince of Wales. The campaign

is independent and leaders from across society have pledged to spread

the word about the benefits of youth social action and to create more

opportunities for young people to get involved.

Make your #iwill pledge today and show how you will encourage more

young people to get involved in social action!

You can view this leaflet online here bitly/volunteers handout.

If you want to find out more about why businesses support employee

volunteering go to bitly/volunteers guide.

For more information, go to iwill.org.uk

or email hello@stepuptoserve.org.uk