TSI launches website to boost local charities
Charities and community groups in Argyll and Bute will now be able to publicise their volunteering opportunities to a much wider audience, thanks to a new website, writes Fiona Scott.
Launched this week by the Third Sector Interface (TSI) volunteerargyllandbute.org will act as a portal where organisations can advertise their volunteering requirements and volunteers can access the most up-to-date opportunities in both their local area and across the region.
The website was originally due to launch at the end of April, but because of the challenges and complexities of the recent pandemic and a desperate need for more volunteers across the county, it was repurposed for the emergency and community response. A fantastic response from volunteers wanting to register
Samantha Stubbs
with the site saw around 1,000 people signing up in the first few weeks after the launch.
Samantha Stubbs, strategic development manager for the TSI told us: ‘As lockdown measures relax, many of the volunteers have asked to stay registered on the system, so there is no better time for voluntary and community organisations to tap into that reservoir of goodwill and recruit the volunteers they need in their communities.’
The new portal is easy to use and is backed up with telephone assistance from Argyll and Bute TSI.
‘For charities, it provides not only a jobs board to advertise volunteering opportunities, but also a comprehensive volunteer management system to help them to schedule volunteer support, log volunteering hours, communicate with volunteers and securely manage volunteer data including PVG checks and training logs,’ explained Samantha.
A spokesperson from one of the Third Sector organisations that have already tested the website said: ‘The system has provided my organisation with a convenient platform to recruit volunteers for events.
‘It also provides a great medium for monitoring our volunteers and rewarding them for their efforts. We can post information about training courses, too, meaning that our volunteers can also use it as a portal to find upskilling opportunities. If you are looking for a simple and effective way to gain and keep volunteers, I would recommend this system – it will make your life so much easier.’
Another organisation member added: ‘Overall I would recommend this system to any volunteer managers who want to keep everything in one place, allowing you to have a log of voluntary hours and help you as a manager to become more efficient and effective in your role.’
If any charities or organisations would like to register a volunteering opportunity then they can do so by visiting www.volunteerargyllandbute. org. If they need any help with using the system, phone the TSI’s third sector support line on 0300 303 4141.