Summer Volunteer Bulletin
- luthien3
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Hello and welcome to the summer edition of our Volunteer Bulletin, it has been a busy start to the season with lots of activity and excitement for Volunteering in Highland. We recently launched the Volunteer Academy, which we will tell you more about it in this Bulletin. We had a super Volunteer Fair at the Inverness Botanic Gardens during Volunteers Week, perfect for easing into the summer months and setting the tone for a time growth. In this edition we will be covering:
The Volunteer Academy
Fellowships
Skills Bank
Volunteer Council
Volunteer Forum and Training Dates
Spotlight on the SSPCA
Out & About
We’re thrilled to share the launch of the Highland Volunteer Academy, an exciting, hybrid initiative that marks the beginning of an inspiring new chapter for volunteering in Highland. Originally created as a practical response to reduced budgets and evolving needs, the Academy has blossomed into a fresh and forward-thinking way to support, promote, and celebrate volunteering across our region.
At its heart, the Academy is all about reimagining what volunteering can be. We’re here to spark new ideas, challenge old assumptions, and open doors to more accessible, rewarding, and meaningful opportunities for everyone. It’s an invitation to learn, grow, and shape a sustainable, vibrant future for volunteering in Highland, working together we can make it a success. Here are some key additions to the Volunteer Academy.
Our Fellowship program is designed to gather valuable insights and learning from outside the Highlands and then bring these back to strengthen our local approach and framework. The fellowships are a learning exchange completed by volunteers or paid staff in a Third Sector organisation based in Highland, who will visit another project or organisation out with the area, in order to foster innovation and integrate new practices in Highland. By encouraging people to embrace and get involved in our Fellowships, we are seeking to cultivate a more robust and effective volunteering ecosystem throughout Highland.
There are currently four fellowships available. Two open fellowships and two focused fellowships. To learn more about these, please visit our Open Fellowships
If you would like to understand more, or have any questions, why not attend our Fellowship Briefing Session (online) - Monday 4th August at 11.00am. You can register here.
We are delighted to introduce the Skills Bank as part of the Volunteer Academy, a new resource that connects experienced and dedicated individuals with Third Sector organisations across Highland. The Skills Bank offers a great opportunity for professionals to share their expertise and make a valued difference by supporting specific projects or activities, however these are time bound and flexible.
If you are interested in joining our Skills Bank and offering your skills, we warmly invite you to sign up here. Likewise, if your organisation would like to request support from a Skills Bank member, please complete this short application.
We are delighted to invite applications for our Volunteer Council. The Council will play a key role in shaping the future of the Volunteer Academy by helping guide our programs, offering valuable insights and experience, whilst supporting the review of research and promotional initiatives. Meetings will be held virtually on a quarterly basis, providing a welcomed platform for external input, constructive feedback and open discussions on current projects and activities. By joining the Volunteer Council, you will help ensure our work remains relevant, effective and inclusive of the voices and experiences that contribute to volunteering in Highland.
If you would like to apply to join our Council, please fill in the application form.
Volunteer Training and Forum Dates
PVG and What It Is – 29/07/2025 1.00pm – 4.00pm
This training covers the importance of safeguarding vulnerable groups, the application process for PVG membership, and compliance with legal standards. Participants will learn how to navigate the PVG Scheme and who it applies to. You can register for this training here.
Volunteer Managers Forum - 27/08/2025 10.00am – 11.30am
HTSI’s Volunteer Managers Forum is for anyone in the Third Sector in Highland who is involved in or has an interest in volunteering. We hear from relevant volunteer services, network and have discussions, provide support and guidance, as well as giving attendees the chance to share experiences and update the group. You can register for the Forum here.
Spotlight on the SSPCA
Vhairi Scott from the SSPCA spoke to us about volunteering. She is a People Advisor & Volunteer Development Officer based in the Inverness Branch of the SSPCA.
What about your organisation’s mission resonates with you personally and why?
I’ve always been passionate about animals, so working for a charity dedicated to making Scotland the best place for animals has been a perfect fit for me. What I truly enjoy is working alongside our volunteers, seeing the joy they find in their roles, and witnessing the incredible impact they have on the organisation. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that together, we’re making a real difference.
Could you share a specific success story or accomplishment that highlights the impact of your organisation’s work?
This is a hard one! There are so many incredible stories of animals we’ve rescued – wildlife saved from dangerous situations, trafficked puppies who’ve suffered unimaginable hardships but have since been rehabilitated and found loving forever homes. One volunteer story that stands out to me is about an individual whose passion for animals led him to us for an employability placement. He thrived during his time with us, and after his placement, he chose to stay as a general volunteer. Today, he has secured a permanent position with us and is now an integral part of our frontline team, helping care for the animals we rescue.
How do you involve volunteers in your organisation’s activities?
Volunteers are vital to the work we do so the Scottish SPCA offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities across various areas of our work. Whether you’re involved in animal care, directly supporting the animals in our shelters, fundraising to help us achieve our mission, or raising awareness through initiatives like Pet Aid and Vet Aid at our community hubs, there’s a role for everyone. We also offer micro-volunteering opportunities for those with limited time and provide valuable experience through student ambassador roles. For those seeking specific pathways, we offer three dedicated schemes: Youth Volunteering Placements for 14-16 year olds, Further Education Placements for 16+ and an Employability Scheme.
What unique aspects of your organisation make it an exciting place for volunteers to contribute their time and skills?
The Scottish SPCA is Scotland’s Leading Animal Welfare Charity and so volunteering with us means volunteers have a direct impact on animal welfare: Volunteering with us means you are part of an organisation that makes a tangible different to the lives of animals across Scotland.
What does your organisation do to inspire and retain volunteers? Awards, Fun Days, Meals?
At the Scottish SPCA, we are committed to creating a fulfilling and rewarding volunteer experience, as we know our volunteers are key to achieving our mission of improving animal welfare across Scotland. Here are some of the ways we inspire and retain our incredible volunteers:
Recognition and Appreciation: We celebrate our volunteers’ contributions with recognition awards and thanking them. Whether it’s through spotlight features on our website, newsletter and social media, coffee mornings or through nominations for external awards we love to highlight the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.
Volunteer Support and Development: We invest in our volunteers by offering opportunities for growth and skill development. This includes training, workshops and regular check-ins to ensure that volunteers feel supported in their roles. We also offer opportunities for volunteers to take on mentoring roles and expand their involvement with the organisation.
Flexible and Fulfilling Roles: We offer a variety of volunteer roles to suit different interests, from participating in our community hubs and fundraising to find a role that fits their schedule and skills, ensuring they have a meaningful and rewarding experience.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. If you would like to volunteer with the SSPCA or know someone who does, you can find a link to their fantastic volunteering opportunities here
Out & About
Over the summer, we will be appearing at:
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival - 31st July - 2nd August - Visit our Tent and Get Involved
The Black Isle Show - 7th August - Visiting and Chatting to Third Sector Organisations
Moy Country Fair - 9th August - Visit Our Tent - Activities & Volunteer Opportunities
Drop by and say Hello, we are always happy to hear how you are doing and ways that we can all work together.
If you would like to share any news or flyers, or see what is on offer, then why not pop over to the Volunteer Academy Noticeboard.
And don't forget you can add your Volunteering Opportunities for free to our Volunteer Opportunities page using our simple online form.
If you have any volunteering questions or would just like to have a chat about about volunteering then please do not hesitate to contact us by email: volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk.
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