The Saltire Awards are a nationally recognised award for volunteering, for young people aged 12 – 25.

Young people gain certificates, signed by Scottish Government ministers, for the volunteering they have successfully achieved.

For volunteers who have successfully achieved the Saltire Awards ‘Ascent’, this is the opportunity to become Saltire Ambassadors. Ambassadors champion and represent youth volunteering at a local level. This means that they promote the awards, inspire other young people to get involved and participate in decision making as a Summit panel judge.

For more information contact: volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk

Celebrate and be rewarded for your volunteering! You could even be nominated for prestigious awards recognising your incredible contributions to the community.

Unlock Your Potential with the Saltire Awards

Are you between the ages of 12 and 25? The Saltire Awards are your beginning towards making a meaningful contribution to your community, while earning recognised certificates and rewards, in partnership with Young Scot. Signing up is straightforward, just visit Saltire Awards, follow the instructions on registering and you can start tracking your volunteer hours in no time.

To sign up visit:

https://saltireawards.scot/sign-up

If you are involved in supporting a small group, team or class of volunteers, you can become a Group Administrator. The group administrator is intended for producing Saltire certificates for small to medium groups of young volunteers. It should not be used to manage individual volunteering activity, which should be logged by the volunteer themselves using the individual account.

For further information on becoming a Group Administrator: https://saltireawards.scot/info-for-groups

Groups Administrator Sign Up:

https://saltireawards.scot/sign-up-admin

Volunteering can be seen as a valuable and important pathway to employment. It is not just an act of kindness - it's a practical step towards building your career. Here's how it can help you:

Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience and learn industry-specific skills that align with your career goals. Whether it's communication, teamwork, leadership, or technical expertise, volunteering offers real-world opportunities to grow.

Professional Training: Many volunteer roles provide access to specialised training programs that enhance your knowledge and capabilities in fields you're passionate about. This training can become a cornerstone for your future career.

Demonstrating Commitment: Including volunteering experience on your CV shows potential employers that you are proactive, dedicated, and community-minded. It demonstrates your willingness to give time to causes you care about, leaving a positive impression.

Valuable References: Through volunteering, you can build connections with organisations and gain recent, credible references from supervisors who can attest to your reliability and achievements.

Exploring Career Interests: Volunteering allows you to "try out" different roles within organisations. Whether it's working in retail, administration, environmental projects, or animal care, you’ll discover what suits you best and explore various industries in a supportive environment.

Entry Points to Paid Roles: Many third sector organisations hire from within, offering paid employment opportunities to volunteers who already know their values, culture, and operations. Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into these organisations and position yourself for future roles.

What The Volunteer Academy Can Do For You

Our Volunteer Academy is here to guide you. We can:

• Connect you with volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and goals.

• Signpost you to training and development programs that increase your employability skills.

• Help you map out a volunteering pathway that aligns with your long-term aspirations.

Start today and turn your volunteer experience into a stepping stone for your career.

You can also find useful Employability information at Worklife Highland

Volunteering is your chance to step into the real world and gain hands-on, practical experience in areas you’re passionate about.

Here are some possibilities to kick-start your journey:

• Share Your Expertise: Coach a sport you love or help someone improve their tech skills.

• Learn New Talents: Art, Web Design, Radio Skills, Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator

• Volunteer in retail and master marketing, customer service, and stock management.

• Help at an animal shelter and discover how to care for and understand animal behaviour.

• Contribute to environmental projects, like beach clean-ups, upcycling projects, support research around wildlife and learn to organise effective environmental initiatives.

Where to Begin:

• Identify what excites you: Your passions and goals should guide your choices.

• Think practically: How will your volunteering fit around school, work, or other commitments?

• Be proactive: Let organisations know what skills you hope to develop, so they can tailor your experience.

Keep Track:

• Record all your hours and training: it’ll make building your CV easier.

• Use our downloadable volunteer template to stay organised.

• Spread the word about your volunteering adventures. Get friends and family involved for even more fun!

Start your journey today and experience how volunteering shapes skills, friendships, and futures.

Your safety and wellbeing are essential when you’re volunteering. Taking the time to prepare and stay aware ensures that your experience is both positive and secure.

Before You Begin

• Do Your Research: Look into the organisation and volunteer role. Arrange an initial meeting and ensure the environment feels safe and supportive.

• Understand Your Rights: Volunteers have the right to be respected and valued. You should never feel pressured to do more than you can manage. Clear instructions and a safe working environment are essential for every volunteer role.
  

Planning Ahead

Travel Arrangements: 

• Plan how you’ll get to and from your volunteering location. 

• Check public transport schedules, or consider safe alternatives like carpooling with others.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out.

• Inform someone you trust of your plans, including where you’ll be and when you expect to return.

• Keep an emergency contact number with you at all times.

Staying Safe During Volunteering

• Dress Appropriately: Wear the right clothing and bring any necessary equipment for your role to ensure comfort and safety, for example if you are volunteering outdoors have a warm and waterproof jacket available, sturdy and waterproof footwear and a hat if it is sunny.

• Follow Guidelines: Be clear about your responsibilities and avoid tasks outside of your role’s scope.

• Stay in Touch: If possible, work with a buddy for added safety. Always know who to contact at the organisation if issues arise.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, stop and speak to someone. Your safety is a top priority.
  

Additional Tips

• Emergency Protocols: Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s safety guidelines, such as evacuation routes and first aid procedures.

• Health and Wellbeing:  Share any medical conditions or allergies with the organisation, and remember to take breaks and stay hydrated.

• References and Records:  Maintain a record of your hours and contributions - it’s a great addition to your CV!

• Cultural Sensitivity: For diverse or international volunteering roles, take time to understand cultural norms and expectations. This can be around clothing, diet, faith.

• Protect Personal Belongings: Avoid bringing valuables to your volunteering location, and store essentials securely.

• Volunteering is an incredible way to give back while growing personally and professionally. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure a safe and rewarding experience that leaves a positive impact.

Dreaming of adventure? As a young person, volunteering abroad opens the door to new cultures, friendships, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Whether you're planning a gap year, exploring career paths, or just looking for a life-changing experience, volunteering overseas combines travel with purpose.

Why Volunteer Abroad?

• Gain practical experience working in different environments.
  Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn unique ways of living and working.

• Meet inspiring individuals from around the globe and build lifelong connections.

• Contribute to invaluable projects that create real change in communities

Key Organisations to Support Your Journey

• International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ): Offers affordable programs across various fields, from teaching to conservation projects, in over 50 countries.

• VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas): Focuses on making a difference by building sustainable communities and empowering people worldwide.

• GVI (Global Vision International): Provides volunteer programs centred around environmental conservation, education, and community development.

Things to Consider Before You Begin

• Your Interests and Goals: Choose programs that align with your passions and long-term aspirations.

• Preparation: Research visas, vaccinations, and costs for your chosen destination.

• Safety and Support: Look for organisations that provide guidance, training, and on-ground assistance to ensure a safe and enriching experience.

• Sustainability: Think about how your contribution will have lasting positive effects on the community you're serving.

Volunteering abroad is more than an adventure - it's a chance to grow personally, gain employability skills, and leave a lasting mark on the world around you. Start exploring opportunities today and see where your journey takes you.