Winter Bulletin 2025

Welcome to the winter edition of the Volunteer Academy Bulletin. As the days grow shorter and the festive spirit returns, we’re delighted to share with you the latest news, volunteer stories, and upcoming activities across the Highland region. This issue includes:

• Festive Greetings

• Priory Volunteer Recognition Day

• Creating Community at Tykes

• News: Safeguarding the Integrity of Volunteering

• Fellowship Programme

• Skills Bank

• What’s On

Festive Greetings

As we approach the festive season, we want to thank all our volunteers  and volunteer involving organisations for their dedication and spirit throughout the year. Your countless hours and enthusiasm have made a real difference in our communities. In this Bulletin we will share some of the events we have attended, forums that you can join and activities you can participate in.

Volunteer Recognition Day – The Priory, Beauly

At the Priory, we had the honour of recognising the outstanding contribution of volunteers throughout Highland. Nominated for their commitment and hard work in supporting local charities these individuals demonstrate the power of community spirit. The event included a celebratory lunch, opportunities to network and connect with other volunteers and organisations, we even had an introduction to Ember the Therapy Dog, whose contributions were also acknowledged.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the volunteers for their generous dedication of time and effort. It was a privilege to meet each of you.

Creating Community at Tykes Charity Shop  - Right Place, Right Time

From conflict to volunteering.  Despite having to overcome the huge upheaval of leaving her home country, family, friends and job in Ukraine, Mariya has made a home and life in Golspie. Determined to thank the village who welcomed her Mariya found volunteering in Tykes Charity Shop a fantastic way to use her creative skills and abilities, practice English (with Scottish variants) and make new friends.  The Charity Shop supports the aims and objectives of Tykes, who seek to support Young Carers in the Sutherland area. 

It all began when, as a customer, Mariya overheard staff discussing potential refresh to the existing Charity Shop.  With a background in interior design, she offered her help. Volunteering in the shop she got to know the building and imagine possible layouts.  Next, was the measuring and producing 3D visualization plans.  Joiners were confident that the plans were of the highest standard and easy to work with.  

Mariya says, “Living with my sponsor, Irene, gave me a real insight into how a small community and volunteering works.  I wanted to be part of that and offering to help with the refresh was the first time, since coming to Scotland, I was able to use my skills.  I have really enjoyed this experience”. 

Mariya’s professional contribution has improved the layout and feel of the space, making it brighter and easier to navigate with the added bonus of a changing room so customers can try on their finds. The new information board allows anyone entering the shop to see exactly what this Charity Shop is supporting. Mariya now volunteers regularly in the shop, and her involvement is a fantastic example of how people can bring skills into the community and strengthen local connection.  

News: Safeguarding the Integrity of Volunteering

Key Issues and Guidance Following the HMRC Investigation into Edinburgh Council's Use of Volunteers

Background

As you may be aware, Edinburgh Council was recently fined £22,000 following an HMRC investigation which revealed that staff at an outdoor centre had been incorrectly classified as "volunteers". HMRC acknowledged that this breach was unintentional. Nevertheless, the misclassification meant that these individuals were not paid for their work, in contravention of employment law. The Council has since paid over £29,000 in back pay to those affected. This case underscores the vital importance of maintaining clear distinctions between volunteering and paid employment, both to safeguard individuals and to protect the reputation of the voluntary sector.

Definition of Volunteering

At Highland Volunteer Academy, we define true volunteering as a voluntary act—a gift of time, skills, or enthusiasm offered without expectation of pay. Volunteering is never something to be imposed, nor should it serve as a substitute for paid employment. The essence of volunteering lies in free choice, mutual respect, and genuine goodwill. Ensuring that all volunteering is undertaken freely and not as a replacement for paid work is fundamental to ethical practice.

It is accepted that volunteers can gain a multitude of benefits from volunteering including improved health, social connectedness, skills and experience that may benefit their employability.

Volunteering roles, however, need to be distinct from those of paid staff.

Key Issues to Be Aware Of

• Clear Role Boundaries: Volunteers must not be used to fill roles that are, in essence, paid staff positions. This includes regular hours, set tasks, and responsibilities that mirror those of employees in an organisation.

• Record Keeping: Organisations must maintain accurate records to demonstrate the nature of each role and the basis on which individuals are engaged.

• Volunteer Agreements: While volunteers may have a written agreement, this should not resemble an employment contract and must not create obligations akin to paid work.

• Reimbursement of Expenses Only: Volunteers can be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, but should not receive regular payments or benefits that could be seen as a wage.

• Training and Supervision: While volunteers should receive support and guidance, the level of management should not replicate support and supervision provided to employees.

Summary of HR Rules Relating to Volunteers

HR rules stipulate that volunteers must not be treated as employees or workers. This means they may have different expectations on hours worked and frequency, don’t receive pay, or are subject to disciplinary procedures in the same way as staff.

If a volunteer role starts to take on the characteristics of employment, there is a risk that HMRC and employment tribunals will reclassify the individual as an employee, with all the associated rights to pay, holiday, and other benefits. Proper distinction and documentation are thus essential to compliance.

Maintaining the Integrity of Volunteering

The recent case serves as a timely reminder that the integrity of volunteering relies on keeping the distinction between volunteers and paid staff clear and unambiguous. This not only protects the legal rights of individuals but also preserves public trust in the voluntary sector. By adhering to best practice and legal requirements, we ensure that volunteering remains a positive, freely chosen experience that benefits both communities and individuals.

If you have questions or need further guidance, please contact Highland Volunteer Academy for support on email at: volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk

Fellowship Programme

The Fellowship Programme aims to drive innovation and enhance volunteering practices across the Highland region. It encourages individuals involved in community and volunteer work to explore new ideas and approaches through learning visits and research, with the goal of strengthening the local volunteering ecosystem.

At its core, the initiative seeks to revitalise the culture and infrastructure of volunteering, supporting continuous improvement and meaningful change. Fellows are expected to bring back insights from outside the region, helping to inform and improve local practices.

The Programme is underpinned by four key principles: Learning reinforces action, sharing and exchange are vital for growth, improvement is ongoing, and challenge is necessary for progress.

Applicants are asked to submit a Learning Outline Plan, budget, and objectives, then take part in a presentation and discussion with the selection committee. Successful Fellows have six months to complete their project, culminating in a final report to be published on the HTSI/Volunteer Academy website. Fellows may also contribute to the Volunteer Academy Lecture Series.

The Fellowship will open back up in the New Year to individuals passionate about volunteering in Highland, who can effect change within their organisations and communities, with organisational support encouraged for successful implementation of new ideas.

Skills Bank

Are you looking to share your talents in the coming New Year or find project based, time bound volunteers with specific skills? The Skills Bank matches volunteers with organisations that need their expertise.

The Volunteer Academy Skills Bank is a dedicated service designed to connect individuals who possess valuable skills with organisations across the Highland region seeking specific expertise. Whether your strengths lie in administration, creative arts, technical support, or another specialist area, the Skills Bank acts as a bridge—helping volunteers make a meaningful time specific, contribution while enabling community groups and charities to access the knowledge they need.

To get involved, you can sign up as a volunteer by registering your skills and interests with the Skills Bank. Organisations in need of particular abilities can also register their requirements, making it easier to find the right match. By participating, you will not only have the chance to share your talents and gain new experiences but also play a key role in strengthening the Highland third sector.

If you are interested in joining or would like more information, visit VA Skills Bank or email: volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk

Volunteer Forum Dates 

The Volunteer Managers forum provides a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and gaining insights from our knowledgeable speakers who will address some of the key issues affecting the  volunteering in Highland. Register

Volunteer Managers Forum on Wednesday 10th December - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The VM Forum is held online, so that you can attend from anywhere in Highland to register you can join up here.

What’s On

• Christmas Community Fundraiser (Inverness): An event with live music to raise funds for local causes, held on Friday 5th December, 2025, at UPSTAIRS Inverness

• A Magical Night of Christmas Songs – Saturday 6th December - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Ness Bank Church, Inverness - This popular fundraising concert benefits the Highland Hospice and features performances by local artists and singers, including Ness Factor winners.

• Nairn & Shire’s Christmas Charity Tractor Run on Saturday 6th December. The route for Nairn & Shire’s Christmas Charity Tractor Run is below.

Starting 3pm Davidson Park, tractors will be arriving with lights on, a food drive for Helping Hands in the Highland and judging of the tractor displays. The Procession then leaves at 4pm fully illuminated, 4:15pm Auldearn 4:50pm Piperhill & Cawdor, 5pm Croy & Tornagrain, 5:30pm Ardersier, 6:15pm Nairn High Street, 6:45pm ending at The Links, with Santas Grotto, Inverness Military Wives Choir, food trucks, and announcing the winning tractors. They will be raising funds for Nairn Academy’s New Wellness Garden, A Helping  Hand In The Highlands, The Oxygen Works and Farmstrong Scotland 

• Invergordon Christmas Jingle & Mingle Street Fair: This festive street fair features local crafters, entertainment, and treats, with all proceeds supporting local charitable causes. It takes place on Saturday 13th December.

• RNLI North Kessock Christmas Singalong: A Christmas singalong event raising funds for the RNLI on Friday 12th December at North Kessock Village Hall.

• Charity Carolthon with Munlochy Animal Aid – Saturday 13th December - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness. The Inverness Choral Society will sing seasonal favourites and excerpts from Handel's Messiah to raise funds for the local animal charity.  

  
  

Stay Connected with the Volunteer Academy

You can continue to upload volunteer opportunities to the Volunteer Academy Volunteer Opportunities page at any time, and we are always happy to share your notices on the Volunteer Academy Noticeboard. We look forward to discussing our plans around Youth and Employer Supported Volunteering in the New Year. However, if you have any questions or would like one-to-one support, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Volunteer Academy team by emailing: volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to volunteering in Highland. Wishing you all a wonderful festive season from the HTSI Volunteer Academy Team.