Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the work of the Community Services Team to support volunteering in Telford and Wrekin

The Cabinet Member: Inclusion, Engagement, Equalities & Civic Pride presented the report of the Director: Communities, Customer & Commercial Services. The report provided an update on volunteering within the Council and the support offered to external organisations.

The report highlighted the vital role undertaken by volunteers and the contribution made. The Council had almost 2,400 volunteers supporting 17 Council services, including Steet Champions, Summer Reading challenge volunteers and mystery customers. The report provided experiences of several volunteers.

The valuable contribution made by volunteers was noted by Cabinet Members and a discussion took place on the benefits of volunteering on mental health, including social isolation.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The updates to the Corporate Volunteer Policy (Appendix A of the report) and the progress being made with recruiting and supporting Council volunteers be noted;

b)   The development of a new Volunteer Telford system to improve the way organisations can promote volunteer opportunities across the Borough and connect local voluntary organisations with businesses, as referred to in paragraph 5.1 of the report, be approved;

c)    The project approach and funding to recruit more Street Champions (with a target to reach 2,000 by 2026/27) as set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report be approved;

d)   The introduction of a new volunteer satisfaction survey as set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report be approved;

e)    The development of a new partnership volunteering group as part of the delivery of Vision 2032, to share best practice and explore opportunities to join up activity to recruit and support volunteers be endorsed.