DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 1/57 - Volunteering Journeys

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 2/57 - Contents

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 3/57 - 1. Introducing the Volunteering Journey

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 4/57 - 1.1 Defining the `Volunteering Journey

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 5/57 - 1.2 Why look at the Volunteering Journey…

1.2 Why look at the Volunteering Journey for young people now?

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 6/57 - Such inequalities impact on different sy…

Such inequalities impact on different systems and policies, and how they operate at local level, requiring us to look at more integrated models of volunteering support that can address those experiencing multiple and complex needs. We propose that, by adopting a youthcentred approach to volunteering, we can better understand the barriers and incentives from young peoples perspective. The ambition of our work is to identify the diversity of volunteer entry points to understand how Volunteering Journeys can be better supported and organised, so there is greater equality of opportunity across UK towns, villages, and cities.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 7/57 - 1.3. Understanding the Volunteering Jour…

1.3. Understanding the Volunteering Journey

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 8/57 - � Drazen / Adobe Stock

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 9/57 - The Volunteering Journey project researc…

The Volunteering Journey project research methodologies

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 10/57 - 4. Data re-analysis and regressions

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 11/57 - 6. Digital qualitative research

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 12/57 - 7. Participatory workshops

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 13/57 - Rapid evidence review: shaping the Volun…

Rapid evidence review: shaping the Volunteering Journey

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 14/57 - This situation has also impacted on the …

This situation has also impacted on the potential to develop evidenced-based approaches to policymaking and practice, particularly in terms of building longitudinal data. Our re-analyses of the four large-scale social surveys indicate there is some annual aggregation of longitudinal data of youth volunteering as part of a wider survey of community participation. They are diverse in their research design (particularly how they define volunteering), methodologies, and evaluation of data, and often overlook those under the age of 16. Furthermore, the data collected in largescale social surveys for volunteering do not map consistently on findings from evaluations of individual youth volunteering programmes. There remains a paucity of evidence about `what works beyond short term measures, encouraging circular arguments about levels of funding and evidence of long term impact (APPG on Youth Affairs, 2021).

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 15/57 - This indicates that young people engage …

This indicates that young people engage in adaptive forms of volunteering, which are fluid, in response to changing circumstances as they grow up (Natale, 2021). While formal volunteering remains at the base of youth activity, particularly in building the skills and structures needed by young people to volunteer, pathways into volunteering reflect different levels of formality (McGarvey et al., 2019, 83). `People-powered volunteering is often supported but not led by volunteering organisations, indicating a shift to a more `bottom up approach whereby informal volunteering leads to more formal activities. It also reflects that the binary of volunteer-beneficiary proved more fluid during the pandemic for many, with roles shifting as people became infected with Covid-19.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 16/57 - Theme 2 - Supporting volunteer literacy …

Theme 2 - Supporting volunteer literacy for all young people

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 17/57 - � Krakenimages.com / Adobe Stock

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 18/57 - Volunteering opportunities are typically…

Volunteering opportunities are typically provided on an ad-hoc and inconsistent basis in further education institutions too. is not a statutory subject for further education, meaning the numbers taking the subject are small and often not extended to vocational courses. While research suggests that many young people (57%) report they volunteer, this is principally to develop skills and enhance employability (Owens, 2015). Inequalities in quality and provision of volunteer opportunities are related to a lack of resources, trained staff, and curriculum capacity. Participation in volunteering programmes undertaken during secondary education are often not maintained and developed for young people who move to a new college. Similarly, non-school volunteering programmes such National Citizen Service have limited follow-on pathways into further (and higher) education (Mills and Waite, 2017).

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 19/57 - Theme 3 - Enhancing youthcentred pathway…

Theme 3 - Enhancing youthcentred pathways in the Volunteering Journey

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 20/57 - Youth transitions to adulthood are shape…

Youth transitions to adulthood are shaped and influenced by experiences that can inform their individual and collective pathways to volunteering. The challenge is to develop understanding of how these pathways are understood and experienced, and in what ways they can be thematically and chronologically mapped, inter-connected and realised to inform current and future policymaking and practice. Policymakers and other stakeholders have, over the past two decades, displayed an awareness of the challenges of developing systemic approaches to scheduling and providing opportunities to volunteer during transitions to adulthood (see, for example, Russell Commission, 2005; Youth Citizenship Commission, 2009; Cleverdon and Jordan, 2012; Arthur et al., 2017; House of Lords, 2018; Sport England, 2021). As noted, aspirations to enhance support and opportunities for volunteering have yet to evolve into clearly defined and integrated pathways that reflect the diversity of circumstances, experiences, and interests of young people.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 21/57 - Young peoples volunteering journeys frag…

Young peoples volunteering journeys fragment significantly in the post-GCSE period of formal education, and when the statutory period of education comes to an end. While there are important opportunities to participate in programmes such as National Citizen Service or The Duke of Edinburghs Award, alumni networks, and opportunities to keep volunteering, are often limited (Mills and Waite, 2017). Opportunities to volunteer can thus be impactful in the short term but have a `sheep dip effect that limits their legacy over time. Moreover, the absence of consistent support for young people to volunteer as they continue their further and higher education means that those who have high levels of social capital and are experienced volunteers are considerably more likely to continue to volunteer. Of more concern, there is an absence of pathways to support volunteering among those young people who do not go to university (Percy and Martin, 2021).

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 22/57 - When asked, most young people report tha…

When asked, most young people report that they view volunteering in positive terms, and express altruistic views about participation in their communities. This does not necessarily translate into regular volunteering though. Furthermore, about one-quarter of young people consistently say they are not interested in volunteering (Bratsa et al., 2020), with many unable to see any reasons why they should (Commission on the Future of Volunteering, 2008). Youth volunteering still appears to be largely the preserve of a `civic core of young people, who are likely to live in more affluent parts of the country and have similar characteristics, and this `core are often formally recognised asresponsible for a large percentage of voluntary action, charitable giving, and civic participation in the country (Mohan and Bulloch, 2012; Dean, 2016, 95).

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 23/57 - Summary

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 24/57 - The Volunteering Journey: the importance…

The Volunteering Journey: the importance of place

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 25/57 - While applying these different place fra…

While applying these different place framings demonstrates relatively consistent trends across the four surveys, an analysis at the hyperlocal level conducted using a multilevel regression model built by the Institute for Community Studies (see Box 1) highlights some inconsistencies both within the Taking Part survey and across the other datasets. Looking at the predicted levels of volunteering at the hyperlocal level, the model confirms the proposition that the northsouth divide matters. Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham (62%, 61.6% and 60.9% respectively),

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 26/57 - Place-based provision and routes into vo…

Place-based provision and routes into volunteering

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 27/57 - Summary

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 28/57 - Findings: understanding the Volunteering…

Findings: understanding the Volunteering Journey

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 29/57 - Finding 1

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 30/57 - As discussed in the methodology, the You…

As discussed in the methodology, the Youth Advisory Board determined the most effective way to present `volunteering to young people that would resonate with them was through the terminology `social action, which peer researchers explained to participants encompassed both formal, informal, fluid and regular models of volunteering. When using this broader definition, our research found the majority of young people had engaged in a volunteering activity at some point in their life.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 31/57 - Addressing deprivation

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 32/57 - Finding 2

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 33/57 - In the more affluent settings where work…

In the more affluent settings where workshops were held with 11- to 15-year-olds, notably Jedburgh and Hove, a high proportion of participants ideal volunteering experiences related to existing organisations, either locally or nationally and internationally. For instance, participants in Jedburgh, a rural setting, had high awareness of local organisations, including the charity Stable Life (equine therapy) and Arthurshiels (animal rescue). Participants in Hove demonstrated knowledge of local organisations including Ride the Tide, Sea Rescue, local sports centres, and national organisations, such as Dog Trust, Team Trees, and Cancer Research.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 34/57 - To grow the volunteering base, it is imp…

To grow the volunteering base, it is important to ensure young people have the opportunity to engage in both local and global causes, regardless of their location. The co-analysis with the Advisory Board who considered the workshop data found the challenge to be twofold: on one hand, it is crucial to ensure a diversity of societal themes and volunteering opportunities are present in places where they may not be as visible, such as places that are less dense or relatively affluent, in order to grow aspiration. On the other hand, it is important to support young people who may be constantly exposed to societal issues (for instance, those in urban contexts), to ensure they are able to engage positively and do not experience burnout or apathy through overexposure or overburden. Even in communities with acute need, the Advisory Board stressed young people should have the opportunity to choose which causes to engage with. Choice supports sustained engagement and increases equality across contexts. This also ties back to building `volunteer literacy, supporting young people to engage with a range of causes that transcend their lived experience.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 35/57 - Our findings raise a disconnect between …

Our findings raise a disconnect between how volunteering opportunities are presented for all age groups and young peoples understanding of the importance of volunteering, and their own motivations to volunteer. The highly altruistic motivations of those aged 11 to 15 were succeeded by a desire to `make a difference being the most common motivator amongst 16- to 25-year-olds. Through the peer research methodology, 39 participants cited this as a key motivator for their engagement in volunteering, and our research indicated that self-interested was rarely the sole or primary reason young people engaged in volunteering activities. This is a departure from the existing evidence base, which has frequently highlighted the dominant driver as being `instrumental use of volunteering to gain skills, or to access higher education and employability. Our research showed this was only true for those in the 16 to 21 age groups, seeking to access university or employment; and then only for the minority, and typically in tandem with wanting to make a wider societal impact.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 36/57 - Finding 3

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 37/57 - Sustaining volunteering: 16- to 30-year-…

Sustaining volunteering: 16- to 30-year-olds

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 38/57 - Our re-analysis of the Community Life Su…

Our re-analysis of the Community Life Survey shows a decline in volunteering for older age groups, alongside increased engagement in activism. This could illustrate a shift for young people in where best to put their energy to make a difference, including to their wider community. Our research found young people passionate about creating change on many local to global societal issues. However, a consistent number felt volunteering has limited impact on changing all or many of these issues. This may also connect to why some evidence indicates young people increasingly volunteer for self-motivated reasons as they get older. Our evidence shows this may not, in fact, be due to a reduced desire to make a difference - but a shift in perception of the impact volunteering has. If young people believe stronger altruistic benefits can be achieved through other forms of engagement, then those who continue to volunteer appear to have more personal reasons or relationships that drive this.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 39/57 - Finding 4

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 40/57 - Our research found that young peoples pa…

Our research found that young peoples pathways to volunteer and motivations for it significantly deviate and become disparate in the 16- to 18 and, particularly, the 21 to 24 age groups. There is also a drop off post 25, where a small number of young people continue to volunteer and become more deeply engaged, while others struggle to continue to volunteer due to logistical constraints in the `double burden of juggling work and family responsibilities with volunteering. However, family and `group models of volunteering remained popular within older age groups engaged in this study. Participants in the 16 to 18 and 18 to 21 age groups in particular were frequently interested in volunteering related to sports, such as volunteering to coach or teach younger children. This may be due to lived experience of similar opportunities, as many described having been involved in sports themselves and recalled the positive role of older volunteers. This highlights the importance of young role models in volunteering, though care must be taken to avoid the tokenisation of youth volunteers.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 41/57 - Much less frequently referenced was the …

Much less frequently referenced was the role of social media in creating `spark moments or influencing participation in volunteering. Where it was referenced, it was typically around awarenessraising - with young people later deciding to participate because of a `real life encounter or opportunity to volunteer closer to home or in further education. No young people involved in either the peer research or digital methodologies described finding and accessing a volunteering opportunity exclusively through online channels.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 42/57 - Community

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 43/57 - Finding 5

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 44/57 - Conclusion

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 45/57 - Limited evidence in the last decade foun…

Limited evidence in the last decade found that feeling part of a community can act as a barrier to volunteering, particularly for disadvantaged youth (Boulianne & Brailey, 2014), and this research appears to confirm the reverse: strong belonging, driving strong voluntary action, appears important for this generation of youth, even within deprived regions of the UK.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 46/57 - Recommendations

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 47/57 - Alongside this youth-centred approach, d…

Alongside this youth-centred approach, different models may increase the volunteering base and support stronger participation. In summary:

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 48/57 - Appendix: references and bibliography

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 49/57 - Brown, H., Harflett, N., and Gitsham, N.…

Brown, H., Harflett, N., and Gitsham, N. (2014) Embedding Inclusive practices in opportunities for youth social action. Available at: https://pearsfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2018/06/iwill_NDTi.pdf

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 50/57 - Dean J. (2016) `Class Diversity and Yout…

Dean J. (2016) `Class Diversity and Youth Volunteering in the United Kingdom: Applying Bourdieus Habitus and Cultural Capital, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 45, 1, 95-113.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 51/57 - Hogg, E, and R De Vries (2018) `Differen…

Hogg, E, and R De Vries (2018) `Different Class? Exploring the Relationship between Socioeconomic Advantage and Volunteering during Adolescence. Available at: www.iwill.org.uk/ relationship-between-socio-economic- advantageand-volunteering

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 52/57 - Lawton, R.N., Gramatki, J., Watt, W., an…

Lawton, R.N., Gramatki, J., Watt, W., and Fujiwara, D. (2021) `Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problemof Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering, Journal of Happiness Studies, 22, 599�624

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 53/57 - National Council for Volunteering Organi…

National Council for Volunteering Organisations (2018) Impactful Volunteering: Understanding the impact of volunteering on volunteers. Available at: https://dunhillmedical.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2019/10/18-03-NCVO-Impactfulvolunteering-understanding-the-impact-ofvolunteering-on-volunteers.pdf

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 54/57 - Sawyer S.M., Azzopardi P.S., Wickremarat…

Sawyer S.M., Azzopardi P.S., Wickremarathne, D, Patton G.C. (2018) The age of adolescence. Lancet Child Adolescent Health, 2, 3, 223-228.

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 55/57 - Williams, S. (2018) Longitudinal perspec…

Williams, S. (2018) Longitudinal perspective on the impact of youth provision: easier said than done? 7th November. Available at: https:// www.youthimpact.uk/latest/news/longitudinalperspective-impact-youth-provision-easier-said-done

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 56/57 - Nrscotland.gov.uk. 2020.Time Series Data…

Nrscotland.gov.uk. 2020.Time Series Data | National Records of Scotland. [online] https://www. nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/ statistics-by-theme/population/populationestimates/small-area-population-estimates-2011data-zone-based/time-series

DCMS VOLUNTEERING JOURNEYS REPORT LAYOUT V7.pdf - page 57/57 - This research was generously funded by t…

This research was generously funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and conducted by The Young Foundations Institute for Community Studies.