Volunteer Strategy

VOLUNTEER STRATEGY

I t makes me feel I’m making a difference

INTRODUCTION

Our strategy is for all our volunteers who support the Trust and who represent the people of Devon and its communities. Whether it is volunteering in our charity shops, fundraising at events or collecting money boxes, this strategy is for you.

There is so much fantastic volunteer support already happening all around the county and now there is an opportunity to develop this further.

Our strategy aims to harness what is already great about volunteering for the Devon Air Ambulance, develop and improve where there are challenges and transform volunteering for the future in a way that supports the Trust in its mission.

To be Devon's charity of choice for volunteering

To create a meaningful and inclusive volunteering experience which supports time-critical care through prevention, treatment and recovery

VALUES

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s values set out the qualities and behaviours we aspire towards as an organisation and they underpin everything that we do.

We have set out our volunteering vision, mission and values, they are bold but achievable with your support.

We take the initiative

Because it matters that our volunteers continue to support us with passion and enthusiasm

We lead the way

Because exploring and developing volunteering opportunities is exciting and innovative.

We achieve our best together

Because building a team of volunteers that is inclusive and recognises skills will better support our service and our communities.

OUR COMMITMENT

• Value and recognise volunteer contribution

• Be supportive

• Encourage collaboration and sharing

• Use volunteer friendly communication and listen to feedback

• Make good use of volunteer skills

• Provide opportunities to learn and develop

• Value diversity

• Be flexible

Volunteering gives me a sense of personal achievement

It improves my mental health and wellbeing

WHERE WE ARE

National research* shows that those who volunteer have positive, fulfilling experiences, and we are keen to champion the positive benefits of volunteering within our community.

We aim to ensure that volunteering opportunities are meaningful, flexible, inclusive, and meet the needs of a diverse range of people, all while contributing to our operational service.

Your time is a precious commodity, our aim is to dispel common misconceptions that volunteering opportunities are not suited to an individual’s skill level, that they are inflexible and time consuming. Expanding our digital volunteering roles is key to achieving this, as online and over the phone volunteering are now ranked as the third most common places to volunteer* - a trend that we are keen to embrace.

In addition to making our volunteer roles even more accessible, we are paying close attention to the costof-living crisis and how this impacts our volunteers, with schemes in development to ensure that nobody is left out of pocket while supporting our work. DAA volunteers are the backbone of our charity, their commitment and dedication enable us to raise the vital funds that keep our service running.

*NCVO Time Well Spent Report 2023

BUCKET COLLECTING

Shaking a bucket at local supermarkets to gather funds, raising awareness of our charity, and spending time with people in the community. This can be simply supporting on the day as a supermarket collector or be more involved with the planning and administration.

COLLECTION BOXES

The Trust has around 4,200 red collection boxes permanently sited at outlets throughout the county. Setting up a network in your area is a fantastic way to get out, meet others, and raise awareness of what we do.

RETAIL VOLUNTEERS (hours)

Retail volunteers are crucial in helping us create a welcoming, friendly, and accessible shopping experience in our 20 charity shops. From designing eye-catching shop and window displays to stock control and operating the till, not to mention online listing and distribution (e-commerce).

EVENTS ATTENDED

Event volunteering is very ad hoc, it doesn’t require much commitment and is really great fun! Events provide a great opportunity to promote the work of our charity, share information about the work we do and also raise vital funds.

TALKS GIVEN

We are often asked to attend community events to present information to community groups who are interested in the work of Devon Air Ambulance. Volunteers who enjoy public speaking and who can inspire and motivate people to support us are invaluable in ‘spreading the word’.

FUTURE PLANS

Our future plans for volunteering aim to be supportive, meaningful, inclusive, innovative and rewarding so that:

It is easy for people to find out about opportunities, explore whether they are right for them, and get involved;

People, policies and procedures are in place to ensure volunteering is well-managed;

There is a positive approach to inclusion, equity and diversity and a proactive approach to making volunteering accessible;

Volunteers feel supported at all times, that they are a part of the charity and that their contribution makes a difference;

Volunteering is embedded within the overall vision, values, culture and aims of the charity;

Volunteers are valued and there are opportunities for volunteers to develop and grow through their experience.

There is an innovative approach to exploring volunteering opportunities across all departments.