Experiences of NHS Scotland Volunteers (2024)
Introduction
Now in its second year, the Volunteering Experiences survey was refined for 2024 with input from colleagues across five NHS boards. The survey was distributed to volunteers by each participating health board and returns were received from seven NHS boards (one of which had to be omitted due to data collection errors).
Using recommendations from the 2023 survey, the questionnaire was adapted to gather data on volunteer roles and included questions relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
The data set was analysed against six Volunteering for All: National Outcomes Framework principles, which formed the basis of the survey questions in Section 1. Over time, this approach will help us to evidence the impact of volunteering, to identify improvements and to celebrate good practice.
A total of 1,918 volunteers were invited to take the survey and 19% of volunteers (n=360) responded. Completion rates were variable due to one NHS board omitting the first question on volunteering roles, however questions 2-20 were completed by all participants.
97% of volunteers enjoyed the experience of volunteering with NHS Scotland and feel part of something
Key Results
The information below summarises the key findings of the survey and outlines how the responses align with the national volunteering framework outcomes.
Principle 1: Flexible and responsive
91% of volunteers who responded to the survey feel able to adjust their level of commitment or change their role, 95% feel able to give their time on their own terms and 97% know how they can make changes to their volunteering.
Principle 2: Enabled and supported
98% of volunteers reported that they enjoy and feel good about their contributions. 97.5% know who to speak with to clarify their role and get support if needed. 61% of volunteers agreed that they received help with expenses, access and training. This figure represents a drop from the 85% who agreed in 2023.
Principle 3: Sociable and connected
97% of volunteers enjoyed the experience of volunteering with NHS Scotland and feel part of something. 92% of volunteers reported that they can meet and spend time with others as part of their role. 87% of volunteers responded that they volunteered with or for people with common objectives.
Principle 4: Valued and appreciated
94% of volunteers agreed that they are valued for what they bring and 96% feel that their contributions are appreciated. 90% can see how their volunteering makes a difference to their NHS board and 98% of respondents feel that what they do is worthwhile.
Principle 5: Recognises diversity
There has been some movement across the diversity outcomes since last year’s survey, with slightly fewer volunteers reporting that they feel volunteering is something they can be involved in (88%) and they don’t feel excluded from roles (86% vs 93% in 2023). 69% of volunteers feel like their knowledge, skills and experiences are respected and utilised. This is a significant drop from 88% in 2023
Principle 6: Meaningful and purposeful
99.4% of volunteers surveyed feel that they are contributing to something that is important to them. This is extremely positive and represents an 8% increase on 2023’s findings, where 91% agreed with this statement. 98% of volunteers feel that what they do is worthwhile and 94.8% know how they make a difference.
What has been your favourite moment from volunteering within the last year?
90% (n=323) of volunteers provided an answer to their favourite moment from volunteering. The most cited themes were “supporting and making a difference” (n=154) “Feeling valued” (n=90) and “Joy in Connection” (n=37)
Improvements
54% (n=194) of volunteers who participated in the survey shared their thoughts on what they felt would improve their volunteer experience. The responses were themed into 10 categories:
|
Theme |
n |
Theme |
n |
Theme |
n |
|
Environment and Resources |
43 |
Staff Relations |
30 |
Increased Involvement |
23 |
|
Flexibility |
22 |
Communication |
20 |
Volunteer Connections |
19 |
|
Learning and Development |
16 |
Recruitment and Induction |
12 |
No improvements |
6 |
|
Other |
3 |
|
|
|
|
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience of volunteering with us?
42% (n=152) volunteers commented generally on their experience of volunteering with NHS Scotland, with many saying they love what they do and wish they could do more. Over 10% of volunteers praised their volunteering team or manager. Open text answers also pointed to the well being benefits derived from volunteering, such as the comment below;
“It has done wonders for my well being.”
Conclusions and Recommendations
The survey findings show that, for the sample surveyed, over 90% of volunteers are satisfied with their volunteer experience and NHS Scotland are performing well against the outcome indicators for volunteering. The NHS boards who took part continue to do well in creating flexible opportunities for volunteers, with figures mirroring those of the 2023 survey. Most respondents agreed that, as volunteers, they are enabled and supported in their role.
The open text responses evidenced volunteers who were proud of the roles they performed and also demonstrated a willingness to play an active role in supporting their paid colleagues. The feedback also highlighted the impact and importance of volunteer managers, with over 10% of volunteers specifically praising their volunteer managers.
Of the NHS boards taking part in the survey, the results show that they are doing well in recognising and valuing volunteer contributions. The report did note some areas for review and the recommendations are outlined below.
- Engagement with staff at all levels across sites to foster greater awareness and understanding of the volunteers’ roles and responsibilities and support inclusion of volunteers.
- Consideration of how volunteers can be brought together more frequently to share experiences, skills and to socialise.
- Feedback for volunteers which demonstrates how they make a difference to the overall work of the board as well as their immediate area.
- Explore opportunities to increase flexibility for volunteers such as shadowing, performing dual roles and working across sites, where practicable.
- Review placements to ensure that volunteers are matched to roles that allow them to utilise their knowledge, skills and experience.
- Explore ways to further diversify the volunteer base to ensure that a broad range of applicants and volunteers feel that they’re part of the NHS Scotland and are representative of the community served by the site(s).
Impact
The Volunteering Impact Series reports provide a snapshot of the volunteering experience, as reported by volunteers and the staff who engage and work alongside volunteers.